Q COSTA RICA — The El Niño phenomenon not only represents a change in Costa Rica’s weather conditions. This scenario can lead to cardiovascular, respiratory, dermatological, allergic, renal, and occupational complications. This situation is especially relevant for older adults and people with heart disease or cardiovascular risk factors. Pulmonologist Dr. Luis Ugalde Gamboa explained that El Niño does not directly cause respiratory illnesses, but it can modify environmental conditions and increase exposure to pollutants that irritate the respiratory tract. “Climatic phenomena like El Niño remind us that the environment directly influences our respiratory health,” stated Monge.