During the rainy season, sudden weather changes, heat waves, and hot and humid temperatures can disrupt the body’s balance, leading to potential health issues. Even healthy individuals can experience abnormal symptoms due to enzyme denaturation and cell membrane damage caused by prolonged exposure to hot weather. Those with chronic diseases are particularly vulnerable to temperature regulation problems, making them susceptible to heat-related illnesses and worsening conditions.
Dr. Lee Hae Ri, an endocrinology specialist at H Plus Yangji Hospital, explained that during the rainy season, the balance of the endocrine and autonomic nervous systems can be easily disrupted due to the high temperature and humidity. She noted that patients with chronic diseases may not respond sensitively to these climate changes, which increases the risk of exacerbating symptoms and complications.
In hot and rainy weather, reduced outdoor activity can lead to decreased blood sugar control in diabetic patients, and the seasonal susceptibility to bacterial infections can worsen complications. Stroke patients also face the risk of circulatory disorders due to dehydration symptoms in hot weather, increasing the risk of stroke recurrence. If you are dealing with high blood pressure and heart disease, constant vascular changes for temperature regulation can put a strain on your heart, increasing the incidence of cardiovascular diseases.
Bacterial infectious diseases also become more common in hot and humid summers. Diabetic patients with weak immune systems may experience slow wound healing and be more susceptible to contagious diseases. Diabetic foot patients with vascular diseases must be cautious, as minor injuries can worsen or lead to necrosis.
Dehydration in hot weather can lead to a lack of body fluids, causing circulatory disorders and increasing the probability of stroke due to vascular damage in the brain. Although stroke is commonly known to occur more frequently in winter, it also appears often in summer.
During the rainy season, air conditioners are often left running for long periods to dehumidify, creating a large temperature difference between indoors and outdoors. Our bodies must repeatedly constrict and dilate blood vessels to maintain a proper body temperature. This process can cause blood pressure fluctuations in patients with high blood pressure, increasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
“If you have a history of heart disease and experience symptoms such as chest pain and discomfort lasting more than 30 minutes, you should visit a hospital for emergency care,” Lee explained.
During the humid summer rainy season, diabetic and stroke patients should frequently drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration. It is best to avoid beverages and alcohol-containing caffeine, which can cause diuresis and dehydration. To regulate body temperature, maintain an indoor temperature of 26°C and avoid sudden temperature changes, such as dousing yourself with cold water when hot.
