Global warming is increasing, and extreme heat can also be a health problem in Germany. The Federal Office is now releasing figures. What can the population and holidaymakers do?
In every year from 2002 to 2022, an average of almost 1,500 people were treated in hospitals due to heat and strong sunlight. “Extreme heat is also a problem for the health of the population in this country,” the Federal Statistical Office in Wiesbaden announced on July 15. During the same period, the number of deaths directly caused by heat averaged 20 cases per year.
However, very high temperatures cause mortality to rise overall, as in many cases they have an indirect effect – and a combination of heat and pre-existing diseases increases the risk of death.
Extreme heat and health
The number of heat-related hospital treatments was often higher in years with many hot days, the Federal Office said. According to the definition of the German Weather Service, hot days are when temperatures reach 30 degrees Celsius or more.
For example, the statisticians cited the year 2015, which had a comparable number of hot days, with an average of 17.6 days. In that year, for example, the number of injuries caused by heat and sunlight treated in hospital was 2,322 cases, 59 percent higher than the average for the years 2002 to 2022. Also in that year, according to the data, 60 deaths were due to heat or sunlight – three times higher than the average for the years 2002 to 2022.
Number of treatments often higher in years with many hot days
Statisticians counted the most hospital treatments (2,600) and a comparatively high number of deaths (41) due to heat or sunlight in 2003. In this year, there were relatively many hot days, with an average of 19.0. In its survey, the Federal Office refers to figures from hospital and statistics on causes of death, as well as data from the German Weather Service.
At what point does heat become dangerous for people?
A rule of thumb is that the situation becomes dangerous when the body absorbs more heat than it can release under certain conditions. This is because the body temperature then gets out of control and rises rapidly. This limit is very individual and depends on age, state of health, activity and habituation. At over 30 degrees, the body of many Central Europeans has significantly more stress cooling itself down than at lower temperatures. Getting used to high temperatures usually takes several days.
Why can heat, in extreme cases, lead to death?
Heat makes human body work harder. Our body tries to keep its temperature constant at around 37 degrees. Most cells, enzymes, proteins and the immune system then work optimally. If there are extreme fluctuations, all of these processes are disrupted. If the human body temperature rises above 42 degrees or falls below 32 degrees, it can be fatal.
How does the body’s air conditioning system work?
To counteract organ damage, the body increases its cooling capacity in hot weather and releases fluids and salts – that is sweat. This process cools the skin through evaporation. High humidity slows down this process. If the body is warmer than the environment, it can also radiate heat – like a light bulb warms its surroundings. In very hot weather, the blood vessels expand, which lowers blood pressure. The heart increases its pumping capacity, and breathing can also speed up. Brain performance can decrease due to reduced oxygen supply.
Who is particularly at risk in hot weather?
High outside temperatures can put a lot of strain on the cardiovascular system. People with chronic pre-existing conditions in this area should therefore be particularly careful. As people get older, the regulation of body temperature slows down and there are fewer sweat glands. Since older people also feel thirst less often, there is a risk that they will become dehydrated. According to a research, even one to two percent shortfall of water in the body can lead to headaches, tiredness, difficulty concentrating and dizziness.
Children produce less sweat, among other things. Babies and small children are therefore more likely to suffer from heat-related illnesses – dehydration is also a risk here. People who do hard physical work outdoors or who have difficulty helping themselves due to illness are also at risk in extreme heat.
What are typical heat illnesses?
Sunstroke: If the head is exposed to direct sunlight for too long without a cap, hat or scarf, this can lead to irritation of the meninges. In severe cases, the brain will swell. Signs of this condition can include headaches, nausea with vomiting, fever, and sometimes impaired consciousness and seizures.
Heat exhaustion: In hot weather, the body’s ability to sweat can reach its limits. This leads to a build-up of heat: the body temperature rises quickly – often within 10 to 15 minutes – to over 40 degrees or more. As a result, the brain swells and headaches, changes in consciousness or unconsciousness occur. This is a emergency case.
Heat stroke: Extreme heat causes a drop in blood pressure. The result is reduced blood flow to the brain, which can lead to feelings of weakness, nausea, dizziness and even unconsciousness. This is also an emergency case.
Heat cramps: People who exert physically in hot weather, such as when playing sports or doing gardening, tend to sweat heavily. This can lead to a lack of fluids and electrolytes such as sodium or potassium in the body. They help control nerve and muscle function. When there is a lack of electrolytes, the muscles react with cramps or muscle pain.
Heat rash: If sweat cannot evaporate sufficiently due to poorly breathable or tight clothing, it blocks the openings of the sweat glands. The result is small, often itchy or burning blisters.
