Staying Safe in the Heat: How Certain Medications Increase the Risk of Illness During Heatwaves

New York, New York United States of America
Individuals should stay hydrated and avoid activities that may cause dehydration or overheating.
Seeking air-conditioned environments when possible is important during heatwaves.
Signs of dehydration include headaches, dizziness, dark urine and thirst as well as heavy sweating, headaches, nausea, clammy skin and vomiting.
Taking certain medications like pain relievers, allergy medications, anti-depressants and diuretics can increase the risk of illness in hot temperatures.
Staying Safe in the Heat: How Certain Medications Increase the Risk of Illness During Heatwaves

As Britain gears up for the upcoming Summer holiday, members of the public taking certain medications are being urged to take extra care as a heatwave could put them at risk of severe heat-related illness

As the Summer holidays creep ever closer - holidaymakers are eagerly anticipating a much-needed break from their daily routines. However, it's important to note that hot weather can pose a risk for individuals taking certain common medications.

Medications used to treat conditions such as high blood pressure, allergies, and mental health disorders can increase the risk of illness in hot temperatures. Dr. Ramez Ethasios warns that taking certain medications like pain relievers, allergy medications, anti-depressants and diuretics can increase the risk of illness in hot temperatures. In order to stay safe during heatwaves, experts recommend taking extra precautions when the heat index reaches mid-eighties. This includes staying hydrated and avoiding activities that may cause dehydration or overheating. It's also important to seek air-conditioned environments when possible and be aware of the signs of dehydration and heat exhaustion, which include headaches, dizziness, dark urine and thirst as well as heavy sweating, headaches, nausea, clammy skin and vomiting respectively. In addition to individual precautions, it's important for individuals to take steps to reduce pollution which contributes to the warming of the planet. This includes upgrading to energy-efficient appliances, driving less and properly recycling. By taking these steps, we can all work towards reducing the risks associated with heatwaves and protecting our planet. In conclusion, it's crucial for individuals taking certain medications to take extra care during heatwaves and to be aware of the increased risks associated with their medication regimen. By taking proper precautions and seeking medical guidance, individuals can stay safe and healthy during hot weather conditions. Additionally, we all have a responsibility to take steps towards reducing pollution and contributing to a healthier planet for everyone.

Sources: https://www.bakersfieldnow.com/news/local/heat-health-hazard-medications-can-increase-illness-risk-under-the-kern-sun, https://www.nytimes.com/2024/06/15/well/live/heat%2Dweather%2Dmedication%2Dsafety.html, https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/health/uk-heatwave-warning-common-medications-33044618, https://www.express.co.uk/life-style/health/1911945/heatwave-danger-common-medications-risk-%2Ddehydration-%2Doverheating


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Confidence

90%

Doubts
  • Are all medications that increase blood pressure a risk during heatwaves?
  • What are the exact temperatures that pose a risk for individuals taking these medications?

Sources

98%

The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
(Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

These Common Medications Can Make Heat Waves More Dangerous

The Name Of The NZ Prefix. I PWA NZI.P.Was Dropped. Katie Mogg Saturday, 15 June 2024 09:02
  • Unique Points
    • Millions of people in the US are taking medications that make them more susceptible to heat-related illnesses during an expected heat wave.
    • Diuretics, which help manage heart failure, kidney disease or high blood pressure by reducing fluid through frequent urination, can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalance making it harder for the body to regulate temperature.
    • ACE inhibitors, commonly prescribed for high blood pressure treatment, increase the risk of fainting and falling in extreme heat and suppress thirst making it harder to tell when to drink water.
    • Beta blockers, another type of blood pressure medication, increase the risk of fainting and falls and make it harder for the body to sweat.
  • Accuracy
    • ACE inhibitors make individuals more prone to fainting or falling and cloak the sensation of thirst, making it harder to recognize signs of dehydration.
    • Beta-blockers heighten the odds of fainting and losing footing and hinder the body's sweating ability.
  • Deception (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Fallacies (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Bias (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication

100%

The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
(Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

Heatwave warning common medications increase risk of overheating and dehydration

Mirror (UK) Ltd (Image: Getty) Monday, 17 June 2024 02:51
  • Unique Points
    • Individuals taking certain medications, such as diuretics, ACE inhibitors, Beta-blockers, antipsychotics, antidepressants, thyroid medication and stimulants like amphetamines or ADHD medication are at risk of heat-related illnesses during hot weather.
    • Diuretics increase urination frequency and can lead to dehydration or an imbalance of electrolytes.
    • ACE inhibitors make individuals more prone to fainting or falling and cloak the sensation of thirst, making it harder to recognize signs of dehydration.
    • Beta-blockers heighten the odds of fainting and losing footing and hinder the body’s sweating ability.
    • Certain antipsychotic medications used for mental health illnesses also diminish sweating capacity.
    • Certain antidepressants often heighten sweating and suppress thirst, making users more prone to dehydration-related complications.
    • Thyroid medication for an underactive thyroid can elevate body temperature and make it more difficult to effectively regulate body temperature.
    • Stimulants such as amphetamines and medication used to treat ADHD may also heighten the risk of heat-related illnesses by interacting with the central nervous system and brain.
    • Nytol (Diphenhydramine) and hayfever medicines like Phenergan and Sominex (Promethazine) can make you more vulnerable to heat-related illnesses.
  • Accuracy
    No Contradictions at Time Of Publication
  • Deception (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Fallacies (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Bias (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication

99%

The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
(Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

Heat health hazard: Medications can increase illness risk under the Kern sun

Bakersfield Now Leslie Valle, Monday, 17 June 2024 04:19
  • Unique Points
    • Dr. Ramez Ethasios warns that taking certain medications like pain relievers, allergy medications, anti-depressants, and diuretics can increase the risk of illness in hot temperatures.
    • High temperatures can make it more difficult for the body to manage water load when taking pain relievers.
    • Allergy medication can impair the ability to sweat and offload heat from the core temperature.
    • Diuretics lead people to become less hydrated at times when hydration is key, so caution is advised in hot temperatures.
    • Dr. Ethasios recommends taking extra precautions when the heat index reaches mid-eighties.
  • Accuracy
    • Diuretics lead people to become less hydrated at times when hydration is key, so caution is advised in hot temperatures.
  • Deception (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Fallacies (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Bias (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication

98%

The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
(Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

New report shows common medication puts at-risk individuals in danger — and heat is only making matters worse

Entertainment Variety Tv Site: https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/tv-site/ Katherine Hammer Monday, 17 June 2024 04:20
  • Unique Points
    • Heat waves can cause heat-related illnesses for individuals taking certain medications such as Adderall, Ritalin, Zoloft, Prozac, Benadryl.
    • Small shifts like upgrading to energy-efficient appliances can help reduce pollution.
  • Accuracy
    • Heat waves can cause heat-related illnesses for individuals taking certain medications such as Adderall, Ritalin, Zoloft, Prozac, Benadryl, stimulants, beta-blockers, diuretics, antihypertensives, and anticholinergic medications.
    • Heat-related illnesses include heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke.
    • In 2023, there were the highest-recorded number of heat-related fatalities in the US.
  • Deception (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Fallacies (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Bias (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication

84%

The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
(Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

Heatwave danger as common medications increase risk of dehydration and overheating

The Express UK News Site Bias and Deceptiveness Analysis with Summary Description Phoebe Tonks Monday, 17 June 2024 02:38
  • Unique Points
    • Individuals taking diuretics, ACE inhibitors, Beta-blockers, certain antidepressants, thyroid medication, stimulants and some over-the-counter medicines may be more susceptible to heat-related illnesses.
    • Several anti-psychotic medications used to treat mental health conditions affect your ability to sweat.
    • Certain antidepressants can increase the risk by heightening sweating and suppressing thirst.
    • Thyroid medication for an under-active thyroid can elevate body temperature and make it more difficult to effectively regulate body temperature.
  • Accuracy
    No Contradictions at Time Of Publication
  • Deception (30%)
    The author uses emotional manipulation by implying that not being prepared for the heatwave could be dangerous or even fatal. She also engages in selective reporting by only mentioning medications that increase the risk of heat-related illnesses without providing a comprehensive list. Furthermore, she makes editorializing statements such as 'As temperatures rise, these patients may be more prone to fainting or falling.' and 'Your body temperature has a higher likelihood of getting hotter when you’re on those medications.'
    • Certain medications can make it harder to recognise the signs of dehydration
    • Those on specific drugs used to treat conditions like high blood pressure, allergies, and mental health disorders may experience an unwanted side-effect that hinders their ability to stay hydrated or cool down effectively in hot weather.
    • Patients taking medication for high blood pressure, allergies and mental health conditions could be more susceptible to heat-related illnesses, experts warn.
    • Your body temperature has a higher likelihood of getting hotter when you’re on those medications.
    • This means that soaring temperatures could potentially be dangerous, or even fatal, if they’re not adequately prepared.
  • Fallacies (95%)
    The author provides valid information about certain medications that can increase the risk of heat-related illnesses and offers advice on how to stay cool in the heat. However, there is an instance of an appeal to authority fallacy when Dr. Michael Redlener's statement is presented without any context or evidence supporting his expertise in this specific topic.
    • "Your body temperature has a higher likelihood of getting hotter when you're on those medications," Dr. Michael Redlener, the medical director of the emergency department at Mount Sinai West, explained to the New York Times.
  • Bias (95%)
    The author uses language that depicts individuals taking certain medications as being more susceptible to heat-related illnesses without explicitly stating that those who do not take these medications are not at risk. This could be perceived as implying that those who do not take these medications are safer in hot weather, which could be seen as a form of bias against people who need to take these medications.
    • Certain antidepressants can increase the risk as they often heighten sweating and suppress thirst, making users more prone to dehydration-related complications.
      • Furthermore, this medication can suppress the sensation of thirst, making it difficult to recognise dehydration.
        • Patients taking these types of medication are advised to consume ample water and watch out for signs of dehydration such as headaches, dizziness, dark urine and thirst.
          • Those on specific drugs used to treat conditions like high blood pressure, allergies, and mental health disorders may experience an unwanted side-effect that hinders their ability to stay hydrated or cool down effectively in hot weather.
            • Trending Beta-blockers also present a risk, as they not only increase the likelihood of fainting and falls but also inhibit sweating, increasing the risk of overheating due to insufficient cooling.
            • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
              None Found At Time Of Publication
            • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
              None Found At Time Of Publication