Not just sweltering and stifling heat waves, as climate change is getting murkier, even humidity levels in the rainy seasons are rising, and how! During the monsoon, the humidity levels reach 100 per cent – rendering the clouds to not able to hold any more water. And when it rains, it increases the relative humidity because of the evaporation. The air where the rain is falling may not be completely saturated with water vapour.

And so, beyond the discomforts of heat is humidity – which, according to experts, is probably more dangerous for human health and well-being. Doctors say, that while extreme heat contributes to exhaustion, heat stroke, cramps, and fever, humidity can kill you.

When it is extremely humid, the air becomes populated by hydrogen, nitrogen, and oxygen, and your lungs work harder to get oxygen from the air. That is the reason why most people are lethargic and fatigued in humidity. According to doctors, your body tries to get rid of excess heat and cool off by sweating, which is known as an internal air conditioning system. However, this process becomes slow when the humidity levels are high, usually in the rainy season.

When you do not sweat fast enough, your body is not able to release heat, and the internal body temperature rises to unsafe levels. The ideal temperature for a human body to function properly is around 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit, and it can lead to side effects if it gets too high or too low.

According to a study conducted by the University of Pittsburg Medical Center, high humidity levels hurt the human body as the air feels warmer than the official, recorded temperature. Not only does it contribute to low energy and lethargy, but it can also cause hyperthermia - overheating as a result of your body’s inability to effectively let out heat and can negatively impact your health.

Some of the health risks which result from overexposure to humidity include:

• Severe dehydration
• Fatigue and tiredness
• Muscle cramps
• Asthma
• Skin allergy
• Headache
• Drowsiness
• Mood swings
• Sleeplessness or Insomnia
• Nausea and vomiting
• Heat exhaustion
• Fainting
• Death

Easy and sure-shot ways to combat the effects of high humidity

Doctors say even if the temperature is not too high – extreme humidity poses a greater risk for certain people like older adults, children, and those who work either outdoors or are exposed to extreme heat because of their work, recreation, or housing environments. And so, to protect yourself from the after-effects of humidity, you must:

• Try and stay indoors, if possible
• Drink lots of water to hydrate your body
• Limit or pace outdoor activity
• Take cool showers

Doctors also say underlying health conditions can also create an imbalance in your body temperature and hence, you need to pay extra attention to your body. Medications for anxiety and depression can interfere with the body’s temperature regulation, and diabetes can affect how the body manages heat as well.