Climate change is bad for both the plant as well as the people’s health. Climate change is, in fact, one of the environmental factors that most physician consider while assessing their patients for specific conditions.
Generally, our bodies become accustomed to a particular climate. When these climatic conditions change abruptly, our bodies must attempt to adapt. Unfortunately, our bodies can have difficulty adjusting at times, which can lead to illness. Here, lets discuss on how sudden climate changes affect your health.
Respiratory Tract Infections
Climate change can increase air pollution and thus can result in increased respiratory tract infections. Also, warmer temperatures may cause unhealthy air concentrations to rise. The combination of dehumidified air and pollen, dust, mould, and mildew is a lethal combination for severe sinus and throat problems. Seasonal asthma and bronchitis can be aggravated by cold air. People with these conditions should plan on using an inhaler on a seasonal basis to avoid these respiratory discomforts.
Heat Waves
Rapid heat gain caused by exposure to hotter-than-average conditions can lead to illnesses such as heat exhaustion, heatstroke, heat cramps, and hyperthermia. Heat has significant indirect health effects. Heat can affect human behaviour, disease transmission, air quality, health service delivery, and social infrastructure such as energy, transportation, and water. Extreme temperatures can also aggravate chronic conditions such as respiratory, cardiovascular, and cerebrovascular disease, as well as diabetes-related conditions.
Food and Water borne illness
Climate change will almost certainly have an effect on the prevalence of waterborne infections. It is not only because of changes in average rainfall, but also because of the increased frequency of severe weather events such as flash floods and droughts. Such extreme weather phenomena will have an effect on the amount of water available, the quality of the water, and the availability of safe and clean water.
Mental health and climate change
Climate change endangers people’s well being and mental health. Climate change is worsening an already difficult situation of the global mental health. Its consequences are unequally distributed with different age groups, gender and also depends on factor such as socioeconomic status. Prolonged droughts and flooding have been linked to increased anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Disaster-related trauma and losses, such as losing a home or job and becoming disconnected from one’s community and neighbourhood, can all contribute to anxiety and depression. Extreme weather has also been linked to an increase in aggressive behaviour and domestic violence. It might also increase the use of alcohol to cope with stress. Moreover, children are more vulnerable to climate change and are more likely to develop continuous trauma-related symptoms following a disaster.
Public health and climate change
Climate change is the single greatest health threat confronting humanity, as well as health professionals all over the world. While no one is immune to these dangers, those whose health is being harmed the most are those who contribute the least to its causes. They are least able to protect themselves and their families from the health risks. Many of the social determinants of health, such as equality, livelihoods, and access to social support and health care have an effect on public health.
How To Cope With Climate Change
The climate change related health risks are mostly felt by developing and under-developed economies. Also, it mostly affects the old people, children and pregnant women. Some of these diseases can be prevented by following basic hygiene tips. Make sure to keep your food and water clean and safe. Try to prevent mosquito breeding in your area. Most importantly stay hydrated and have healthy food to maintain a healthy body.
