The temperature is increasing rapidly in many parts of the country including Delhi-NCR. The intensity of heat has increased so much that people have started feeling troubled and distressed. Due to extreme heat, not only does one sweat excessively, but the body also starts feeling tired. The Meteorological Department has issued a ‘heatwave’ warning in many areas of the country for the coming days. During this time, health problems like dehydration and heatstroke increase significantly. Therefore, it is very important to have complete information about both these conditions. People often consider these two to be the same thing, but it is not so at all. Let us learn about the key differences between the two from Dr. Rajinder Kumar Singhal, Principal Director and HOD, Department of Internal Medicine, BLK-Max Super Specialty Hospital:
Dehydration: A sign of “lack of energy” in the body.
Dehydration actually occurs when there is a lack of water in the body. This happens when you are losing more water through sweat and other body processes than you are taking in. Therefore, it is a slow and stealthy process, which starts with mild symptoms at first and gradually takes a serious toll on your health.
Don’t ignore these warning signs
**Dryness:** Feeling of stickiness in the mouth or roughness in the throat.
**Change in urine color:** This is the most accurate sign. If the color of your urine has become dark, do not take it lightly. Healthy urine should be the color of light lemonade.
**Headache:** Feeling dizzy when standing suddenly, or a persistent headache that does not go away, may be a sign of dehydration.
**In children:** If a child is crying without tears, or looks unusually quiet and lethargic, he or she is likely dehydrated.
Heatstroke: Shutdown of entire body systems
Heatstroke is a very serious medical emergency. It’s not just a matter of feeling thirsty; This happens when your body’s internal ‘thermostat’ (temperature controller) stops working properly and malfunctions. Your body temperature can reach 40°C or more within a few minutes. In this extreme heat, your brain and internal organs are literally at risk. **Keep an eye out for these warning signs**
**Mental Fog:** Slurred speech, numb or confused behavior, or sudden, unusual irritability.
**Skin changes:** Skin feels very hot to the touch. Sometimes the skin is completely dry; So sometimes, it can be sweaty. High fever is its main symptom.
**Rapid heartbeat:** Heart beating fast and breathing very fast.
**Severe symptoms:** Severe nausea, vomiting, or fainting.
how to stay safe in summer
To avoid these heat-related problems, it is important to keep the following things in mind:
**Keep drinking water regularly:** Don’t wait until you feel thirsty. Keep a water bottle with you and keep drinking small sips throughout the day to maintain the level of water in your body.
**Keep time in mind:** Avoid going out between 12:00 noon and 4:00 pm. If you must go outside, stay in the shade and wear loose-fitting, light-colored cotton clothes.
**Drink beverages other than plain water:** If you’re sweating a lot, drinking just plain water can sometimes reduce the salt levels in your body. Lemon water made by adding a pinch of salt and sugar is very effective in keeping your body hydrated.
**Do not ignore warning signs:** If you feel unwell—such as dizziness, nausea, or confusion—stop your activity immediately. Go to a cool place. If you do not get relief within a few minutes, then go to a hospital and consult a doctor. Taking a ten-minute break in the shade now is much better than spending three days in a hospital bed later. Act wisely and take care of your family.
