France heatwaves impact dialysis patients

Heatwaves in France are creating significant health challenges for the more than 50,000 patients undergoing dialysis. These individuals, who rely on the treatment to supplement failing kidney function, face a difficult struggle to manage fluid intake during extreme temperatures.

Patients report that high heat impacts both their physical and mental health. Some struggle with the urge to drink more water to combat thirst, which can be dangerous for those required to strictly limit fluid consumption. Additionally, many patients living in social housing (HLM) face restrictions on installing air conditioning, forcing them to remain confined in overheated homes.

In France, the number of dialysis patients has risen over the last decade due to an aging population and an increase in diabetes, which remains the leading cause of kidney failure requiring dialysis.