Heat stroke: The heat wave has already hit several parts of the country and the mercury is rising day by day. With this sudden change in temperature, it is important to take precautions against summer illnesses like heat stroke.
Signs, symptoms and prevention of heat stroke: It’s only the beginning of March, but it looks like the mercury has made its way straight into peak summers. Usually now is a nice time after saying goodbye to Winters and welcoming the happy spring. While the fragrance of the fresh flower is surely in the air, the temperatures are already very high. Even the Indian government also started issuing an anti-heat wave advisory in early March. Well, we know that global warming is a thing, right? However, with the heat wave hitting parts of the country, heat stroke and summer-related illnesses can also increase with rising temperatures.
What is a heat stroke?
Heat stroke is a common condition that is often caused by overheating of the body. This is the result of prolonged exposure to heat, sun and physical exertion. When the body temperature shoots above 40 degrees Celsius, a person is likely to have the condition.
Heat stroke or sunstroke as it is called, if not treated immediately, can cause severe brain damage and impair the functioning of internal organs as well.
Signs and symptoms of heat stroke
As the heat wave engulfs the country, it’s critical to take note of what can lead to heat stroke, as it becomes quite common when the mercury soars during summer days.
Body temperature can rise up to 40 degrees Celsius due to physical exposure and exertion under the scorching sun.
- Fainting- It is one of the first signs that you are experiencing heat stroke when you are out in the sun.
- Dehydration is one of the main factors. It is extremely important to consume a large amount of fluids.
- throbbing headaches
- Lack of sweat: Sweat helps cool down your body temperature, but if your body can’t cool down naturally, that’s a sign you shouldn’t ignore.
- fast heartbeat and shallow breaths
- behavior changes such as feeling confused, disoriented, nauseated
- vomiting is another sign.
Prevention and treatment of heat stroke
Prevention
- Keep hydrated. Consume plenty of fluids as the body requires more water than usual during summers.
- Don’t overexert yourself in the sun. Avoid going outside during heat wave-like conditions.
- Wear lightweight, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing. Allow the body to breathe.
- Take cool baths to help lower body temperature.
Treatment
If someone suffers from heat stroke, seek medical help immediately. In the meantime, the immediate actions that must be taken are:
- Move the person to a cool, shady place out of the sun.
- Remove excess clothing allowing the body to cool down and breathe
- Shower the person with cold water.
- Drinking water
- Keep wet towels on your head
Stay hydrated, stay fit!
$(document).ready(function(){
$(‘#commentbtn’).on(“click”,function(){
(function(d, s, id) {
var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];
if (d.getElementById(id)) return;
js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id;
js.src = “//connect.facebook.net/en_US/all.js#xfbml=1&appId=178196885542208”;
fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs);
}(document, ‘script’, ‘facebook-jssdk’));
$(“.cmntbox”).toggle();
});
});
