Dry Season Increases Risk of Dehydration and Respiratory Problems

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The dry season does not directly cause illness, but environmental changes during this period can increase the risk of various health problems. Hot weather, dry air, dust, air pollution, and wildfire smoke are among the factors that people need to be aware of.

Primary Care Family Medicine Specialist, dr. Aghnaa Gayatri, said hot weather can increase fluid loss through sweating. This can lead to dehydration, which may cause weakness, dizziness, and fatigue, and can develop into heat exhaustion or heat stroke, particularly among vulnerable groups.

“Hot weather increases fluid loss through sweating, so dehydration can make people feel weak, dizzy and fatigued,” Aghnaa said during VOI Talk with RRI Voice of Indonesia on Thursday, August 27, 2026.

In addition to heat, dry conditions can increase exposure to dust, particularly on roads, in agricultural areas, and at construction sites. People who work or spend time in dusty environments need to be aware of airborne particles that can be inhaled and affect the respiratory system.

Aghnaa explained that dry air can also irritate the nose and airways. People with asthma, allergic rhinitis, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), or other chronic respiratory conditions, as well as smokers, are particularly vulnerable to respiratory problems during the dry season.

“Dry air can also irritate the nose and airways, so particularly in people who already have asthma, allergic rhinitis, COPD or chronic respiratory disease, especially people who smoke, they are more prone to respiratory complaints,” she conveyed.

She added that the dry season can also affect people’s susceptibility to respiratory infections. Although infections are caused by viruses or bacteria rather than dry weather itself, dry conditions, dust, air pollution, and changes in behavior can influence transmission and increase people’s susceptibility to these infections.