Heat Worsens Respiratory Diseases
Respiratory diseases represent a major public health challenge worldwide. With climate change, heat episodes are becoming more frequent and intense, raising questions about their effects on respiratory health. A study conducted in South Korea between 2014 and 2019 analyzed the links between high temperatures and emergency room visits for respiratory problems across 16 regions of the country during the warm season, from April to September.
The results show that a one-degree Celsius increase in the daily maximum temperature leads to a significant rise in emergency room visits for all respiratory diseases. This increase is particularly pronounced for conditions such as pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, and upper respiratory tract infections. Men, children under 15, and people aged 65 and older are the most affected.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a long-term lung condition that obstructs the airways and makes breathing difficult. Upper respiratory tract infections, on the other hand, affect the nose, throat, and upper airways, causing symptoms such as coughing or sore throat.
The study also revealed that the impact of high temperatures on respiratory health persists even after accounting for factors such as humidity, day of the week, or air pollution. This suggests that heat itself plays a direct role in worsening these diseases. The exact mechanisms remain partially misunderstood, but several hypotheses exist. High temperatures promote the formation of air pollutants like ozone, which irritate the airways and worsen symptoms. Additionally, heat can weaken the immune system, making individuals more vulnerable to infections.
The differences observed by age and gender are notable. Men appear more sensitive to asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease than women. In children, acute respiratory infections become more frequent with rising temperatures, while the elderly are more affected by chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. These variations could be explained by physiological differences, such as poorer body temperature regulation in young children and seniors, or by social factors, such as lifestyle habits or exposure to heat.
The findings of this study highlight the importance of implementing targeted prevention policies to protect vulnerable populations during heatwaves. This could include early warning systems, better planning of medical resources, and awareness campaigns to limit heat exposure. With climate change, these measures are becoming essential to reduce the impact of extreme temperatures on respiratory health.
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00484-026-03242-0
Title: Impact of heat on respiratory health: Age- and sex-specific risks in a nationwide Korean study (2014–2019)
Journal: International Journal of Biometeorology
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Authors: Joonho Ahn; Jongmin Oh; Ho-Jang Kwon; Hyungryul Lim; Jonghyuk Choi; Sanghyuk Bae; Kyoung-Nam Kim; Mi-Ji Kim; Jong-Hun Kim; Youn-Hee Lim