Tip:
Highlight text to annotate it
X
There are few things more satisfying on a hot summer day than going inside and flopping
in front of the air conditioner to cool off. But that comfort could be coming at a price.
Our Kim Hyun-bin explains why. Lee Jae-ho paid a visit to the doctor a couple
of weeks ago because he had lost his appetite and began to sweat more than he normally did,
even while in cool places.
"I had headaches, a fever and was coughing a lot. I was in a bad state."
To his surprise, the doctor told him he had pneumonia.
Pneumonia typically occurs during winter months, but can also strike in the summer.
Data from a local hospital shows that the number of patients diagnosed with the lung
infection during the months of July and August is nearly 70 percent of mid-winter figures.
Doctors say that when summer heat reaches its peak, the immune system can weaken.
The frequent use of air conditioning can also lead to respiratory problems,... due to a
greater exposure to bacteria.
"When it is humid like in monsoon season, your lungs become weaker and cannot properly
emit the germs that enter your body."
High temperatures can also raise the risk of strokes.
The number of stroke patients surpassed the 1-point-9 million mark in both July and August
last year,... figures that are similar to those seen in winter.
This is because the stress caused by prolonged exposure to heat can increase blood pressure,...
which is bad news for sufferers of diabetes and high blood pressure.
"When you are exposed to the heat for a long period of time, you can get dehydrated which
can affect cerebral blood flow."
Doctors recommend drinking plenty of water and to cut back on coffee and alcohol, which
may cause dehydration. Regular exercise and seven to eight hours
sleep can also ensure that your immune system remains strong during the dog days of summer.
Kim Hyun-bin, Arirang News.