Extremes of Weather Conditions and Child Health

Abstract

Background: The number of people exposed to extreme heat is growing exponentially due to climate change worldwide. Heat-related mortality for people over 65 years of age and young children has increased by 85% between 2000–2004 and 2017–2021. World Meteorological Organization announced that there’s an 80% chance that the world will exceed the 1.5 °C temperature limit in at least one of the next 5 years. Aim: To review the impact of extremes of climate changes on Children’s health based on cases managed and reported in media. Methods: Material & Methods: This article is a review of the impact of extremes of heat & Cold weather on children, based on personal handling of cases and media reports of the adverse effects of heat this summer, exercising /punishing children in hot and cold weather. Key findings: Most children experience increased thirst, weakness, headache, dizziness or fainting, muscle cramps, nausea and/or vomiting, irritability, prickly heat & heavy sweating. Dehydration in children is more than just being thirsty, as it is a condition where there isn’t enough fluid in the body because children lose more water than they take in. High heat stress also reduces physical work capacity and motor-cognitive performances, with consequences for school attendance for children. The cold weather itself doesn’t cause illness, but it weakens the immune system, making it a lot harder for the child to fight off infections. Conclusion: Temperatures above long-term averages during summer months and heatwaves are associated with cardiorespiratory and other diseases and mental health issues. Very young children are particularly vulnerable to the effects of heat, irrespective of income level or geographical region. Most heat-related mortality and morbidities are preventable with individual efforts like avoidance of exposure, improved community preparedness, and Public Health Advisory.