Hot weather can affect the body in several ways beyond heat exhaustion and heatstroke, according to a report examining the health effects of prolonged exposure to high temperatures.

Dehydration, problems resulting from drug interactions, worsening chronic diseases, as well as increasing work hazards, were some of the effects related to hot weather mentioned in the report.

Increased body fluid loss due to excessive sweating makes one susceptible to dehydration. Some of the symptoms of dehydration include headache, lightheadedness, fatigue, and concentration difficulties. Dehydration is also among the factors contributing to heat exhaustion and heatstroke.

In addition, heat affects sleep since high temperatures at night make it difficult to sleep and stay asleep for a sufficient time period.

Individuals suffering from heart diseases, respiratory ailments, diabetes, and kidney disease have more health risks during extreme heat. High temperatures make it hard for the body to cool down and put strain on vital organs.

Some medications can also impact how the body deals with heat. Certain drugs that have an effect on hydration or sweat/temperature control can be more dangerous for the body when exposed to heat.

Outdoor workers are exposed to heat for long periods of time. Some of these professions include construction workers, farmworkers, and delivery workers, as some of those professions that were considered to have increased risks from exposure to heat.

Prolonged heat exposure was associated with the experience of greater stress, irritability, and psychological problems, according to one study mentioned in the report.

Heat combined with humidity can cause more danger since it will prevent the effective functioning of sweating as a way to cool off the body. In cases where both heat and humidity increase, the body experiences more difficulties in heat removal.

It is recommended to drink plenty of water, avoid going outside in extremely hot weather, and monitor the elderly, kids, and people with medical conditions.