Everything you must know about heat strokes and how to prevent them
| May 6, 2019, 17:31 IST
Summers are brutal in our country – that’s not the news. With temperatures soaring 2-3 degrees every passing day, incidents of heat strokes, dehydration and other ailments has also been increasing. While drinking more water is the norm, the thumb rule to survive the heat, that’s not the only thing you can do. Let’s understand how our body is affected by it and what we can do to avoid heat strokes.
What is a heat stroke? What are its symptoms?
Our body experiences a heat stroke when its core temperature rises above 40 degree celcious. Sweating, while we’re feeling hot actually helps the body maintain body temperature, as it enables the loss of heat. But if a person is dehydrated, he or she may not sweat and that can lead to the beginning o f damage. Symptoms of heat stroke include high body temperature, lethargy, dizziness, nausea, hot red dry skin, rapid pulse, and altered mentation.
Firstly, call an ambulance.
As you wait, try moving the patient to a cool place and lay them down on their side.
Take off their execcise clothing and give then a sponge bath with cold water and place ice packs or cold water towels on the person’s head.
Fan the patient.
Here’s what you can do to avoid heat strokes
Drink plenty of water or other cool, non-alcoholic fluids. Avoid very cold liquids as they can lead to stomach cramps.
2. Avoid performing physical activities in hot weather, especially between 11 am and 3 pm. If unavoidable, try rescheduling such activities to the cooler hours of the day.
3. Rest often.
4. Spend as much time indoors as possible, and ensure ventilation. Draw your blinds or curtains and use air conditioning if possible.
5. Eat smaller meals often. Avoid alcohol and caffeinated beverages.
6. Wear light-coloured, loose-fitting cotton or linen clothing.
7.Use hats, umbrellas, sunglasses, and sunscreens.
What is a heat stroke? What are its symptoms?
Our body experiences a heat stroke when its core temperature rises above 40 degree celcious. Sweating, while we’re feeling hot actually helps the body maintain body temperature, as it enables the loss of heat. But if a person is dehydrated, he or she may not sweat and that can lead to the beginning o f damage. Symptoms of heat stroke include high body temperature, lethargy, dizziness, nausea, hot red dry skin, rapid pulse, and altered mentation.
Firstly, call an ambulance.
As you wait, try moving the patient to a cool place and lay them down on their side.
Take off their execcise clothing and give then a sponge bath with cold water and place ice packs or cold water towels on the person’s head.
Fan the patient.
Here’s what you can do to avoid heat strokes
Drink plenty of water or other cool, non-alcoholic fluids. Avoid very cold liquids as they can lead to stomach cramps.
2. Avoid performing physical activities in hot weather, especially between 11 am and 3 pm. If unavoidable, try rescheduling such activities to the cooler hours of the day.
3. Rest often.
4. Spend as much time indoors as possible, and ensure ventilation. Draw your blinds or curtains and use air conditioning if possible.
5. Eat smaller meals often. Avoid alcohol and caffeinated beverages.
6. Wear light-coloured, loose-fitting cotton or linen clothing.
7.Use hats, umbrellas, sunglasses, and sunscreens.