How can chronically ill patients with temperature regulation issues stay healthy during the rainy season?

 

During the rainy season, rapid weather changes and heatwaves can easily disrupt the body's balance. Even healthy individuals may experience abnormal symptoms if exposed to heat for extended periods, and patients with chronic illnesses are particularly vulnerable to heat-related illnesses due to impaired temperature regulation, which can worsen their condition.

 

Diabetic patients have difficulty controlling blood sugar levels, while stroke patients experience blood circulation disorders due to dehydration symptoms, increasing the risk of recurrence from brain vessel damage. Hypertensive patients and those with heart disease have continuously changing blood vessels to regulate body temperature, which raises the risk of developing cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases.

 

High temperature and humidity can frequently lead to bacterial infectious diseases. Diabetic patients with weakened immune systems experience slower wound healing and are more vulnerable to infectious diseases. Diabetic foot patients with progressing vascular complications can have their condition worsen even with minor wounds, potentially leading to gangrene in severe cases. Additionally, dehydration in diabetic patients can impair blood sugar regulation, causing blood sugar levels to rise or fall, which can worsen complications. In particular, hyperglycemia can lead to acute diabetic complications such as hyperosmolar hyperglycemic syndrome, and in severe cases, coma may occur.

 

When the indoor and outdoor temperatures differ greatly during the rainy season, our bodies repeatedly constrict and relax blood vessels to maintain body temperature. During this process, hypertensive patients experience increased cardiac burden, raising the risk of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. Specialist Dr. Lee Hae-ri emphasizes, "If you have a history of heart disease and experience chest pain or a feeling of tightness lasting more than 30 minutes, you should go to the hospital immediately."

 

Diabetic and stroke patients should drink water frequently to prevent dehydration. It is advisable to avoid caffeinated beverages and alcohol, as they have diuretic effects. Diabetic patients should avoid high-sugar fruits such as watermelon and grapes.

 

Maintain indoor temperature at 26°C to regulate body temperature, and be cautious of sudden temperature changes such as drinking cold water or pouring it on the body. During hot days, it is better not to overexert yourself or move excessively, and when going outside, it is advisable to wear a hat or use an umbrella to block the sun.

 

TIP. Heat illness prevention guidelines for patients with chronic diseases

 

1. Drink water frequently to prevent dehydration
2.  

2. Eat fruits with a low GI index instead of high-sugar fruits

 

Maintain a comfortable temperature and avoid sudden temperature changes

 

4. Adjust the air conditioner temperature appropriately so that the temperature difference with the outside is not too large.

 

5. Do not suddenly drink cold water or splash it on your body

 

6. Monitor your health condition closely (especially if chest pain, shortness of breath, blood sugar fluctuations, etc. occur, go to the hospital immediately)