The number of Italian cities with a red alert for heat rises to 16 on the 16th. This was announced by the Ministry of Health with the now customary bulletin on heat waves.
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Tomorrow, Friday, July 17, the highest alert level will affect Bologna, Brescia, Cagliari, Campobasso, Florence, Frosinone, Genoa, Latina, Milan, Palermo, Perugia, Pescara, Rieti, Rome, Turin, and Viterbo. Orange alert, instead, for Ancona, Civitavecchia, Messina, and Naples. The day after tomorrow, Saturday, July 18, the maximum alert will also extend to Ancona, Civitavecchia, and Catania, for a total of 19 cities.
Faced with the persistence of extreme temperatures, the Federation of Associations of Hospital Internal Medicine Directors (Fadoi) draws attention to health risks, particularly for the elderly, vulnerable people, and patients with chronic diseases. “Temperatures of 35 degrees are no longer an exception. Our body has very effective mechanisms to maintain a constant body temperature, but when heat is combined with high humidity, these systems are put to the test. Fluids and minerals are lost, the heart’s workload increases, and fatigue, weakness, and drops in blood pressure appear,” explains Andrea Montagnani, national president of Fadoi.
According to hospital internists, the risk increases further when temperatures reach or exceed 40 degrees. “Under these conditions, the body may no longer be able to dissipate heat,” warns Montagnani. “Internal temperature rises and significant dehydration, blood pressure changes, mental confusion up to heat stroke may occur, which is a true medical emergency because it can impair the functioning of the brain, heart, and kidneys and requires immediate intervention,” Montagnani emphasizes. When the heat persists for many consecutive days, moreover, “the body can no longer recover, especially if nighttime temperatures also remain high. Progressive dehydration sets in, cardiovascular stress increases, and we see a rise in hospitalizations for heart failure, kidney failure, infections, and respiratory complications.”
The association therefore invites the most vulnerable people to take all necessary precautions. “These people must drink regularly, avoid going out during the hottest hours of the day, keep home environments cool, and promptly consult a doctor if symptoms such as dizziness, reduced urination, or significant drops in blood pressure appear,” recommends Montagnani.
Particular attention should also be paid to drug therapies. “The message is very clear – concludes the national president of Fadoi – never stop or change treatments on your own. The doctor will assess whether it is necessary to temporarily adjust therapy or increase clinical monitoring.”
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