EFFECTS of CLIMATE CHANGES ON HUMAN HEALTH

Dr. Avinash BhondwePresident, Indian Medical

Association, 2008-09

नै�नै� छि�न्दन्तिन् शस्त्रा�णि� Iनै�नै� दहति पा�वकः� II

DEFINITION OF HEALTH

W.H.O. Definition- Physical, Mental &

Social Well-being & not merely absence of

Disease

Climate & Seasons

BODY TEMPERATURE CONTROL

MAIN SYSTEMS OF HUMAN BODYRESPIRATORYMUSCULOSKELETALDIGESTIVECIRCULATORYNERVOUS SYSTEMSKIN & SOFT TISSUESPSYCHOLOGICAL

Respiratory SystemThe Air is Inhaled in the body through

Respiratory Tract.That’s why it is affected most by

weather changes

Respiratory SystemExtreme cold, More

Humidity, Wet Climate-

Sneezing, Cold Irritation & CoughPneumoniaCOPD, Chronic

Bronchitis

Microscopic View Of Trachea, Bronchus, Bronchioles & Lungs

Coughing out the Sputumis a protective mechanism

Musculo-Skeletal System208 bones

656 to 850 Muscles

Blood Supply to BonesBlood vessels

contract or dilate as per Climate Temperature

Cold causes constriction & Pain

Hot causes reliefJoint Pains, Fracture

Pains, Arthritis, Bony Pains

Digestive System

Cold- increases Hot- Reduces AppetiteCold Causes

ConstipationHot causes

Dehydration Vomiting & Constitpation

Rainy Season- Gastroenteritis

Circulatory SystemCold reduces

the Diameter of the Blood vessel causing reduced flow

Hot dilates the vessels causing perspiration & low B.P., dehydration

Nervous SystemCold causes nerve

roots painHot causes burningCold stimulates brain

activityHot reduces the

speed of the processSun Stroke ,

Convulsions

Skin ProblemsPerspiration in Hot &

wetness in Rainy season causes- Fungal Infections groins, clefts

Taenia PaedisSummer/ Cold RashesCracks of the Heels,

palmsExfoliation of skin & lipsDryness of skin in both

Psychology & BehaviorHot causes

Confusion, Slow mentation, Drowsiness,

Hot increases Anger, Irritability

Severe cold causes apathy, lack of attention

BETTER TEMPERATURE FOR GERMS

Ideal Temp: 15- 37 ^ C

Ideal Temp: 5- 37 ^ C

Weather Changes & InfectionsColdFeversLoose Motions VomitingJoint PainsSkin ProblemsEye Problems

Weather Changes & InfectionsFever is a part of

Immune Mechanism to abolish the germs causing infection

Fever Helps to kill Viruses & Bacteria by increasing the Temperature of the Body which is not favorable for the germs to grow.

Hygiene – Climate- Health

Infectious Diseases

Jaundice ( Infectious Hepatitis)Malaria, Dengue, ChikungunyaTyphoidH1N1Bacillary/ Amoebic DysenteryBronchial Asthma, Acute & Chronic

BronchitisPneumoniaLeptospirosis

Direct & Indirect EffectsClimate & Weather changes cause-

Direct effects which are mainly Physiological

The indirect effects of Weather due to irresponsible Social Behaviour & Public Health Negligence – Result into Infectious Diseases & their Epidemics