Daniela Adriana Ion 1, Laura Ioana Chivu 2, R. D. Chivu 3, Octavia Răduţă 2, Alina Fanea 2
1 Prof. univ. dr. U.M.F. „Carol Davila” – Bucureşti, Facultatea de Medicină, Catedra de Boli infecţioase, Institutul Naţional de Boli Infecţioase „Prof. dr. Matei Balş”, Disciplina Fiziopatologie II
2 Prep. univ. U.M.F. „Carol Davila” – Bucureşti, Facultatea de Medicină, Catedra de Boli infecţioase, Institutul Naţional de Boli Infecţioase „Prof. dr. Matei Balş”, Disciplina Fiziopatologie II
3 Asis. univ. drd. – Bucureşti, Facultatea de Medicină, Catedra de Boli infecţioase, Institutul Naţional de Boli Infecţioase „Prof. dr. Matei Balş”, Disciplina Fiziopatologie II
Abstract
Recent worldwide evaluation of climate dynamics has demonstrated a 0,65oC increase in Earth surface mean temperature over the last 50 years (UN’s Intergovernmental Committee for Climate Changes, 2007) and a further 1.1–6.4oC increase is predicted for the next 100 years. A significant impact of global warming on public health has been demonstrated, mainly due to extreme temperature variations (floods, excessive drought), air pollution, and changes in epidemiological features of infectious diseases. Risks for human health are greater as the region affected by climate changes is more impaired socio-economically. Therefore, Romania is among the countries with risk related to climate changes. From the pathophysiological perspective, the few studies conducted show that the human body is capable to adapt to linear climate changes. Still, extreme phenomena (heat or cold waves) yield high morbidity and mortality among persons with reduced adaptation ability such as elders, children and those suffering from chronic diseases. Morbidity and mortality are subsequent to impairments of the thermal regulation mechanisms as the latter yield disturbances of the hidroelectrolitic and acid-base homeostasis: dehydration with hypovolemia • and hyponatremia from exposure to high temperature; • diarrhoea with hypovolemia and hyponatremia from foodborne infections (both floods and drought limit accessibility to potable/ drinking water); • hypoxia with acidosis in heat shock etc. Since all disturbances of the hydroelectrolytic and acid-base homeostasis can lead to negative consequences for the central nervous system, knowledge of these phenomena is essential both for diagnosing complications and especially for therapy, as inadequate measures in order to correct these disturbances can lead to permanent neurological injuries.