You might have heard about El Niño and La Niña being two of the major weather conditions affecting the Philippines, but did you know that there is more to these phenomena than meets the eye?
El Niño is the result of the decrease in intensity of trade winds — ang malakas na hanging nagdadala ng malamig na temperatura sa Pacific Ocean — causing a noticeable change in temperature in most parts of the world.
Ang La Niña, sa kabilang banda, ay ang resulta ng paglakas ng trade winds na nagtutulak sa mainit na tubig mula sa Pacific Ocean patungong Western Pacific, kasama na ang Pilipinas — causing extreme rain and flooding in the country.
These extreme weather conditions are commonly felt during the height of summer and typhoon season, however, El Niño is expected to start in June, July, and August and may continue in the first quarter of 2024. Dahil dito, hahaba ang tuyo’t mainit na panahon at biglang pagbuhos ng malakas na ulan sa Pilipinas na maaaring mag-sanhi ng iba’t-ibang environmental diseases ng mga Pilipino.
Extreme Weather Health Risks
- Heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion, dehydration, and heat stroke
- Excessive sweating, muscle cramps, and nausea are just 3 of the body’s immediate responses to extreme heat exposure. Dahil na rin sa patuloy na pag-init ng panahon, you are more likely to feel these symptoms than usual. Everyone can experience this extreme health risk, but pregnant women, elderly, infants and children, manual workers, and athletes are far more susceptible to heat stress and illnesses than most people. With this, it is extremely important to lessen the amount of time outside, wear light clothing, and rehydrate yourself by drinking lots of water.
- Mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue, yellow fever, and malaria,
- Ang patuloy na pagbabago ng panahon ay isa ring dahilan ng paglaganap ng mosquito-borne diseases sa Pilipinas. Dahil sa matinding pag-init ng klima, mosquitoes are more likely to reproduce and bite more frequently, hence, dengue, yellow fever, or malaria outbreak. Ang madalas na pag-ulan naman ay isa ring sanhi ng paglaganap ng mosquito-relayed diseases dahil na rin sa stagnant na tubig mula sa timba, drum, at lupa, na pinangingitlugan ng mga ito. Para maiwasan ang paglaganap ng mga sakit na nagmumula sa lamok, importanteng maglagay ng insect repellant kada araw, magsuot ng mahahabang damit, at ugaliing itapon ang stagnant water sa inyong kapaligiran.
- Food and water-borne diseases such as typhoid fever, hepatitis, and diarrhea
- Ang pagkakaroon ng malinis na tubig at pagkain ay susi sa maayos na pangangatawan, however, extreme weather conditions like El Niño and La Niña cause major health risks to everyone. Sudden changes in climate such as storms, droughts, and precipitation pose greater threat to those affected, especially areas with limited sources of clean water and food. Bacteria can immediately contaminate these necessities, causing extreme vomiting, fever, and gut issues or diarrhea. To prevent cases like these from happening, it is important to have access to clean drinking water and food and a reliable medicine for any bacteria or gut health concerns.
How Does Extreme Weather Cause Diarrhea?
You might just be surprised how a sudden change in temperature can actually affect your bowel movements. Sa partikular na sitwasyong ito, it is extremely important to know what constitutes your body to feel any kind of stomach or gut pain. Ilan sa mga sanhi nito ay:
1. Contaminated water sources:
Extreme flooding or heavy rainfall causes water sources to be contaminated, dahilan ng ilang gut-related problems or diarrhea.
2. Food contamination:
Extreme weather conditions also cause food spoilage that in turn causes cross-contamination to other food, dahilan ng gastrointestinal issues sa katawan o diarrhea.
3. Above normal temperature:
Extreme heat exposure also causes blood flow to change gears in order to balance your body's temperature, causing a sudden stomach pain and diarrhea.
Take Loperamide (DIATABS®) For Diarrhea Dilemma
Kaya kapag nakaranas ng sintomas ng diarrhea, uminom agad ng gamot na pwedeng tumulong para gumaan ang pakiramdam at mawala ang lubhang pagtatae tulad ng Loperamide (DIATABS®). Ito ay maaasahang diarrhea relief na nakakatulong sa pagbagal ng intestinal movement, mabawasan ang stomach pain, and maiwasan ang dehydration caused by electrolyte loss.
Para mabilis ang pag galing in as fast as 1 hour, it is recommended to take (2) capsules of Loperamide (Diatabs®) and another (1) every loose bowel movement.
Maging handa sa ano mang panahon, dapat laging may Loperamide (Diatabs®).
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If symptoms persist, consult your doctor.
ASC REF NO: U0214P062623D
REFERENCES:
National Geographic: El Niño
What Is La Niña?
PAGASA issues El Niño alert
What are La Niña and El Niño and why do they matter?
Mayo Clinic: Heat exhaustion
Web MD: Heat Exhaustion
DOH warns vs possible health problems during El Niño
The Increasing Burden of Dengue Fever in a Changing Climate
How climate change affects waterborne diseases
How Flooding Affects Water Quality
Food Contamination and Foodborne Illness Prevention
All about Diarrhea
