As government weather forecasters predict temperature spikes above normal seasonal levels for September to December in almost all parts of the country, medical experts have warned of severe health risks from extreme heat exposure.
So, to safeguard public health, the experts have also provided practical steps to help people recognise symptoms of heat-related illness and adopt key preventive measures.
‘When the body is exposed to high temperatures, it can lead to dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke, which can exacerbate existing health conditions,’ Dr Charles Oyoo Akiya explains.
Dr Oyoo is the commissioner for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) at the Ministry of Health. He says heat stress can significantly increase the risk of complications among people with NCDs.
‘For individuals with pre-existing heart conditions, heat stress can be particularly problematic. With heat stress, the heart has to work harder to cool the body which can increase the risk of heart attacks, arrhythmias (irregular heartbeat), and heart failure,’ he says.
Uganda currently has a high burden of NCDs, with 33 percent of deaths in the country attributed to these conditions, according to data from the Health ministry.
Dr Joel Mirembe Nsubuga, a physician and former secretary general of the Uganda Medical Association, provides more explanation on how extreme heat exactly affects the body.
‘High temperatures cause blood vessels to open up, which lowers blood pressure and forces the heart to pump much faster and harder. This heat strains the body so much that it struggles to regulate its internal temperature, which can quickly lead to heat exhaustion or fatal heatstroke,’ he explains.
Dr Mirembe says the risk is compounded by heavy sweating, which causes the body to lose large amounts of fluids and electrolytes-essential minerals that make the body function well.
‘It is very important to hydrate because such a heatwave is associated with heavy sweating, which causes rapid fluid and electrolyte loss, putting heavy stress on the kidneys and increasing the risk of acute kidney injury,’ he says.
Symptoms of heat-related illness
Dr Mirembe explains that in extreme situations, ‘Heat exhaustion may present with heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea, muscle cramps and fainting.’
More severe symptoms, including confusion, altered consciousness, seizures or loss of consciousness, can indicate heat stroke.
Dr Oyoo, on the other hand, warns that people with NCDs such as diabetes, respiratory diseases and kidney disease are more vulnerable to heat stress due to their compromised health status.
‘Heat stress can worsen symptoms, reduce the effectiveness of medication and increase the risk of hospitalisation. It is essential for individuals with NCDs to take preventive measures during hot weather,’ he adds.
Dr Charles Batte, a medical doctor-cum-environmentalist, also says high temperatures have both direct and indirect effects on health and productivity.
‘Excessive loss of body water and dehydration impacts the health of one’s kidneys, cardiovascular and respiratory health,’ he explains.
‘Additionally, the ability for physical exertion is reduced, which significantly reduces productivity,’ Dr Batte adds.
Be hydrated and in cooler places
Dr Batte says enough intake of water and fluids is essential to minimise the health effects of heat stress.
‘During the hot days, one must stay hydrated by consuming fluids (water and juices) and take shelter under trees that have a cooling effect or stay indoors,’ he notes.
Dr Oyoo explains that drinking plenty of water and fluids helps to replace lost salts. Sweating causes loss of salts, which are essential in making our body function properly.
On the issue of cooling, Dr Oyoo says people should stay indoors during the hottest part of the day and/or use cooling devices, or take cool showers/baths.
Dr Charles Olaro, the director general of Health Services at the Ministry, says there is a prescription for drinking two to three litres of water daily.
‘In high temperatures, people should get into the routine of taking fluids because the body can only be able to remove a lot of waste through the fluids which you take,’ he says.
Water is a liquid in which waste products in the body dissolve, allowing them to pass out through urine and sweat. The kidneys require water to filter waste from the bloodstream and remove it through urine.
Adjust clothing
According to scientists, when one does not take enough fluids, the wastes crystallise, forming kidney stones which can block the flow of urine and cause infection, kidney damage or even kidney failure.
Dr Olaro recommends wearing lightweight, light-coloured clothes, which reflect sunlight and help prevent overheating compared to dark-coloured clothes. However, he notes that employees should adapt choices to suit their professional environment.
Regulate physical exercise
Dr Oyoo says when the temperature is very high, people should avoid strenuous activities.
‘Reduce physical activity during hot weather to avoid heat exhaustion and heat stroke,’ he says.
He also advises people to monitor their health better during heat stress.
‘Keep track of temperature, blood pressure, and other vital signs and seek medical attention if symptoms worsen,’ he advises.
Don’t leave children in vehicles
Dr Mirembe advises that leaving children, older people or vulnerable individuals in parked vehicles should be avoided because temperatures inside vehicles can rise rapidly.
According to a 2023 World Health Organisation climate change and health fact sheet, it is estimated that climate change-driven heat stress and related conditions will cause approximately 250,000 additional deaths per year globally between 2030 and 2050.
WHO guidelines
Move to the coolest room in the home, especially at night.
If it is not possible to keep your home cool, spend 2-3 hours of the day in a cool place (such as an air-conditioned public building).
Avoid going outside during the hottest time of the day.
Avoid strenuous physical activity if you can. If you must do strenuous activity, do it during the coolest part of the day, which is usually in the morning between 4am and 7am.
Stay in the shade.
Do not leave children or animals in parked vehicles.