Summer
is upon us, and it has been bad. With temperatures soaring up to over 40
degrees, it is hard to get through the day without having the air
conditioning unit on or having the ceiling fan on at full speed. For
those of us who venture out into the sun, it is important to take
certain precautions.
Heat stroke is a worrying problem that can
affect those of us who brave the heat. Here, we take a look at this
problem and how you can prevent it.
What is heat stroke?
Heat
stroke is a condition where the body's temperature regulation system
fails to maintain normal body temperature in the sweltering heat.
It
is a serious condition that requires emergency management in hospital.
It usually affects people over the age of 50 yrs, but we have seen even
younger individuals affected these days.
What happens in heat stroke?
The
normal body temperature is 98.4 degrees Fahrenheit, or around 37
degrees Celsius. This temperature is maintained through a complex system
called the thermoregulatory system in the brain.
When exposed to
extreme heat, dehydration that accompanies the heat can make this system
fail to regulate body temperature. As a consequence, the body overheats
to a temperature of over 105 degrees F, leading to the shutting down of
brain function and collapse. This is called heat stroke.
What are the symptoms?
The
first symptom can be fainting. However, some people experience other
symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, headache (throbbing), hot skin,
dizziness, light headedness and occasionally a fast (or slow) heartbeat.
Advanced
or complicated cases may present with seizures or coma, and some cases
may demonstrate behavioural changes and confusion.
Who is at risk?
Heat
stroke is common in a certain group of individuals. The most
susceptible individuals include infants, elderly people (especially
those who have heart disease, lung disease, diabetes or kidney disease),
individuals who work out in the sun, children left unattended in cars
and athletes.
Heat stroke is either exertional (in those who
exercise or work in the heat), or non-exertional (seen in infants or in
those with an underlying medical illness).
How is a heat stroke victim treated?
Heat stroke is an emergency condition that requires immediate hospitalisation and treatment.
The first step in treating a person with heat stroke is to cool them down.
Get
the victim to a shady area first. Remove clothing and apply cool water
or begin tepid sponging if possible. Fan the victim if possible, and
place ice packs under the armpits and in the groin.
Offer the
victim a cool beverage, ideally water or any juice available
immediately. Do not give them drinks that contain alcohol or caffeine.
Make sure you monitor the temperature of the affected individual using a
thermometer, and continue cooling till the temperature reduces to
around 100-101 degrees Fahrenheit.
Call an ambulance and arrange
for the patient to be transferred immediately as a matter of urgency.
Preventing heat stroke Avoid dehydration by drinking a good amount of
water regularly.
If you have to participate in sports, then make sure you have water or your favourite sports drink at hand at all times.
Replenish
electrolytes by using sports drinks if you sweat excessively in the
heat. ORS is a good rehydration solution. Wear light colored, loose
fitting clothes whenever possible.
Simple steps can prevent this fatal condition.
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