Research examines the individuals bearing the brunt of heatwave-induced health issues
Heat Waves Increase Emergency Department Visits in California, Particularly Among the Elderly and Young Children
A new study, conducted by researchers from the University of California San Diego and Stanford University, has found a significant correlation between rising temperatures and emergency department (ED) visits in California. The study, published in the journal Science Advances, reveals that hotter temperatures lead to millions of dollars in costs for ED visits and an increase in heat-related illnesses, especially among the elderly and young children.
According to the study, during hotter temperatures, California sees an increase in emergency department visits, particularly among the very young and the very old. Dr. Mary Meyer, an ER doctor in California's Bay Area, often witnesses this trend in her practice.
"Heat is a consistent issue in the emergency rooms where I work," Dr. Meyer said. "During hotter temperatures, I often see an increase in young patients with severe asthma and older patients with worsened COPD."
The study found that older adults, especially those with chronic conditions, and children under five experience the greatest per-capita spikes in emergency visits during hot days. For example, Riverside County reported 1,627 heat-related ED visits and 65 deaths in 2024, with older adults and young children among those most affected.
Heat stroke is the most severe condition from extreme heat and requires immediate medical attention. The study also found spikes in respiratory issues, nervous system problems, electrolyte imbalances, and accidental injuries as heat stresses the body’s regulatory systems.
The increase in emergency department visits often precedes rises in heat-related deaths, indicating significant health impacts at temperatures that do not necessarily result in fatality but still cause serious morbidity.
The study also projects that future warming will sharply increase emergency visits, placing a heavier strain on California’s healthcare system. Projections indicate a rapid rise in heat-related ED visits by 2050 if temperatures continue to climb.
For emergency rooms serving an older population, there is a pattern of an increase in visits due to worsening chronic medical conditions during hotter temperatures. Dr. Meyer also encounters a higher number of patients with dementia who become more confused during hotter temperatures. Some older patients may become dehydrated during hotter temperatures, especially if they have kidney issues.
The study was conducted by Carlos Gould, an environmental health scientist at the University of California San Diego, and his team. Alejandra Borunda reported on the study for NPR News. The NPR transcript of the report was created on a rush deadline by an NPR contractor.
In summary, California is already experiencing a marked increase in emergency healthcare use linked to heat, and this trend disproportionately impacts the elderly and young children. These vulnerable groups suffer the most from heat-related illnesses requiring emergency services, highlighting the need for targeted public health measures and healthcare planning to address the ongoing risks posed by climate change and extreme heat events.
- The research, focusing on environmental science, reveals a connection between higher temperatures and increased emergency department (ED) visits in California.
- The study, published in Science Advances, suggests that hotter temperatures contribute to millions of dollars in costs for ED visits and an increase in heat-related illnesses.
- During hotter temperatures, California experiences an uptick in emergency department visits, particularly among the very young and the very old.
- Dr. Mary Meyer, an ER doctor in California's Bay Area, frequently observes this trend in her practice, with heat leading to an increase in severe asthma cases in young patients and worsened COPD in older patients.
- Older adults, especially those with chronic conditions, and children under five have the highest per-capita spikes in emergency visits during hot days.
- For instance, in 2024, Riverside County reported 1,627 heat-related ED visits and 65 deaths, with older adults and young children being heavily impacted.
- Heat stroke, a severe condition from extreme heat, necessitates immediate medical attention and has been identified as a concern in the study.
- Apart from heat stroke, the study also found spikes in respiratory issues, nervous system problems, electrolyte imbalances, and accidental injuries due to heat stressing the body's regulatory systems.
- The increase in emergency department visits often precedes rises in heat-related deaths, indicating significant health impacts, regardless of whether temperatures cause fatalities or not.
- The study predicts that future warming will significantly increase emergency visits, placing a heavy strain on California's healthcare system.
- For emergency rooms serving an older population, there is a pattern of an increase in visits due to worsening chronic medical conditions during hotter temperatures.
- Dr. Meyer also notes a higher number of patients with dementia who become more confused during hotter temperatures.
- Some older patients may become dehydrated during hotter temperatures, especially if they have kidney issues.
- The study, led by Carlos Gould, an environmental health scientist at the University of California San Diego, emphasizes the need for targeted public health measures and healthcare planning to address the ongoing risks posed by climate change and extreme heat events.
- The study's findings point to the growing concern over the importance of health and wellness, including mental health, men's health, women's health, cardiovascular health, neurological disorders, skin care, and nutrition, in the context of climate change and extreme heat events.
