Warning over rising temperatures

As temperature increases caused by climate change become more dangerous each year, Prof. Dr. Mahir İğde, Lecturer at İstinye University and Specialist in Pediatric Immunology and Allergic Diseases at Liv Hospital, has issued important warnings for the coming days. Prof. Dr. Mahir İğde, Lecturer at İstinye University and Specialist in Pediatric Immunology and Allergic Diseases at Liv Hospital, emphasizes that the effects of climate change on health are very broad in scope and diverse. İğde notes that the increase in dust storms reaching Turkey from the Arabian Peninsula in recent years underscores the importance of this issue once more, and states that it is possible to reduce the negative effects of climate change through measures taken at both societal and individual levels. Prof. Dr. İğde stresses the importance of raising public awareness and taking proactive measures on this matter.

"Rising temperatures can increase the frequency of infectious diseases"

Providing information about new diseases caused by climate change, Prof. Dr. Mahir İğde states the following: "Climate change can cause respiratory, infectious, and allergic diseases. Dust storms and airborne particulates can trigger asthma and other respiratory diseases. Children and the elderly are particularly affected by this situation. Increases in temperature and humidity can increase the spread of disease vectors such as mosquitoes, thereby raising the frequency of infectious diseases such as malaria and dengue fever. Extended pollen seasons and increased pollen quantities can raise the prevalence of diseases such as allergic rhinitis and asthma."

"It affects those with asthma and respiratory diseases more"

İğde, noting that climate change particularly affects those with asthma and respiratory diseases, states: "These individuals are more affected by airborne particles and pollutants." Pointing out that children and the elderly are also adversely affected, İğde notes that these groups, whose immune systems are more sensitive, are more vulnerable to the negative effects of climate change. He also highlights that individuals with chronic conditions such as heart disease and diabetes may struggle to cope with the stress brought by climate change.

"Drink plenty of water to balance body temperature"

Prof. Dr. İğde, noting that individual measures can be taken to protect against the adverse conditions of climate change, lists the following recommendations: "One of the measures that can be taken is avoiding going outside during air events such as dust storms, and wearing a mask if it is necessary to go outside. By using air quality index (AQI) applications, one can act with knowledge about daily weather conditions and air pollution. Windows can be kept closed and air filters can be used to reduce the entry of airborne particles. Drinking plenty of water is among the most important measures to balance body temperature and prevent dehydration in hot weather."

"Climate change can negatively affect agricultural productivity"

Providing information about how we will feel the effects of climate change in the coming years, İğde states: "Rising global temperatures can lead to an increase in heat stroke and other heat-related diseases." İğde notes that the frequency and severity of extreme weather events such as floods, droughts, and wildfires may increase, and this situation can have major impacts on public health. İğde also points out that climate change can negatively affect agricultural productivity and food production, creating risks to food security.

"Rising temperatures can worsen respiratory diseases"

Prof. Dr. İğde, noting that temperature increases related to climate change during summer months will also affect individuals, states: "Sudden temperature increases can cause health problems, especially in sensitive groups. Problems such as heat stroke, dehydration, and heart conditions may increase," adding that rising temperatures can increase air pollution and particularly ozone pollution. He points out that this situation can worsen respiratory diseases.