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Potential changes in disease patterns and pharmaceutical use in response to climate change
Clare H Redshaw1, Will M Stahl-Timmins, Lora E Fleming
1European Centre for Environment and Human Health, University of Exeter Medical School, Knowledge Spa, Royal Cornwall Hospital, Truro, Cornwall, United Kingdom. clare.redshaw@plymouth.ac.uk
Summary
Climate change is altering disease patterns, increasing chronic and infectious diseases, and driving higher pharmaceutical use globally. This necessitates understanding environmental impacts on medication consumption and release.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Public Health
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Climate change is a significant driver of shifts in environmental conditions.
- These environmental alterations are directly impacting human disease incidence and global distribution patterns.
- Existing disease profiles are evolving, with notable increases in chronic conditions like cardiovascular and mental illnesses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To discuss the evolving disease profiles due to climate change.
- To analyze the subsequent effects on human pharmaceutical usage patterns.
- To explore the implications for the Northern Hemisphere's pharmaceutical consumption.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on climate change impacts on health.
- Analysis of trends in disease incidence linked to environmental factors.
- Examination of projected changes in pharmaceutical use based on disease pattern shifts.
Main Results:
- Climate change is linked to increased chronic diseases (e.g., cardiovascular, mental illness) in the Northern Hemisphere, escalating the use of common Western medications.
- Exacerbated respiratory symptoms and increased prevalence of respiratory, water-borne, and food-borne diseases are anticipated.
- Emerging disease threats suggest a substantial rise in pharmaceutical use, including novel drug classes like antiprotozoals and increased use of analgesics.
Conclusions:
- Climate change necessitates a proactive approach to managing evolving disease threats and pharmaceutical use.
- Awareness of factors influencing pharmaceutical use and environmental release is crucial for mitigation and adaptation.
- Understanding these interconnected changes is vital for public health and environmental protection strategies.
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