Even though summer is almost at its end in Pakistan, humidity is something that is still prevalent. Such high levels of humidity are not only uncomfortable but are also harmful to the human body. Humidity causes excessive sweating and can thus lead to many health problems including dehydration. In severe cases, it can even be fatal. Multiple deaths in the humidity season in Karachi is a prime example of this. In this article, we are listing down some of the health problems related to humidity.
Dehydration
One of the main repercussions of humidity in the environment is dehydration. The heat during the humidity season, causes the skin cells to get hot which raises the temperature of the body. In order to normalize the body temperature, the body starts sweating. The sweating cools down the body but it also causes dehydration in the body. As a result, the blood becomes thicker raising the blood pressure to a very high degree.
In humid season, it can be easy to forget to drink water since the body usually stays cool because of sweat based cooling but the dehydration can then become severe without you even realizing it. It is thus important to keep drinking water during the humid season.
Fatigue
Fatigue is a direct result of dehydration and thus is pretty common in the humid season. When the blood becomes thick, it does not get oxygenated properly. As a result, every cell in the body gasps for oxygen and thus every organ bears the stress ultimately leading to fatigue. Fatigue at the end, leads to various other problems related o personal and professional life. We tend to do little and achieve less than expected.
Muscle Cramps
Muscle cramps are also very common during the humid season since the dehydration makes the muscles stiff. The muscles are a mechanical organ and when they are over-worked, they need to be hydrated in order to loosen up again. Therefore, it requires careful selection of the workout routine during the humid season. Moreover, it is also important to keep hydrating and refilling your electrolytes after a workout session.
If you have already started one of these three symptoms only hydration will not be of much help. You should thus consult a general physician as soon as possible, since you are likely to experience a heat exhaustion next which can be dangerous.
————
This article was produced in partnership with oladoc.com, a digital health company in Pakistan. Using oladoc, you can find the best medical specialists in Peshawar, Rawalpindi, Lahore and seek an appointment online.