How to Spot Heat Stroke and Address it on Time
Heat stroke is a common side effect of long exposure of the sun. As the summer is here, and not everyone has the luxury of the working inside an AC office. Thus, many people are forced to work under the sun even at the peak hours of the day. Many people get admitted to hospitals due to the same, as an untreated heat stroke can end up badly. However, identifying them in the initial stage can help it a lot control it.
Let’s understand, what a heat stroke is. Heat stroke is severe injury due to long exposure under heat and radiation. It is considered as a medical emergency and thus timely detection is crucial.
Detecting an imminent heat stroke can be done by looking for other symptoms such as heat cramps, exhaustion, and fainting, but often it may have no previous symptoms, making it quite tricky to identify.
On an average, the following symptoms usually onsets for an imminent heat stroke-
- Abnormally high core body temperature
- Dizziness, confusion, stammering
- Loss of consciousness
- Rapid heartbeat
- Shallow breathing
- Sharp, throbbing headache
- Lack of sweat
- Muscle cramp and weakness
- Seizures
- Nausea and vomiting
- Dry, red skin
Usually, the heat stroke affects an older individual much more adversely than younger people. However, athlete and sportsperson are highly susceptible to get severely affected by heat strokes as well.
Heat stroke, in its severe form, can cause temporary and permanent damage to the brain cells, along with other organs. Thereby, getting the patient in touch with a healthcare facility is highly recommended. However, the patient could be addressed in the meantime, through any of the following ways as well, to keep the situation under control.
Laying down the patient under the fan and sprinkle water on their body
Immerse the patient under the shower or in the bathtub with cold water
Applying ice packs on armpits, neck, and back, particularly because, the blood vessels are underneath these sites and thus helps to cool down the body more effectively.
Going for an ice bath is recommended for the young patient, who collapse due to over exhaustion, but is otherwise healthy and effective as well. However, the same should never be considered for older and very young patients, as it causes more harm than good.
Seeking a healthcare is still recommended, even if the patients get better after first aid treatment to ensure no long-term damage onsets due to the same. Needless to say, taking adequate precautions is the best way to stay healthy during summer.
Healthy Habits This Summer
After the chilling cold, summer has arrived, and it is going to stay for long. Before this, scorching sun makes you sick and visits hospitals for a variety of reasons, out of which, the heatstroke is the most common. Here we present you some of the healthy habits to follow to stay cool during this hot, humid weather.
1. Always apply sunscreen
In summer, the sun is at its peak for most time of the day. Thus, whether it is the early morning or mid-noon, wearing a sunscreen is very important. The Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of the same depending on the skin type and other factors. To be on the safe side, avoid being out under the sun between the time between 10 am and 4 pm to minimize the UV radiation. In case, one needs to spend hours under the sun, applying sunscreen in an interval of 2-3 hours will be beneficial.
2. Stay hydrated
The most important thing during summers is to stay hydrated. The heat waves, excessive sweats and more frequent bathroom visits can lead to dehydration during this time of the year. Dehydration, if not addressed properly can cause several other problems. To avoid such a thing, it is important to take a lot of water. Apart from regular water, adding fruit with high water is a good option as well. These include cucumber, tomato, watermelon, coconut etc.
3. Eat healthy breakfast
The long shower should never be the reason to skip breakfast, even during summers. Proper nutrition is crucial for proper functioning of the body. A healthy meal of protein-rich food is advised for daily consumption. Persistent skipping of breakfast can cause malnutrition, dehydration and other complication.
4. Plan exercise accordingly
Summer should not pause the exercise regime, but pushing oneself is not advised either. Instead of jogging under the sun, trying it during early morning and evening is recommended. Moreover, working out indoor is more advisable.
5. Wear loose-fitting clothes
Skin infection due to several reasons is quite common in summers. To keep these problems at bay, it is always advised to wear loose fitting clothes in both day and night time. It is also recommended to use cotton clothes. Covering the face and hair is also recommended to reduce direct exposure to sunlight.
So, adapt the healthy habits to enjoy your summer with ice creams and summer breaks. Happy Summer to you!