It doesn't matter how hot Sri Lanka is these days, right? It's very uncomfortable to sweat and feel tired. Although many people think this is normal, this extreme heat can have an unbearable effect on our bodies. Similarly, the most serious condition that can even be life-threatening is heatstroke . So today, let's be aware of this.
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What exactly is heatstroke?
Simply put, heat stroke is when our body's cooling system fails due to excessive heat, causing our body temperature to rise to a dangerous level. It's like a car's radiator breaking and the engine overheating. This condition is considered a medical emergency because it can damage our brain and other internal organs.
Heat stroke usually doesn't occur suddenly. It is preceded by milder symptoms. Let's clearly understand the difference between these two conditions.
| Disease status | Simply put... |
|---|---|
| Heat exhaustion | This is the first stage. Symptoms include excessive sweating, dizziness , headache , nausea , and weakness. This can be controlled by getting enough rest and drinking fluids. |
| Heatstroke | If left untreated, heat exhaustion can develop into this dangerous condition, where the body's temperature control system completely breaks down. This is life-threatening. |
What are the symptoms of this dangerous condition?
The main symptom of heat stroke is a core body temperature of over 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit) . But even if you don't have a thermometer, it's important to watch for the following symptoms:
- Severe headache : A severe headache that feels like a throbbing pain on both sides of the forehead.
- Dizziness and fainting: Feeling so dizzy that you can't stand.
- Stopped sweating: The skin becomes dry and red without sweating despite the heat. (In some cases, excessive sweating may also occur.)
- Skin flushing: Redness of the face and skin.
- Muscle weakness or limping: A limp or twitching of the muscles.
- Nausea and vomiting: Feeling sick to your stomach and vomiting.
- Palpitations : Feeling that the heart is beating fast.
- Breathing becomes rapid and short: difficulty breathing.
- Behavioral changes: Unexplained confusion, disorientation, slurred speech, and a sense of being in a state of disorientation .
- In some cases , loss of consciousness or even coma may occur.
Exertional Heatstroke
This is especially true for people who engage in intense physical activity in extreme heat. For example, athletes, military personnel, and those who work outdoors, such as in construction, are at higher risk.
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Check Availability →What we should do immediately if someone has heatstroke (first aid)
Most importantly: Heat stroke is not something that can be treated at home. It is a medical emergency. If you suspect that you or someone else is experiencing any of the above symptoms, call 911 immediately or take the patient to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital. Every second of delay can be life-threatening.
While waiting for the ambulance to arrive or on the way to the hospital, there are some first aid measures you can perform.
| Emergency first aid measures | |
|---|---|
| 1. Move to a cool place | Move the patient immediately to an air-conditioned (AC) room or at least a cool place with shade. Remove unnecessary clothing. |
| 2. Cool the body | Use a damp sponge or cloth to dampen the body and fan it with a fan. If possible, place ice packs on the armpits, groin, neck, and back. (The body cools down quickly in these areas because the major blood vessels are close to the skin.) |
| 3. Bathing in cool water | If possible, place the patient under a cool shower or soak in a tub. |
| 4. If breathing stops | If the patient loses consciousness and stops breathing, begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) if you are trained. |
Who is at higher risk of developing heatstroke?
Although anyone can get heat stroke, some people are at higher risk.
- Age: Children under 4 years of age and adults over 65 years of age have a reduced ability to regulate body temperature.
- Health conditions: People with chronic diseases such as heart disease, lung disease, kidney disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity are at higher risk.
- Medications: Some medications can reduce the body's ability to tolerate heat. For example, antihistamines, diuretics (drugs that increase urination), some psychiatric medications, and beta-blockers for high blood pressure. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions about the medications you are taking.
- Environment: People who live in homes without air conditioning or good ventilation, especially in urban areas, are at higher risk. Concrete buildings in cities absorb heat during the day and slowly release it at night, so temperatures remain high even at night.
- Lifestyle: Not drinking enough water and drinking alcohol can dehydrate the body and increase the risk.
How to avoid heatstroke?
Heat stroke is a preventable condition. Take care of these things during this extreme heat.
- Clothing: Wear light, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing such as cotton that absorbs sweat and doesn't constrict the body. Wear a wide-brimmed hat if you're going outside.
- Drink plenty of water: Drink at least 8-10 glasses of water a day. Eat fruits and vegetables that are high in water, such as watermelon and cucumber. If you sweat a lot, it is also a good idea to drink a drink like Jeevani or a sports drink, as it removes salts from the body.
- Avoid the hottest time of day: Avoid being outdoors, exercising, or doing strenuous work between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. as much as possible.
- Use sunscreen: When the skin gets sunburned, the body's ability to cool itself is further reduced.
- Take care of your urine: If your urine is dark yellow, it means that you are not getting enough water in your body. Drink water until your urine turns light yellow.
- Avoid caffeine and alcohol: Avoid tea, coffee, and alcohol as they further dehydrate the body.
Be sure to talk to your doctor before increasing the amount of water you drink, especially if you have conditions such as heart disease, kidney disease, or liver disease, or if a doctor has restricted fluids.
💡 Take-Home Message
- Heatstroke is a medical emergency. If you notice symptoms such as confusion and high body temperature, call 911 immediately or take the patient to the hospital's Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU).
- Stopping sweating, hot skin, and confused behavior in extreme heat are the main warning signs of this condition.
- Prevention is the best. Drink plenty of water, avoid the sun between 11am and 3pm, and wear light clothing.
- Take special care of young children, the elderly, and those with chronic illnesses these days.
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