The Critical Link Between Chronic Medications and Thermoregulation
Many of us have seen the rise in global temperatures over the years. But, few of us are aware of the potential dangers posed by common medications during these hotter times.
Recent findings show that the drugs prescribed for chronic illnesses might be making it difficult for our bodies to cope with high temperatures.
A research team led by Associate Professor Jason Lee from the National University of Singapore (NUS Medicine) delved into multiple studies on the topic.
They aimed to understand how drugs for chronic illnesses, like cancer, heart diseases, and neurological disorders, impact our body’s ability to regulate temperature, especially during hot days.
Key Findings by Disease Type
Cancer: Medications for cancer patients sometimes cause hot flushes and an increase in core temperature.
While exercising is known to help reduce these effects, many cancer patients face physical constraints due to their treatments, making regular exercise challenging.
Heart Diseases: Patients with cardiovascular issues have a heart that works extra hard in hot environments.
Medicines that prevent blood clots, such as aspirin, might increase the body’s core temperature, reducing the body’s ability to cool down.
Another group of drugs called beta-blockers, which are common for heart issues, might reduce the body’s ability to release heat. Some beta-blockers are worse than others in this regard.
Diabetes: Insulin, vital for those with type 1 diabetes, affects the body’s heat regulation. Another drug, metformin, used for type 2 diabetes, can cause fluid loss, raising the risk of dehydration in hot weather.
Neurological Disorders: Medications for conditions like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s influence how the brain manages body temperature.
They can disturb the natural balance of certain chemicals in the brain, altering our natural response to heat and potentially leading to dangerous temperature changes in the body.
According to Jericho Wee, a Ph.D. candidate involved in the study, the rise in global temperatures due to climate change is a significant concern for those on long-term medications.
As our elderly population grows, more people will be on multiple medications, increasing the risk of heat-related illnesses.
Moreover, many doctors might not fully understand how certain medications interfere with the body’s heat-regulating mechanisms.
Assoc Prof Melvin Leow, a co-author of the review, emphasized the need for increased collaboration between scientists and doctors in this crucial interdisciplinary field.
Conclusion
As our world gets warmer, understanding how our medications interact with our body’s ability to regulate heat becomes increasingly essential.
These findings underline the need for tailored prescription guidelines, especially during hot weather, ensuring that those who rely on these medications can remain safe.
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The study was published in Pharmacological Reviews.
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