For many people, the summer is a time of excitement and delight. People can unwind, take vacations, and engage in outdoor activities during this season. For individuals who do not know how to deal with the heat, it can also be a difficult period. Heatstroke is a serious medical disease that can be fatal brought on by the heat.
What exactly is a heatstroke?
When the body temperature reaches an unsafe level, a disease known as heatstroke can happen that damages the brain and other important organs. Depending on the extent of the heat exposure, heatstroke can happen immediately or gradually over several days. To avoid long-term harm or death, the disease may be life-threatening, thus prompt medical intervention is required.
What causes a heatstroke?
Dehydration, prolonged exposure to high temperatures, and physically demanding exercise are the main causes of heatstroke. The body’s natural cooling mechanism might not be adequate under hot and muggy conditions to keep the body temperature from rising. Heatstroke can happen when the body’s system for controlling temperature malfunctions. Wearing bulky clothing, consuming alcohol, taking certain medications that can affect the body’s ability to regulate its temperature and exercising outdoors are additional risk factors for heatstroke,
Why is heat exhaustion dangerous?
Heatstroke can harm the brain and other important organs, leaving the victim permanently disabled or perhaps dead. Seizures, fuzziness, loss of consciousness, and even coma can be brought on by the illness. The length and intensity of heat exposure, as well as the person’s age, health, and other underlying medical issues, all affect how severe a heatstroke is. Due to their weakened immune systems, infants, young children, and the elderly are particularly susceptible to heatstroke.
So it’s important to know how to stay cool and avoid heatstroke.
During the summer, Malla Reddy Narayana Hospital in Suraram advises following the tips below to stay cool and prevent heatstroke:
Keep Hydrated
Even if you don’t feel thirsty, it’s important to hydrate yourself throughout the day. Avoiding sugary or alcoholic drinks that can dehydrate you is vital because they can raise your risk of heatstroke.
Dress Properly
You can stay cool by dressing in airy, light-colored clothing that fits loosely. Dark clothing can increase your body temperature since it absorbs more heat.
Use Sunblock
It’s crucial to shield your skin from UV rays during the summer. Sunburn can raise the risk of heatstroke, thus using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher can help avoid sunburn.
Stay Indoors
Between 11 am and 4 pm is usually when it gets the hottest. To stay cool and prevent heatstroke, it is advised to stay indoors during this period.
Use Air Conditioning or Fans
Heatstroke can be avoided by employing fans or air conditioning to keep your home cool. Filters can be cleaned or replaced on a regular basis to help your home’s air quality.
Go For a Cold Shower
During the summer, taking a chilly shower might help reduce your body temperature and refresh you.
Consume Cooling Food
You can feel cooler by eating foods like watermelon, cucumber, and mint. You can stay cool throughout the sweltering summer months thanks to the inherent cooling qualities of these foods.
Speak to your doctor or healthcare provider if you are feeling hot and worried about heatstroke. They can give you further details on how to avoid heatstroke and assist you in keeping cool during the sweltering summer months. At Malla Reddy Narayana Multispeciality Hospital, our staff is highly skilled in both preventing and treating heatstroke. You may stay safe and healthy during the hottest months of the year with our assistance and care. If you see any signs of heatstroke, schedule a consultation with us right away, and we’ll make sure you get the finest care available. Beat the heat with us while remaining cool!
FAQs
What are the symptoms of heatstroke?
The symptoms of heatstroke include a high body temperature, nausea, vomiting, headache, and confusion. In severe cases, it can lead to seizures or coma.
Can heatstroke be prevented?
Heatstroke can be prevented by staying hydrated, avoiding outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day, and taking regular breaks in the shade or air-conditioned environments. It is also essential to wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing and use sunscreen.
How much water should I drink to stay hydrated in the summer?
It is recommended to drink at least eight glasses of water a day to stay hydrated during the summer. However, it is important to drink more water if you are engaging in physical activity or sweating excessively.
How often should I apply sunscreen?
It is recommended to apply sunscreen at least every two hours or more frequently if you are swimming or sweating.
Can certain medications increase the risk of heatstroke?
Yes, some medications such as diuretics, beta-blockers, and antihistamines can increase the risk of heatstroke. It is essential to consult your doctor if you are taking any medications and to ask if they increase your risk of heatstroke. Malla Reddy Narayana Multispeciality Hospital, Suraram, has the best team of experts who have experience in handling cases of heatstrokes and exhaustion. If you notice any symptoms of heatstroke, rush to the hospital immediately.
