In the hot summer, high temperature, high humidity, and strong heat radiation can cause a series of physiological changes in the body’s body temperature regulation, water and salt metabolism, circulatory system, digestive system, nervous system, urinary system, etc. Once the body cannot adapt, it will may cause the body temperature to rise abnormally and not fall, causing normal physiological function disorders and symptoms related to heat stroke.
Symptoms of Heatstroke
Heat stroke refers to an acute disease mainly manifested by disorders of the central nervous system and/or cardiovascular system caused by disorders of heat balance and/or water and salt metabolism in high-temperature environments. Too high temperature, high humidity, low wind speed, frailty, inability to adapt to heat, excessive labor intensity and time, and excessive fatigue can all easily induce heat stroke.
Symptoms of heatstroke can range from mild to severe. Mild heatstroke can include dizziness, chest tightness, palpitations, flushed complexion, burning skin, and elevated body temperature. Once severe heat stroke develops, excessive sweating, decreased blood pressure, syncope, muscle spasms, and even disturbance of consciousness, drowsiness, and coma may occur.
Heat Stroke Treatment
Patients with heat stroke can generally recover quickly if they receive symptomatic treatment promptly. Get the patient out of the high-temperature environment quickly, move to a well-ventilated, cool place, lie down and rest, and give him a refreshing salty drink. If necessary, an intravenous infusion of glucose and saline is given to correct water and electrolyte balance disorders.
Heat Stroke Prevention and Precautions
- Drink plenty of water. In hot weather, increase fluid intake regardless of the amount of exercise. Don’t wait until you feel thirsty to drink water. For some patients who need to limit their fluid intake, the amount of water they drink during high temperatures should be as directed by their doctor.
- Pay attention to supplementing salt and minerals. Alcoholic beverages and high-sugar beverages cause the body to lose more water and should not be consumed during high temperatures. At the same time, avoid drinking frozen drinks that are too cold to avoid stomach cramps.
- Eat less high-oil and high-fat foods to reduce the body’s caloric intake.
- Wear light, loose, and light-colored clothing.
- Try to stay indoors as much as possible. If conditions permit, the air conditioner should be turned on. If your home does not have air conditioning, you can use public places such as shopping malls or libraries to escape the heat. Although using an electric fan can temporarily relieve the feeling of heat, once the temperature rises above 32.2 degrees Celsius (90 degrees Fahrenheit), the fan will not help reduce the occurrence of heat stroke and other heat-related diseases. Taking a cold shower or turning on the air conditioner is more effective in cooling the body.
- When going out, you should apply UVA/UVB sunscreen with SPF 15 or above, wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, or use a parasol.
- Travel should be avoided before and after noon, and outdoor activities should be conducted in the shade as much as possible.
- Outdoor exercise should be reduced when the temperature is high. If you must exercise outdoors, drink 2-4 cold non-alcoholic drinks every hour. Sports drinks can help replace salts and minerals lost through sweat.
- If you are driving when the temperature is high, do not leave children and pets in the car when leaving the parking lot.
- Although various groups of people can be affected by heat stroke, infants, young children, the elderly over 65 years old, people with mental illness, and chronic diseases such as heart disease and high blood pressure are more at risk and should be paid special attention to. For these high-risk groups, special attention should be paid in hot weather and timely observation should be made for signs of heat stroke.