Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia – Since July 2023, most regions in Indonesia have been hit by a climate phenomenon called El Nino. As a result, hot and sweltering weather and drought have become complaints for the majority of Indonesian people.
One example of extreme hot weather in Indonesia is the temperature record in Kertajati, Majalengka, West Java. From Wednesday (18/10/2023) to Thursday (19/10/2023), Kertajati recorded the highest temperature of almost 40 degrees Celsius, namely 39.1.
“BMKG urges the public to maintain the condition of body stamina and adequate body fluids, especially for residents who do outdoor activities during the day to avoid dehydration, fatigue and other negative impacts,” advised BMKG via its official Instagram account (@infobmkg), quoted Friday (20/10/2023).
In connection with the BMKG’s appeal, a doctor and epidemiologist from Griffith University Australia, Dicky Budiman, revealed that hot weather and extreme exposure to sunlight can indeed increase the risk of human health problems.
Prof. Dicky said this could happen because a number of human body organs have a high level of sensitivity to heat.
“Several parts or organs of the human body are very vulnerable or sensitive to heat because they play a role in regulating body temperature. If exposed to excessive heat, this will cause disturbances in body temperature regulation,” said Prof. Dicky to CNBC Indonesia, quoted Friday (20/10/2023).
Generally, the diseases that are known to attack humans due to hot weather are heat stroke or severe conditions on the body due to hot weather.
According to the Ministry of Health (Kemenkes RI), heat stroke occurs when the body cannot control body temperature. This condition is characterized by body temperature increasing to 40 degrees Celsius within 10 to 15 minutes.
However, it turns out there are a number of other diseases that can lurk humans during hot weather. Anything? Here’s the summary.
1. Skin Diseases
Skin is the largest organ in the human body which functions as protection from damage due to impact, chemical contact, attacks by bacteria, fungi, disease germs and sunlight.
“When the skin is exposed to high temperatures, the skin will experience redness, sunburn (sunburn), or a more severe condition, namely heat stroke,” explained Prof. Dicky.
Apart from dehydrated or burned skin, in the worst conditions sun exposure can pose a risk of skin cancer, especially if extra protection is not given during extreme hot weather.
Thus, Prof. Dicky urges everyone to wear long and loose clothing, use umbrellas and hats when doing outdoor activities, and use sunscreen (sunscreen).
“When talking about skin, yes, from head to toe. That, right, is covered with skin. Apart from that, make sure you drink enough water [agar tidak mengalami dehidrasi],” said Prof. Dicky.
2. Cardiovascular Disease
The cardiovascular system, which consists of the heart and blood vessels, functions to circulate blood throughout the body. It turns out, this system is also prone to disorders or disease if the body is exposed to sunlight too often.
“When hot temperatures occur, our blood and blood vessels experience vasodilation or expand or widen,” explained Prof. Dicky.
“[Jika hal itu terjadi] then the heart works even harder. “The burden is greater on circulating blood and this can cause an increase in heart rate and blood pressure,” he continued.
Thus, Prof. Dicky asked people suffering from cardiovascular disease and the elderly to increase their vigilance and protection during hot weather. This is because these two groups are most at risk of experiencing cardiovascular system disorders due to heat.
3. Kidney Disorders
Apart from cardiovascular disease, kidney problems or diseases can also be experienced by humans during hot weather. According to Prof. Dicky, the condition of dehydration experienced by humans can indirectly affect kidney health.
“The kidneys function to regulate and regulate the balance of fluids and electrolytes in the body. Extreme heat which can cause dehydration can increase the risk of kidney problems,” explained Prof. Dicky.
“One of them is kidney stones,” he stressed.
Therefore, Prof. Dicky appealed to the public to always ensure their bodies are hydrated by consuming mineral water even if they are not thirsty.
4. Respiratory System Disorders
In recent times, cases of respiratory system disorders have increased, one of which is due to air pollution. However, Prof. Dicky said that these health problems were also triggered by the dry season and humid air.
“At hot temperatures, the air is also humid, this stimulates respiratory tract complaints,” said Prof. Dicky.
Furthermore, Prof. Dicky revealed that children are the group most vulnerable to experiencing respiratory system problems due to hot weather.
“Hot weather temperatures support the emergence of worsening infections or respiratory diseases in children, especially coupled with poor air quality which is often associated with heat waves,” he explained.
5. Central Nervous System Disorders
The last organ at risk of experiencing problems due to extreme hot weather is the central nervous system. The central nervous system is an organ that includes the brain and spinal cord.
If you are exposed too often to sunlight and extreme hot weather, the central nervous system can experience disorders characterized by a number of symptoms, such as confusion, dizziness, and even loss of consciousness.
“The impacts that can arise due to heat include heat stroke, for example symptoms of confusion, dizziness, dizziness, and what is more severe, loss of consciousness,” said Prof. Dicky.
Thus, Prof. Dicky appealed to the public to reduce outdoor activities, especially during peak heat times, namely between 10.00 and 16.00.
[Gambas:Video CNBC]
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