Everyone from climate scientists and meteorologists to the general public agree that over the last many years summers have been growing hotter and longer with each passing year. Higher summer temperatures can cause heat exhaustion or in some cases a heat stroke that could lead to permanent disability or even prove fatal unless immediate medical attention is delivered.
In response to the higher temperatures, policy-makers and health authorities in many countries, including Kuwait, have implemented regulations to ban outdoor work during the hottest hours of the day in summer. The authorities have also urged the public— especially the most vulnerable sections of society such as the very young, the elderly, and others affected by chronic ailments — to remain indoors as much as possible during this period.
While these public safety warnings and regulations are indeed welcome, there is another danger from higher summer temperatures that has gone under the radar of many healthcare professionals and the public. New studies show that certain medications can increase health risks, or in some cases prove fatal, during a heatwave which occurs when high temperatures are experienced over several continuous days.
Among the medications that increase health risks during days of excessively high temperature are some of the common drugs prescribed to treat conditions such as high blood pressure, heart conditions, allergies, and mental health disorders. Recent studies have identified four important categories of medications that can increase sensitivity to heat.
The first of these are diuretics, which increases the frequency of urination and are often prescribed to help patients eliminate fluid retention in the body. Diuretics are also often used to treat high blood pressure and other cardiovascular conditions since they can reduce the amount of fluid in the blood vessels which in turn decreases pressure on the walls of these vessels. Some common examples of diuretics are furosemide and hydrochlorothiazide.
Another type of medication that can make you more sensitive to heat is beta-blockers. Since they help the heart beat more slowly and with less force, these medications are most often used to treat irregular heartbeat and high blood pressure, but they have a range of other applications, including the treatment of anxiety disorders. Some common examples of beta-blockers include metoprolol and propranolol.
A third type of medication that raises sensitivity to higher temperatures are anticholinergics. These drugs work by blocking the action of acetylcholine, making them useful in treating conditions like overactive bladder, incontinence, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Some examples of anticholinergics include oxybutynin and benztropine.
A fourth important type of medication that can exacerbate health conditions during periods of high temperature are antipsychotics. These medications are used to treat schizophrenia and other mental health conditions since they are capable of targeting certain neurotransmitters in the brain. Examples of antipsychotics are risperidone and olanzapine.
Some of the reasons why these medications raise health risks during hot weather conditions, boil down to essentially three factors — either they impact the body’s ability to regulate temperature, or they affect the body’s capacity to sweat, or in some cases they can exacerbate dehydration.
If diuretics are taken during extremely hot days when people could also be sweating excessively, they could suffer from extreme dehydration due to removing more sodium along with the more water being drained from the body. This can lead to complications including low blood pressure and even loss of conscience.
In the case of beta-blockers, they reduce the heart’s ability to pump blood, which impairs the body’s natural ability to dissipate heat and cool itself. Similarly, anticholinergics affect the body’s ability to sweat, and this could lead to an increase in the body;s core temperatures during periods of excessive heat. People using antipsychotics during excessively hot days are at risk, as these drugs often interfere with the body’s natural ability to regulate its own temperature.
By understanding the interplay between medications and hot weather, healthcare personnel can guide patients to better manage their health, and to minimize risks associated with extreme heat. Everyone, in particular patients taking one or more of the four categories of medication mentioned above, can follow the steps outlined below to maintain their health conditions during excessive outside temperatures.
- Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. If you are taking medication, talk with a healthcare professional for an individualized fluid intake recommendation. Avoid alcohol and caffeine as they can further dehydrate the body.
- Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing. This will allow air to reach the body and help to evaporate sweat, which allows the body to cool down
- Stay in cool, shaded, or air-conditioned areas as much as possible. If an air conditioner unit is not available at home, check with the nearest primary care center to ascertain if there are public shelters, malls, or public libraries that permit people to remain indoors during periods of high summer temperature.
- Monitor for signs of heat-related illness, such as excessive sweating, confusion, dizziness, or headaches. If you or someone you know experiences such symptoms or witnesses someone displaying these signs, immediately seek medical attention for the affected person.
- Consult with your doctor about adjusting your medication or timing the medication intake differently to reduce risks.
