Heat Wave: How To Stay Safe From Heatstroke

Recently, a deadly heat wave has hit us and the temperature is rising by more than 40 degrees and reaching even as high as 50 degrees celsius in many parts of the country with the scorching sun shining over us for a long 14 hours.

This deadly heat wave has always caused great disasters to our health with many succumbing to dehydration and heat stroke ultimately losing their lives.

What Is Heat Stroke?

Heat stroke is an emergency health condition when the temperature of the body rises up to 40 degrees celsius. It is the most severe type of hyperthermia. It causes dehydration, brain damage, organ failure and ultimately death. If a person does not cool off within 30 minutes after heat exhaustion it usually turns into heat stroke. Therefore, it is necessary to take precautions to keep oneself from life-threatening heat stroke.

Types Of Heat Stroke

There are two types of heat stroke

Exertional Heat Stroke 

Physical activity can cause exertional heat stroke in a hot humid environment. It can happen as an emergency and can happen on its own.

Non-exertional Stroke

Non-exertional stroke can occur over the days where it happens without any physical activity. 

This type of heatstroke, also known as classic heatstroke, can be caused by age or underlying medical issues.

Signs Of Heatstroke

Signs of heatstroke manifest in the following way:

• Body temperature rising as much as 40 degrees celsius.
• Not sweating even when feeling hot.
• Dizziness..
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Shortness of breath.
• Confusion.
• Seizure.
• Loss of consciousness.

Diagnosis Of Heatstroke

Heatstroke is usually diagnosed in the emergency room by healthcare experts. They go over your symptoms, examine you, and take your temperature. Blood tests and a urinalysis may also be carried out. A chest X-ray or an electrocardiogram (EKG) to assess your heart's electrical activity may be required.

Precautions In Heat Stroke

In such burning weather conditions, we must take measures to follow appropriate precautions.

Keep Yourself Hydrated

In this searing heat, keep drinking a lot of water, as well as lemonades and rehydration drinks in order to make up for water loss. Drink mild to cold water, ice-cold water can be unhealthy. Avoid hot drinks like hot tea or coffee. Keep cold water towels to cool off.

Stay Indoors

Outside the hot sun is beaming over our heads, therefore, it is better to stay inside and under the cool shade.

Wear Fully Covered Clothes

Wear lighter and breathable material clothes but cover most parts of the body. Use caps and umbrellas as well. This will save your skin from scorching harmful sun rays.

Use Sunscreen

When out do not forget to apply sunscreen even when you wear covered clothes. Harmful rays can reach you regardless, therefore it is important to take precautions.

If Someone Shows Signs of Heatstroke

• Place them somewhere cool.
• Encourage them to lie down with their feet slightly up.
• Encourage them to drink a lot of water. It's fine to drink sports or rehydration beverages.
• Spray or wash their skin with cool water and gently fan them.
• Cold packs applied to the armpits or neck are also beneficial.

Conclusion

In this hot lethal weather, it is important to take precautions and not to overexert yourself because health comes first. Keep your hydration level optimum, and save yourself from heat stroke. If you feel you are experiencing heat stroke, seek emergency help as soon as possible. Dr Essa Lab. offers all the basic diagnostic testing services required in this emergency situation, such as Blood Tests, Urinalysis, Chest X-Ray, and Electrocardiogram(EKG). Call at UAN: (021)-111-786-986 or visit our nearest branch.

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