Heat Stroke- Symptoms, Causes and Prevention Tips

CHANDIGARH

The scorching sun has the capacity to sap our vitality, dehydrate us, or make us sick with heatstroke throughout the summer, thanks to the blazing heatwaves that make us seek an instant cure to cool down during these swampy summer days and revitalize and renew our spirits. Many sections of India are experiencing heat waves of over 40 degrees Celsius, and health experts warn that if the body temperature climbs beyond 40 degrees Celsius, a life-threatening illness known as heatstroke can develop.

Causes:

“Heatstroke stroke is a condition that develops when our body temperature climbs to 40 degrees Celsius or above owing to overheating,” said Senior Consultant. Heatstroke has to be treated right away since it can injure your brain, heart, kidneys, and muscles if left untreated. The longer treatment is delayed, the greater the risk of serious complications and death. People are becoming concerned about what measures and preventions should be taken to protect themselves from the ill effects of the heatwave as the extreme heat increases day by day and the weather warning for the same form has been in place for the previous three days.”

Symptoms:
Nausea and vomiting, flushed skin, fast breathing, and a racing heart rate are all possible symptoms. Due to the heat, the pulse may be greatly elevated. Stress causes a pounding headache and puts a lot of strain on your heart to assist cool you down. So, if you notice any of these symptoms, get medical help right once and get the best treatment available.”

What causes a stroke during a heatwave?

Infants and the elderly are particularly vulnerable to it because their central nervous systems are not fully formed, and older individuals have poor temperature regulation adaptation, making it harder for them to maintain or regulate their body temperature adequately.

While you’re dehydrated and don’t drink enough water, your body struggles to regulate, which can lead to heatstroke when you’re out in the sun. Others include persons using certain drugs that decrease your body’s capacity to keep hydrated, as well as people with certain chronic conditions such as heart and lung problems. Obesity, sedentary behavior, and history of heatstroke might all be risk factors.”

Vital organ damage without a timely reaction to a lower-body is a serious problem. Heatstroke can cause your brain or other organs to enlarge, potentially causing lasting damage, and it can also end in death in severe cases if not treated promptly.

Tips for prevention:

Health professionals advised staying cool and offered some basic steps to help protect oneself from heatwaves:

1. Wear light clothes – To avoid rashes and allergies, dress in light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.

2. Keep cool inside – Try to spend as much time as possible in air-conditioned environments. If you don’t have air conditioning in your house, travel to a shopping mall or library that does, and use the AC or coolers to keep your body cool when you return to the heat. Check with your local health department to see if any heat-relief shelters are available in your area.

3. Cold and refreshing showers – While electric fans are convenient and may provide relief on normal days, they will not protect you from heat-related illness when the temperature rises to dangerous levels. Taking two cold, fresh showers a day or going somewhere air-conditioned is a far better approach to cool off. To keep your home at a cooler temperature, use your induction oven and gas oven less.

4. Avoid outside activities in the afternoons – If possible, avoid doing your outdoor activity in the afternoons. Finish your errands when the weather is cooler, such as in the morning or evening. Rest often in shady locations to allow your body to heal.

5. Keep cool – Avoid extended periods of intense exertion in the heat. Start slowly and gradually increase your pace if you’re not used to working or exercising in a hot environment. STOP any activities if effort in the heat makes your heart race and leaves you gasping for air. If you feel weak or faint, seek refuge in a cool spot or a sun-protected shelter and relax.

6. Use SPF or sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun. Sunburn can dehydrate you and damage your body’s capacity to cool down. Protect yourself from the sun by wearing a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and applying sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher 30 minutes before going outside. Continue to apply it according to the instructions on the packaging. Look for sunscreens with the words “wide spectrum” or “UVA/UVB protection” on the label; they are the most effective.

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