On a cold winter morning, Uncle Zhang, as usual, was enjoying breakfast in the warm living room. The temperature outside was almost freezing, but the heating in his house kept the room warm and comfortable, almost forgetting the cold outside. However, when he decided to go out and buy some groceries,As soon as he stepped outside, he suddenly felt a wave of dizziness and fatigue, a feeling he had never experienced before. After returning home, these symptoms did not relieve, but worsened, and his family took him to the hospital urgently. The doctor examined it and told him that it was typical"Heating sickness"The symptoms are caused by the large temperature difference between indoor and outdoor.
In the cold winter months, heating has become our main way of fighting the cold. However, while we enjoy the warmth of the room, we may be unconsciously threatened by a condition called "heating sickness". It's not just a cold, it's a series of physical symptoms caused by the large temperature difference between indoor and outdoor.
What exactly is heating sickness?
Heating sickness is not a formal medical diagnosis, but a popular description of a series of physical symptoms caused by excessive temperature difference between indoor and outdoor after being exposed to excessive heat for a long time. These symptoms include dizziness, fatigue, cough, sore throat, dryness, and eye discomfort, among others.
Why does heating sickness occur?
The occurrence of heating sickness is related to our physiological regulatory mechanisms. The human body adapts to changes in ambient temperature by regulating the expansion and contraction of blood vessels. When exposed to high temperatures indoors for long periods of time, the thermoregulatory mechanisms may not be able to adapt quickly when you suddenly go outside in the cold, causing the blood vessels to suddenly constrict, which in turn triggers these symptoms.
How can we expand our understanding of heating sickness?
Once we understand the basic concepts of heating sickness, we also need to recognize that the impact of temperature differences between indoor and outdoor on the body is far more complex than a single symptom. Long-term exposure to this environment may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, especially for middle-aged and older adults. In addition, indoor dryness may also exacerbate** and respiratory discomfort, affecting the overall health of the person.
With the arrival of winter, many homes have started using heating to keep their homes warm. However, the rapid change of indoor and outdoor temperature difference poses a risk to human health that cannot be ignored, especially for middle-aged and elderly people. This temperature difference is not just a sensory discomfort, it can also cause a range of physiological reactions that can increase the risk of disease.
A double whammy to the cardiovascular system
When the human body is suddenly exposed to the cold outdoors from a warm indoor environment, the body reduces heat loss by constricting peripheral blood vessels in order to maintain core temperature. This response, while a natural defense mechanism for the body, is a burden on the cardiovascular system. For middle-aged and elderly people with pre-existing chronic diseases such as heart disease or high blood pressure, this sudden vasoconstriction may lead to increased burden on the heart and even cause angina pectoris or myocardial infarction.
Respiratory hazards
The difference in temperature between indoor and outdoor temperatures can also have an impact on the respiratory system. Cold air is drier, and when people suddenly move from a warm and humid indoor environment into a cold, dry outdoor environment, the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract may be irritated as a result, causing coughing, sore throat or other respiratory illnesses. In addition, frequent changes in temperature can also make the body less resistant to viruses and bacteria, increasing the risk of colds and flu.
Recognizing the potential health risks of indoor and outdoor temperature differences, it is important to take appropriate precautions. Here are some practical tips to help middle-aged and elderly people effectively prevent so-called "heating sickness" and maintain a healthy body.
Comfortable room temperature
It is important to maintain a relatively comfortable indoor temperature. The recommended indoor temperature should be between 20-22 degrees, which can not only keep the room warm, but also avoid excessive temperature difference between indoor and outdoor. Excessively high indoor temperatures not only cause wasted energy, but can also increase the burden on the heart, especially for patients with cardiovascular disease.
Increase indoor humidity
Winter heating often causes indoor air to become dry, which not only causes problems such as dryness and eye discomfort, but also may exacerbate respiratory diseases. Using a humidifier or placing a basin next to the heater can effectively increase the humidity in the room and relieve the discomfort caused by dryness.
Ventilation is carried out regularly
Even in the cold winter months, indoor air circulation should be ensured. Open windows for ventilation at least twice a day for 10-15 minutes each time to ensure fresh indoor air and reduce the growth of bacteria and viruses.
Stay active
Moderate indoor activity can help improve blood circulation and enhance the body's ability to adapt. Simple housework, stretching or yoga can help middle-aged and elderly people maintain good physical condition and reduce discomfort caused by temperature changes.
Gradually adapt to the external environment
Before moving from a warm indoor environment to a cold outdoor environment, you can lower the temperature indoors to allow your body to gradually adjust to the temperature changes outside. Dress in layers so that you can add or remove clothing according to changes in indoor and outdoor temperatures.