– From extreme heat caused by El Nino 

-by NaAsia Bristol

As temperatures continue to rise in Guyana, the effects of extreme heat are becoming a growing concern for public health.

While dehydration and heat exhaustion are common concerns, some people face additional risks because of existing health conditions and the medications they take.

The human body naturally cools itself by sweating. But when temperatures and humidity are high, that process becomes less effective, increasing the risk of heat stress, heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

Director of Climate Change and Environmental Health at the Ministry of Health, Nayan Persaud, says health facilities are already seeing more people with symptoms of heat stress.

“So right now we have seen an increase in persons coming to the health facilities with symptoms of heat stress. A lot of persons are coming very dehydrated. A lot of persons are coming you know panting or sweating and now the health facilities are properly equipped with information to link it to climate,” Persaud said.

Persaud says the risks can be even greater for people taking certain medications, including some used to treat allergies,diabetes and heart conditions.

Some of these medications can affect sweating and the body’s ability to regulate its temperature, making it harder to cope with extreme heat.

“Persons on diabetic medication or heart medication, it affects your system from controlling your internal thermostat. So you are more susceptible of developing heat stroke or heat exhaustion or get heat exhaustion. Even persons with mental health issues and need certain medications to combat that, those types of medication also have very similar reaction towards heat,”

Older adults, children, pregnant women and outdoor workers are also among those most vulnerable to heat-related illnesses.

Health officials are encouraging the public to drink enough water, limit prolonged exposure to the sun and pay close attention to anyone showing signs of heat exhaustion.