As the month of April is coming to an end, the heat is continuously increasing. Due to the scorching sun, it immediately becomes a difficult task for people to step out of the house. Due to the combination of this intense sunlight and daily rising temperatures, cases of heatstroke are increasing rapidly these days. As a result, prolonged exposure to sunlight or strenuous physical work causes the body temperature to rise well above normal levels, increasing the risk of heatstroke. Keeping this in view, let us know how we can protect ourselves from heatstroke during the summer season.
What is heatstroke?
According to Dr. Rahul Chirag (Consultant Physician, Care Hospitals), heatstroke is a medical condition in which the body temperature increases due to extreme heat or exposure to extreme heat for a prolonged period. This happens when the core body temperature rises to 104°F (40°C) or higher. This situation is often seen during extremely hot days. According to doctors, there are two types of heatstroke: exertional (with physical exertion) and non-exertional (without physical exertion). Exertional heatstroke mainly affects athletes and manual laborers because they perform strenuous physical work or exercise in bright sunlight; In contrast, non-exertional heatstroke is more commonly seen in the elderly and young children, because their body’s ability to regulate core temperature is less.
Symptoms and dangers of heatstroke
Talking about the symptoms of heatstroke, its main signs include fever, headache, confusion, irritability, fainting or seizures. Additionally, dry and hot skin, rapid heartbeat, and rapid breathing can also be warning signs of heatstroke. If not treated on time, this condition can prove fatal; Therefore, it is very important to seek medical help from a doctor immediately as soon as symptoms appear.
Heatstroke prevention and treatment methods
To avoid heatstroke, one should avoid going out during the afternoon hours when the sun is at its strongest. It is advisable to wear light colored, loose-fitting clothes. Additionally, one should drink plenty of water and other fluids, and use an umbrella or a hat when going out in the sun. To treat this condition, the person should be immediately moved to a cool or shady place so that his body temperature can reduce. Their clothes should be loosened and cold water compresses should be applied. If the condition is serious—such as unconsciousness or a high fever—the person should be taken to a hospital immediately.