How to reduce the sensation of heat and avoid complications due to high temperatures

Home Health How to reduce the sensation of heat and avoid complications due to high temperatures
Health
May 9, 2026May 9, 2026By Mario Vásquez
How to reduce the sensation of heat and avoid complications due to high temperatures

In recent days, the wind chill has been a topic of conversation due to the increase in temperatures recorded in early May. The high temperatures They can cause health complications, so reducing the sensation of heat is key.

The United States National Institutes of Health (NIH) highlights that intense heat can affect the body and brain, since excess heat can cause hyperthermia. Therefore, when there is a rise in temperature, it is recommended to regulate body temperature.

Internist Estuardo Rojas highlights that the body normally maintains temperature levels within optimal parameters, as well as blood pressure, heart rate, blood pH and other functions. However, given the increase in temperatures, hydration is essential to avoid complications.

If the temperature drops too low or rises too high, the vital functions of the cells are put at risk and can even cause death, as occurs with hypothermia or hyperthermia. The latter is caused by excess heat in the body, so Rojas emphasizes that the most important thing is to stay hydrated.

“The more heat we have, the body tries to eliminate or dissipate it. One of the mechanisms it uses to do so is evaporation, which we achieve through sweat. The body sweats and that sweat allows part of the internal heat to go to the skin and then to the environment,” highlights Rojas.

Sweat acts as a thermoregulatory mechanism, but increased heat also increases sweating, which can cause dehydration and, in some cases, be serious.

“Mild dehydration can cause listlessness, weakness, fatigue and drowsiness. Severe dehydration can lead a person to shock and even death,” he explains.

What is heat stroke and why can it be dangerous?

In some cases, rising temperatures can cause heat stroke, which occurs when body temperature rises critically. At that time, many cellular and enzymatic functions stop working properly. The body’s enzymes and hormones can no longer act correctly and the person may collapse.

What can be done to reduce the sensation of heat?

It is important to wear cool, comfortable clothing to facilitate the body’s natural process of releasing heat, Rojas shares.

It is also recommended to stay in ventilated environments. “Air is another of the mechanisms we have to lose heat; when gusts of wind collide with our body, they help us dissipate the heat accumulated internally.”

In addition, you should avoid staying in closed or poorly ventilated places, hydrate yourself properly and try to spend as little time as possible in the sun, since solar radiation increases body temperature, adds the internist.

How to stay hydrated during high temperatures?

Faced with high temperatures and the sensation of heat, the body uses thirst as a warning mechanism about the need for water. However, when that sensation appears, the body has already started the dehydration process, highlights Rojas.

The doctor recommends consuming at least 50% more fluids than usual, due to losses due to sweating during this time. “Not only water hydrates; fruits also contain a significant amount of water,” he adds.

What to do if you feel discomfort due to the heat?

The National Coordinator for Disaster Reduction highlights that, given the increase in temperatures, the body may experience discomfort from the heat, which is why it recommends:

  • Seek medical attention if you feel dizzy, weak, anxious, have severe thirst, or have a headache. Move to a cool, shady place.
  • Ask to have your body temperature measured.
  • Drink water or fruit juice to rehydrate.
  • Rest immediately in a cool place if you experience cramps. Seek medical attention if cramps last more than an hour.
  • Avoid administering aspirin or paracetamol.

Maximum temperatures this weekend

According to the bulletin issued by the National Institute of Seismology, Volcanology, Meteorology and Hydrology (Insivumeh), during the weekend of May 9 and 10 the maximum temperatures in Guatemala City will be between 29.0°C and 31.0°C, while in the Central and Western Altiplano they will vary between 26.0°C and 32.0°C.

In regions such as Petén, maximum temperatures will be between 39.0°C and 41.0°C, while in the Motagua and Valles de Oriente region they will range between 40.0°C and 42.0°C. The forecast rains will respond to local conditions and instability in the Pacific due to low pressure systems.

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