People with chronic conditions, such as diabetes, asthma, and kidney disease, are at a higher risk of extreme heat health risks and should take precautions for safety.

Key takeaways

• High levels of heat and humidity in New Orleans during the summer months can strain the body, especially for people with chronic conditions.
• Those with diabetes, asthma, and kidney disease may notice their conditions get worse during hotter months, or their medications make them more prone to heat-related health events.
• It’s important to stay hydrated and talk to your doctor about how heat can affect you, so you’re prepared to get medical help if needed.

Chronic illness and heat: How to stay safe this summer

Summer in New Orleans means one thing. Sweat—and lots of it. Higher temperatures and humidity can put anyone at risk of heatstroke, which is a medical emergency. But extreme heat can also make chronic conditions worse.

Learn about the health risks of extreme heat, so you can stay safe and avoid health emergencies this summer.

How does extreme heat affect people with chronic conditions?

A chronic disease is a health condition that lasts for a year or more. Examples include diabetes, asthma, and kidney disease. A study published in BMC Public Health found that chronic diseases increased people’s risk of negative health effects in extreme heat.

That’s because, according to the National Integrated Heat Health Information System (NIHHIS), people with chronic conditions may be less likely to respond to temperature changes. Their bodies tend to retain more heat or become dehydrated more quickly. They also might be taking medications that can make heat effects worse.

Heat and diabetes

When you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes, your risk for heat-related illnesses goes up. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) explains why:

• Some complications from diabetes can affect your sweat glands, meaning your body can’t cool down as well.
• People with diabetes lose water more quickly, which can lead to dehydration.
• Higher temperatures can impact blood sugar levels and how the body uses insulin, so you may need to adjust your insulin dose and diet.

Asthma in hot weather

Heat and humidity can be triggers for people with asthma, especially in children and teens. Inhaling hot air forces the airways to narrow, making it harder to breathe. Warm, still air can also trap pollen, dust, and other irritants that reduce air quality and interfere with the respiratory system.

Additionally, hotter days increase the chances of an asthma attack because of dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.

Kidney disease and dehydration

The National Kidney Foundation urges those with chronic kidney disease and people receiving dialysis to be extra careful during heatwaves. Hotter weather increases the risk of dehydration, which decreases blood pressure and kidney function—even more when kidneys are already strained.

Some kidney medications, such as diuretics (water pills), can make people more sensitive to heat and loss of fluid.

Summer heat safety tips

Even though it’s hot, summer in New Orleans can be a lot of fun. Just make sure you take precautions, especially if you have a chronic condition:

• Stay hydrated. Drink water throughout the day and bring some with you when you leave home.
• Know the side effects of your medications. Talk to your doctor about how they may affect you in the heat.
• Don’t store medications, such as insulin, in the sun or a hot car. Use a cooler and have one ready at home in case the power goes out.
• Schedule check-ins with a support network of neighbors, caregivers, family, and friends, if possible, to make sure you are safe in the heat.

When to get help in the heat

If you experience heat exhaustion that doesn’t improve or heatstroke, seek medical attention right away. You may have these symptoms:

• Temperature above 103 degrees
• Confusion
• Dizziness
• Fast, strong pulse
• Headache
• Hot, red, dry, or damp skin
• Loss of consciousness
• Nausea
• Seizures
• Slurred speech

Annual visits with your LCMC Health primary care provider can help make sure you’re prepared for the hottest days of summer. They can explain how the heat might affect you and your condition, answer any questions, and share tips to keep you cool and well.

Related questions about heat safety

Why is extreme heat hard on the body?

During extreme heat, our bodies must work harder to cool down. This additional work adds stress to the organs. We also lose fluids and electrolytes through sweat, which we must replenish.

How does heat affect my heart?

Heat makes your heart beat faster and therefore work harder. To cool down, your blood vessels dilate, and your heart rate and blood pressure go up. Learn how to protect your heart in excessive heat.

What chronic conditions tend to get worse in extreme heat?

Many chronic conditions can get worse in extreme heat, such as:

• Asthma
• Autoimmune conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Diabetes
• Heart disease
• Kidney disease
• Mental health conditions
• Multiple sclerosis

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