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Summertime is here. It’s the season for fun and relaxation, but there are hot weather health risks—especially for those who live with chronic conditions. Many health problems can be aggravated by the heat and the potential dehydration that goes along with all that extra sweating. On top of that, you can still catch a summer cold or flu.
So, how can you stay healthy and still have fun in the sun? You’ll need awareness of potential issues—and a little bit of preparation.
What happens when your body overheats?
Your body stays cool in the summer heat by sweating. But, if you are too hot for an extended period of time, it can lead to problems such as dehydration and an inability to properly cool off.
“Hot weather causes increased sweating and increased risk of dehydration if fluid loss is not adequately replaced,” says Julia Blank, MD, a family medicine physician at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, California.
When the heat entering your body is greater than the heat you can dissipate by sweating, that extreme heat can disrupt thermoregulation and raise your core body temperature. Then, you’re at risk for a heat-related illness such as heat rash, heat cramps, heat exhaustion, or heat stroke. The effects of heat on the body include:
- Heavy sweating, at first
- Red or itchy skin
- Thirst
- Headache
- Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
- Fatigue
- Dizziness or lack of coordination
- Muscle cramps
In severe cases, where the body’s heat regulatory mechanisms are overwhelmed and fail, this can lead to heat stroke. Symptoms include:
- Palpitations
- Red, hot skin
- Headache
- Nausea
- Dizziness, fainting, or loss of consciousness
- Confusion, slurred speech, or altered mental state
- A temperature of 103 degrees Fahrenheit or greater
- Lack of sweating
- Muscle twitching
“Heat stroke is a medical emergency and its early signs and symptoms must be treated immediately,” Dr. Blank says.
RELATED: Types of heat-related illnesses
Who is most at risk for summer health concerns?
It’s important for everyone to be aware of hot weather health risks, but there are some who are especially vulnerable when temperatures rise in the summer, including:
- Babies and small children
- Seniors
- People who work outdoors
- People with chronic diseases and/or conditions
5 medical conditions exacerbated by heat
When temperatures rise in the summer, it can put a strain on the body; especially for those who deal with chronic conditions. Summer health concerns can include conditions that are affected by excessive heat, such as:
1. Autoimmune disease
Summer heat may trigger flare-ups of symptoms in those with autoimmune disorders. “Some health conditions like autoimmune diseases can worsen with heat exposure,” says Maggie Cadet, MD, a New York–based rheumatologist and associate attending at NYU Langone Medical Center. Autoimmune diseases that can be affected by summer heat include multiple sclerosis (MS), lupus, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and others.
Even slight elevations in core body temperature can worsen symptoms of MS. “Multiple sclerosis, which is a neurological disease, can flare (affecting vision) when the body’s temperature increases from hot weather, hot tubs, or exercise (Uhthoff’s phenomenon),” Dr. Cadet says.
“Lupus flares can be triggered with extreme heat and UVA and UVB rays exposure because of decreased clearance of dead skin cells by the body and therefore promoting the body’s immune response,” Dr. Cadet says.
Dr. Cadet recommends that individuals with lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and other autoimmune diseases avoid sun exposure during the hottest times of the day to help prevent fatigue, muscle aches, joint pain, and joint swelling. “Go for a walk either early in the morning or close to sunset,” she suggests.
2. Asthma, COPD, and allergies
Certain respiratory conditions can be aggravated by the summer heat. “Higher temperatures contribute to the buildup of harmful air pollutants, which can aggravate breathing problems,” Dr. Blank explains. Hot and humid weather, air pollution, and pollen are all triggers for asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and allergies.
Prevention is key to avoiding respiratory triggers in the summertime. “Check pollen counts/air quality alerts before heading outdoors, and consider staying indoors with windows closed if pollen counts are high or air quality is poor,” Dr. Blank says.
3. Migraine
According to the American Migraine Association, migraine headaches are a debilitating neurological disease. Symptoms can vary depending on the type, from head pain and sensitivity to light to nausea or vomiting.
During the summertime, excessive heat can cause dehydration, which is a major trigger for headaches and migraines. When it’s hot, it can be harder to stay hydrated. “Limit your caffeine and alcohol intake, as these are diuretics and can cause more dehydration,” Dr. Blank says.
RELATED: What is migraine?
4. Heart disease and heart arrhythmias
Hot temperatures in the summer months can put a strain on the body, especially those with heart conditions. “Being physically active in the heat or becoming dehydrated increases strain on the heart,” warns Dr. Blank.
Additionally, some medications used to treat heart disease such as diuretics and beta blockers remove fluid from the body, which causes an increased risk for dehydration. “Make sure you take your medications as prescribed, and seek medical care for any symptoms/signs that your chronic condition is getting worse,” Dr. Blank says.
RELATED: Medications that make you sensitive to the heat
5. Arthritis
The weather affects our bodies in myriad ways, and many with arthritis report a worsening of symptoms during changing weather patterns. While rainy and cold weather seems to be a trigger for many, hot temperatures can make symptoms worse for others.
Theories as to why this occurs include changes in barometric pressure, as well as changes in activity levels during excessively cold or hot weather as keeping active is known to relieve pain in those with arthritis.
Hot weather health tips
If you’re vulnerable to the summer heat, you don’t have to miss out on all outdoor fun. A few precautions can let you enjoy this season while minimizing your risk.
- Wear appropriate clothing for hot temperatures. That includes light, breathable fabrics, loose clothing, wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses, and light colors that won’t absorb extra heat.
- Limit outdoor activity during the hottest part of the day. “Try being outside very early or close to sunset,” Dr. Cadet recommends.
- Apply (and reapply) sunscreen. Choose at least an SPF 30. Put on a second layer as instructed by the label.
- Drink more water than usual. It’s a good idea to rehydrate before you feel thirsty.
- Cool down. After being in hot temperatures, retreat to air conditioning, or take a cool shower or bath.
RELATED: Safety tips for working out in the heat
Summertime can still mean lots of fun in the outdoors even for those with chronic conditions as long as they take some extra precautions to stay safe and mitigate the effects of heat on the body.
