Beware Of Heatstrokes In Summer: Symptoms, Causes, And How To Prevent It

Illustration of idap heat stroke (Photo: Freepik/Freepik)

Heat stroke is a serious condition that occurs when the body experiences extreme temperature increases, usually due to exposure to high temperatures or severe physical activity in hot weather for a long time.

This is the most severe stage of a heat injury, and can occur when the body temperature reaches 40 degC or more. This condition is most common in summer and requires emergency medical treatment.

If not treated immediately, heatstroke can quickly damage the brain, heart, kidneys, and muscles. The longer the treatment is delayed, the greater the risk of serious complications or even death.

Symptoms

Reporting from the Mayo Clinic page, common symptoms appear in someone who has heatstrokes, among others:

- Body temperature is very high (40$C), this is the main sign.

- Changes in mental conditions such as confusion, anxiety, pelo talk, irritability, seizures, and loss of consciousness.

- Sweat can change, the skin can feel dry and hot if the cause is weather, but it can be very sweaty when caused by exercise.

- Nausea and vomiting.

- The skin reddens as the body temperature increases.

-Hate fast and shallow.

- The heart rate is increasing rapidly as the heart works extra to cool the body.

- Severe headache.

If you suspect someone has heatstroke, immediately seek medical assistance. Call emergency services such as 118/119, and do first aid while waiting for the ambulance:

- Take it to a shady place or into an air-conditioned room.

- Take off the excess clothes.

- Cool the body in any way available. Soak in cold water, spray with a hose, cloth with cold water, use a fan while wetting the skin, or attach a wet towel/ice compress on the head, neck, armpit, andlongs.

Cause Of Heatstroke

Heat stroke can be caused by two main things:

- Exposure to high temperatures for a long time is known as non-exertional heat stroke. Usually occurs during hot and humid weather, especially in the elderly or those with certain health conditions.

- Heavy physical activity in hot weather is known as exertional heat stroke. It can be experienced by anyone who exercise or works hard in a hot environment, especially if they are not used to this temperature.

Several other trigger factors include:

- Thick clothes that prevent sweat evaporation.

- Consumption of alcohol.

- Lack of liquid (dehydration).

Who is at risk?

Anyone can get heatstroke, but there are certain risk factors:

- Age is very young or elderly. The central nervous system is not ripe or begins to decline, so the body has difficulty adjusting the temperature.

- Heavy activities in hot weather, such as military exercises, extreme sports, and others.

- Sudden exposure to heat, for example when moving to hot areas or when the heat wave suddenly arrives.

- There is no air conditioner, fans alone are not enough during extreme weather.

- Certain drugs such as diuretic, beta blocker, antidepressant, ADHD stimulant, and drugs such as amphetamine or cocaine.

- Clinical diseases such as heart disease, lungs, obesity, passive lifestyle, or previous heat stroke history.

Complications

If the body temperature is too high left too long, it can lead to:

- Damage to vital organs that include the brain, liver, kidney, and muscle can cause swelling or permanent damage.

- Death, due to slow handling, heat stroke can be fatal.

How To Prevent Heatstroke

The good news is that heatstroke can be prevented. Here are some steps that can be taken:

- Use loose and light clothes, such as from linen, cotton, or other thin materials.

- Protect yourself from sunlight, wear a wide hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen SPF 15 or more, and apply again every 2 hours.

- Drink a lot of water to keep the body cool and hydrated.

- Beware of the effects of drugs, especially those that affect body temperature or cause dehydration.

- Don't leave anyone in the parked car, the temperature in the car can increase 11°C in just 10 minutes. Even with the window open, it remains dangerous.

- Avoid severe activity when the weather is very hot. If it has to be done, do it in the morning or evening, rest in a cool place, and drink water regularly.

- Adapting to the hot temperature gradually. Give a few days or weeks for the body to adjust.

- Be alert if you are at high risk. If you have certain conditions or take drugs that increase the risk, avoid heat and recognize the early symptoms of overheating.