What to do in the event of heat exhaustion or heat stroke

Record high temperatures have greeted summer’s arrival in recent years. Here are some safety tips.

Finally, some sunshine! It’s time to take advantage of the pleasant weather by heading to the park or lake.

But eventually, we have had enough, and our bodies require a vacation. You can develop heat exhaustion if you spend too much time in the sun. Furthermore, heat stroke might happen to people who labour hard in the hot weather.

There is frequently confusion between heat exhaustion and heat stroke. You can think of them more as two different intensities of how heated your body is becoming rather than as two separate entities. How does it occur, and how can you tell which one is which? Here are some summer safety advice.

Heat exhaustion: what is it?
Heat exhaustion can result from your body overheating from too much sun exposure or from heat waves.

Similar to heat cramps, heat stroke, and heat rash, heat exhaustion is a heat-related ailment. While not as deadly as heat stroke, improper management of this condition can result in the more serious illness.

Heat exhaustion typically manifests as a headache first. You move more slowly, you sweat a lot, your face is red, you are hot, and you may feel sick to your stomach and throw up. Also possible are lightheadedness and faintness.

Unexpectedly, the skin of a person suffering from heat exhaustion is typically chilly rather than heated.

How should one treat heat exhaustion?
First and foremost, people experiencing heat exhaustion should be removed out of the sun as soon as possible, placed in a cool area or under shade, and given water to drink. Wet, cold towels can aid in body cooling. A person suffering from heat exhaustion should also drink a lot of liquids to restore their regular water balance. Restoring lost salts can be accomplished with cold water or sports drinks, but stay away from alcohol and caffeine. In addition to causing excessive sweating, which on extremely hot days can result in an extra fluid loss of up to two litres, these might further dehydrate you.

You must take it easy till the symptoms subside.

It’s crucial to be aware that severe vomiting, disorientation, or even unconsciousness may happen in extreme circumstances. If it occurs, you ought to visit a physician immediately, if only to rule out heat stroke.

Heat stroke: what is it?
Heat stroke, which is more deadly than heat exhaustion, can occur when heat exhaustion is not adequately treated or when physical activity is performed in a hot environment.

In very hot weather, the body takes in more heat than it can expel. In ten to fifteen minutes, the body temperature can increase to 41°C (105.8°F). The body experiences an inflammatory reaction as a result of this sudden warming.

For example, sweat production ceases when the body’s mechanism for regulating temperature malfunctions. Your body uses sweat to help cool itself, so when it stops sweating, your body temperature rises.

Heat stroke poses a major risk to life. Reduced consciousness, headaches, lightheadedness, and sleepiness are among the symptoms; seizures, diarrhoea, vomiting, and low blood pressure are possible side effects as well. If left untreated, heat stroke can be fatal in less than 24 hours, developing in one to six hours.

Heat stroke is typically caused by a combination of high temperatures and severe fluid and electrolyte shortages in the elderly, chronically unwell, and young. Heat stroke typically occurs in healthy adults who engage in excessive physical activity in hot, sunny weather, such as playing sports or working outside.

How to treat a heat stroke?
It is imperative to promptly notify emergency personnel upon the onset of symptoms of heat stroke. The affected individual needs to be moved into a cool area or the shade in order to avoid the heat and sun. The affected person should be provided fluids if at all possible and their body should be cooled down as soon as possible using cold water, ice baths, or drenched clothes. Take off everything that is too big.

If the patient is breathing normally but is unconscious, they should be put in a stable lateral position until help arrives. Consciousness and normal breathing must be monitored often. The person has to be put into resuscitation if their breathing is irregular.

Preventing heat stroke and exhaustion
The heat regulating system of our body rapidly approaches its limit in too high temperatures. Elderly folks also frequently consume insufficient amounts of water. Because of this, the body is unable to sweat enough, which makes it challenging for the body to naturally cool down.

Calling a doctor is then usually the safest course of action.

The most effective strategy to prevent heat fatigue or even heat stroke is clear: Take precautions against overexposure to sun, especially during midday; wear a light-colored hat to protect your head; stay out of intense heat if at all possible; and stay hydrated. An adult generally needs an additional half litre of water on hot days.

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