Europe is bracing for a fierce heatwave this week, with temperatures set to exceed 40 degrees Celsius in parts of Italy, Spain and Greece, reports Euronews.

With climate change, hot summers are becoming more common and can be dangerous. In 2022, nearly 62,000 people died from extreme heat in Europe alone, according to World Health Organization (WHO) estimates.

Although heatwaves can affect anyone, people who work outside, the elderly, babies, people taking certain medications, and those with chronic illnesses are at higher risk of health problems.

Most of the effects of heat waves are predictable and preventable - but it's important to know the risks to protect yourself. Here are five ways extreme heat can affect your health.

1.Heat exhaustion and heat stroke 

Heat exhaustion occurs when the body overheats due to excessive loss of water and salts, usually through sweating. Most people will cope if they rest in a cool place and drink fluids.

But if someone can't cool down after 30 minutes, heat exhaustion can progress to heat stroke - which requires emergency medical attention.

Symptoms of heat stroke include rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, confusion, fainting and loss of consciousness.

2. Worsening of existing health problems

When days are hot and nights are not cool enough, the human body can struggle to regulate its internal temperature and the heart and kidneys work harder to keep the body cool.

This can worsen existing health problems, including heart disease, diabetes and asthma.

According to WHO, heat stress is the leading cause of weather-related mortality, and Europe's ageing population and the spread of chronic diseases are expected to increase heat-related health risks in the coming years.

3. Poor air quality

Heatwaves can worsen air quality by causing more intense fires and trapping polluted air, which European climatologists call a "deadly combination".

Air pollution exacerbates lung diseases such as asthma and increases the risk of heart attack and stroke due to increased blood viscosity. 

4. Poor mental health

High temperatures can lead to stress, irritability, anxiety and cognitive impairment, especially in people with pre-existing mental illness.

This is due to a combination of interrupted sleep, physiological responses to extreme heat and physical discomfort, which researchers call a "breeding ground for psychological distress."

5. Emergencies and busy health systems

Heat waves can cause power outages and disrupt transportation, which in turn can compromise medical services-just at a time when more people need care.

According to the Swedish Work Environment Authority, heat stress also leads to a "deterioration in people's attention and judgement". This can increase the risk of traffic accidents and workplace accidents, especially for people who work outdoors. | BGNES