Many different parts of India are experiencing heat waves above 40 degrees Celsius. Heatwaves occur when normal summer temperatures exceed 4 to 6 degrees Celsius.Also read – Relief to Delhiites as heatwave is not forecast for next 5 days. Deets inside
The Met Department is also warning about heat waves for the next few days. It is very important for us to take care of ourselves and our family in such situations. For example, it is better not to go out during peak hours when the sun is over our head. At such times the heat of the sun can easily deplete our energy which can easily cause dehydration, headaches, heat stroke etc. Let us look at the causes of heat stroke. Also read – What is a menstrual cup? Is it safe? You need to know
What causes heat stroke?
- Increase in body temperature
Heatstroke occurs when your body temperature rises to 40 degrees Celsius. Most infants and the elderly are susceptible to this because it becomes difficult for them to effectively maintain or control their body temperature. Whether you are traveling in an AC bus or working in an office with AC turned on and then you get out and get exposed to heat, in such cases it becomes difficult for the body to control body temperature and hence it can lead to heatstroke. Also read – World Parkinson’s Day 2022: Signs, Symptoms, Causes and Treatments, What You Need to Know – Expert Speaks
Our bodies are made up of 70 percent water, so if we do not drink enough water, our bodies may run out of essential fluids that are needed to keep themselves hydrated. When you are out in the sun, especially at noon, if you do not drink enough water, your body will become dehydrated.
Similarly, when you are out in the sun during peak hours, it generates heat in your body and people are more likely to get headaches and heatstroke in such situations as the sun’s rays hit directly on your head.
In the last 6 days, 4 people have died due to heat stroke in Maharashtra.
Early signs and symptoms of heatstroke
- Dizziness
- Low or high blood pressure
- Dry skin
- Nausea and vomiting
- Unconscious
- Quick breath
- Fast heart rate
Tips to protect yourself from heatwave:
Avoid going out of your house during peak hours in summer. It is important for us to understand that we should drink enough water or juice to stay hydrated so that our body has enough fluids to function properly.
- Try to stand in shady areas and under trees when you are out in the sun.
- Avoid long distance travel during peak hours.
- And don’t eat outside food, heavy meals, high protein diets. Try to take small frequent meals.
- Drinks like tea or coffee, carbonated beverages and most importantly alcohol should also be avoided.
- Wear loose, lightweight clothing
- Protect yourself from sunburn. Apply sunscreen to your skin and use sunglasses and caps whenever possible.
- Babies and the elderly should be given special care and it is better to let them stay indoors and not to be exposed to heat waves outside.
- Take a shower twice a day during the summer when the heat outside is very high. It can also help prevent skin infections caused by heat.
- Avoid taking medicines that add more heat to your body.
- Try to stay indoors as much as possible and only go out when needed.
- Avoid exercising in the sun which causes more heat and sweat in your body. Instead, exercise indoors in your own place.
(Inputs from Dr. Suleiman Ladhani, Consulting Chest Physician MD Chest and Tuberculosis, Masina Hospital)
