In this study, researchers examined blood samples from participants in Louisville to analyze the function of the immune system and how it is affected by heat.

Thermal exposure effects include temperature, net effective temperature (taking into account relative humidity, air temperature, and wind speed), and the Global Heat Climatic Index (UTCI).

Findings show that inflammatory markers increase with every 5 degree increase in UTCI.

These markers include an increase in immune cells involved in inflammation, such as monocytes and eosinophils, and an increase in certain pro-inflammatory cytokines, which are proteins that promote inflammation in the body.

B cells, which help the immune system identify and fight pathogens such as viruses and bacteria, were also reduced.

These findings suggest that increased inflammation and decreased immune function due to heat exposure may increase susceptibility to infections and worsen cardiovascular disease.

A new study investigates the link between increased body temperature due to exposure to heat and the body’s ability to fight infections.

However, do not confuse this with fever. Fever is the immune system’s response to bacterial or viral infection or inflammation.

“Our immune system’s response to infection causes our body temperature to rise above normal,” Dr. Hilary Fairbrother, an emergency medicine physician at UTHealth in Houston, told Healthline.

“There is no known link between increased body temperature and the ability to fight off infections. It is precisely this theory that this article examines at the cellular level,” Fairbrother said.

Dr. Anjali Bharati, an emergency physician at Lenox Health Greenwich Village, explained that exposure to environmental heat can worsen existing inflammation and infection.

“If your body temperature rises too much, it can impair your immune system’s ability to focus on fighting infections. This study shows that this known effect may be compounded by additional risks to the cardiovascular system. This suggests that there is,” Bharati told Healthline.

Overexposure of the body to extreme heat can result in mild to severe heat-related illnesses.

“Mild heat-related illnesses can cause heat rash and mild sunburn. More severe sunburns can cause dehydration as water is lost from the burned skin,” explains Bharati. did.

Common side effects of heat exposure include:

• Heat cramps: Excessive exposure to heat can cause painful muscle spasms, which can occur during excessive exercise or environmental exposure.
• Heat fatigue: During heat exhaustion, you may experience dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and profuse sweating. Some people complain of cold, clammy skin, weakness, fatigue, and low energy levels.
• heatstroke: This is a serious heat-related illness that occurs when your body temperature exceeds 103°F. Symptoms can include fever-like redness, dry skin, nausea, vomiting, confusion, disorientation and loss of consciousness, Bharati said.

To prevent this outcome, the body is designed to regulate itself when exposed to heat, producing sweat to lower core body temperature.

“We produce a water-based fluid on the skin, which uses evaporation to help remove excess heat that builds up in the body,” Fairbrother explained.

“Another mechanism our bodies have is to pump blood to the skin, giving the appearance of a flushed face. This allows more heat to escape from the body.” “In addition, our bodies may slow down our metabolism to reduce the amount of heat our bodies produce,” Fairbrother said.

However, if exposure to environmental heat is too hot, these compensatory mechanisms may begin to malfunction and become unable to effectively cool the body’s core temperature.

As a result, body temperature can rise to life-threatening levels. Fairbrother said that in cases of severe heat exposure, body temperature can rise well above normal, causing seizures and coma.

Above 107 degrees Fahrenheit, Fairbrother added, the body begins to shut down, organs fail, and death can occur.

Young children and the elderly are particularly susceptible to heat-related illnesses.

Babies under 2 years of age have a decreased ability to regulate their body temperature. This means that their bodies are not always able to self-adapt to the effects of environmental temperature,” Bharati said.

Inflammation caused by exposure to environmental heat can particularly affect aging populations.

Fever poses an additional risk for people who already have heart disease, and fever may be an independent risk factor for heart disease, Bharati noted.

Additionally, people with multiple health conditions, such as weak hearts, may be more susceptible to the effects of heat on their bodies, Fairbrother explained.

“Although the study results are limited, they may have implications for how we advise patients about heat exposure,” Dr. Bharati said.

To minimize the risk of heat-related illness, Bharati recommends:

• Avoid direct sunlight during peak hours from 12pm to 4pm.
• Avoid outdoor exercise and activities during times when the sun is at its peak. Try to exercise early in the morning or in the evening.
• Drink water when outdoors, use cooling fans or sprays to stay hydrated and cool, and rest in shady areas if you spend time outdoors.
• Please wear a hat and loose, light clothing. Avoid wearing layers of clothing.
• Wear sunscreen and sun-protective clothing.
• Avoid sugary foods and alcohol to prevent dehydration.

Overexposure to heat can affect the immune system’s ability to recognize certain pathogens, causing inflammation and increasing the risk of heart disease.

Extreme heat can raise your body temperature to dangerous levels, which can negatively impact your immune system’s ability to fight viruses and other germs.

Young children, the elderly, and people with heart disease or other chronic conditions are most at risk during extreme heat.

Experts recommend staying out of the sun during peak hours, staying hydrated, avoiding alcohol, and using sunscreen.