25.07.2025 16:08
Due to the effects of the hot and dry "foehn" winds brought by the Basra Low Pressure, a large number of citizens in Izmir rushed to emergency services for reasons such as "sunstroke, fainting, and loss of fluids and salts."
According to the data from the General Directorate of Meteorology, air temperatures this week are 6 to 12 degrees above seasonal norms in many regions due to the hot and dry "foehn" winds carried by the Basra Low Pressure. The low humidity level is increasing the perceived temperature.
EMERGENCY SERVICES RUSHED IN IZMIR
The hot weather brings many serious health risks, especially cardiovascular diseases and illnesses related to fluid loss, in addition to its impact on daily life.
Since the beginning of the week, there has been a noticeable increase in the number of hospital visits in Izmir due to health issues such as sunstroke or fluid loss caused by the hot weather. There has also been an increase in the number of patients arriving at the Emergency Department of Dokuz Eylul University Hospital due to heat stroke.
Experts state that it is necessary to avoid going outside, especially between 11:00 AM and 4:00 PM, to drink enough fluids, to spend time in cool and shaded areas, to wear loose and light-colored clothing, to avoid excessive exercise, to avoid direct sunlight exposure, and to maintain a lighter and balanced diet.
"WE NEED TO REPLACE FLUID LOSS"
Prof. Dr. Sedat Yanturalı told AA correspondent that Turkey is under the influence of a heat wave.
Pointing out that temperature directly affects human health, Yanturalı stated, "Due to the hot weather affecting the country, the number of patients visiting emergency services due to sunstroke, fainting, and fluid and salt loss has increased. Therefore, fluid intake is the most basic need for those affected by the heat. Especially in the elderly group, there is a state of fluid loss that can lead to kidney failure. While losing fluid and sweating, the body also loses sodium, which we know as salt. This must also be replaced. Recently, there has been a significant increase in emergency visits due to these and related symptoms." he said.
Prof. Dr. Yanturalı emphasized that immediate intervention is necessary for individuals affected by extreme heat and shared that applying active cooling to the patient would also be beneficial.
ADVICE FOR SALTY BUTTERMILK
Prof. Dr. Yanturalı explained that wet towels can be placed on the groin, armpits, and other areas of the body of patients affected by the heat, saying:
"In addition, fans, which we call ventilators, are helpful, but the patient needs to be taken to the hospital for treatment in the emergency department. The main problem is the patient's loss of fluid and electrolytes. In the emergency department, we provide fluid therapy and, if there are decreased electrolytes, we perform treatment to replenish them. Drinking water alone only replaces the volume, but sodium, salt, and other electrolytes are lost. Drinking beverages like turnip juice or buttermilk, or adding a teaspoon of salt to regular water is better than plain water. Because we will replace the lost water and electrolytes that way."
HOT WEATHER ALSO STRAINS THE HEART
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mehmet Kış, a faculty member of the Department of Cardiology at Dokuz Eylul University Medical Faculty, stated that hot weather can lead to serious health problems, especially in individuals with heart and vascular diseases.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kış reported that in hot weather, blood vessels dilate to maintain the body's temperature balance, which leads to a drop in blood pressure and causes the heart to work harder. He emphasized that individuals over 65 years old, as well as those with hypertension, diabetes, heart failure, and coronary artery disease, need to be more cautious.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kış made the following warnings:
"If you experience sudden shortness of breath, dizziness, fainting, chest pain, palpitations, or extreme fatigue, take it seriously. It is important for patients with heart failure to maintain fluid balance. Fluid balance should be monitored according to the physician's recommendations. If you are taking antihypertensive or diuretic medications, dosage adjustments may be necessary. Because there is a risk of sweating and dehydration due to increased temperature. Diuretic medications also cause fluid and mineral loss in the body. Serious issues such as hypovolemia (fluid loss), hypotension (low blood pressure), and low potassium and magnesium levels can occur."