When heatstroke occurs, the body's temperature increases, causing complications related to the central nervous system, leading to disorders and loss of control, which can develop into heatstroke.
This article was professionally consulted by Dr. Huynh Tan Vu, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City - Campus 3.
Define
- Heatstroke
- Hyperthermia is a condition in which the body's temperature increases due to the influence of high ambient temperature and/or excessive physical activity, causing complications related to the central nervous system, causing this part to become disordered and lose control.
- Heat exhaustion can develop into sunstroke (heat stroke).
- Sunstroke
- Is a condition of high body temperature (over 40 degrees Celsius), often combined with dehydration.
- As a result, the body's thermoregulation system loses control, causing disorders of the respiratory, nervous, and circulatory systems...
- Caused by the effects of heat or excessive physical activity.
- Sunstroke often accompanies heatstroke.
Reason
- Heatstroke and sunstroke occur due to the body losing too much water (sweating a lot, body temperature regulation disorder when exposed to harsh sunlight).
- Not drinking enough water in hot weather.
- Poor air circulation in the house.
- Direct sunlight on the place of residence. Too much exposure to sunlight can increase the body's heat index by up to 15 degrees. In addition, heat stroke is also related to the heat index.
- Relative humidity of 60% or higher will hinder the evaporation of sweat and the body's ability to cool itself.
- Other favorable factors include:
- Poor thermoregulation and adaptation to heat in children or the elderly.
- Exercising and working too long in hot environments.
- Wearing clothes that are too thick, waterproof, and easily absorb heat...
- Not drinking enough water when in a very hot environment.
- Use of drugs that have side effects that reduce sweating such as diuretics, beta blockers, antihistamines...
- Suffering from diseases, hormonal disorders, obesity...
- The elderly, outdoor workers... are the groups most susceptible to heatstroke and sunstroke because the risk of heatstroke also increases when the heat index increases.
Expression
- Fever of 40 degrees Celsius or higher.
- Changes in mental status or behavior (such as confusion, agitation, slurred speech).
- Dizziness and lightheadedness.
- Dry, hot skin or increased sweating.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Red skin.
- Rapid pulse.
- Muscle weakness or cramps.
- Rapid breathing.
- Headache.
- Unconscious.
- Faint.
- Convulsion.
- Children may be fussy, lethargic, have poor appetite...
Treatment
- Step 1: Quickly call emergency services 115 or local medical services.
- Step 2: While waiting for the ambulance, move the person with heatstroke to a shady place.
- Step 3: Remove unnecessary clothing.
- Step 4: Regularly check body temperature.
- Step 5: Cool the body by any means such as spraying water, using a mist fan; placing ice packs or cool towels on the neck, armpits and groin; giving the person with heatstroke cool water to rehydrate (if possible)...
- Step 6: Assess the level of alertness of the person with heatstroke (shake, call, touch...).
- If the victim is conscious, give the victim water and electrolytes to drink...
- If the victim is not conscious, continue to cool the body while waiting for an ambulance.
- If the victim is unconscious and shows no signs of circulation (breathing, coughing or movement), perform artificial respiration.
Prevent
- When the heat index is high, it is best to stay in a cool environment.
- Supplementing with fruit juices helps reduce body temperature on hot days.
- Wear cool, comfortable, light-colored clothing and a wide-brimmed hat when going out.
- Use sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher.
- To prevent dehydration, drink at least 1.5 liters of water, fruit juice or vegetable juice every day. You can use sports drinks rich in electrolytes on days when the temperature is high and the humidity is low.
- Take extra precautions when exercising or working outdoors.
- It is generally recommended to drink about 700 ml of water two hours before exercise and consider adding an additional 250 ml of water or sports drink immediately before exercise.
- During exercise, you should drink an additional 250 ml of water every 20 minutes even if you do not feel thirsty.
- Change or cancel outdoor activities. If possible, move outdoor activities to the coolest times of the day, early in the morning or after sunset.
- Avoid fluids that contain caffeine or alcohol, as these can make dehydration worse.
- Do not take salt tablets unless directed by your doctor. The simplest and safest way to replace salt and electrolytes during heat waves is to drink sports drinks or fruit juice.
- In case of epilepsy, heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease..., are on a fluid-restricted diet or have problems with water retention, consult your doctor before increasing your water intake.
- Limit going out in hot weather.
- Create a cool space in the house, close the curtains, and block direct sunlight from entering the room during the hottest part of the day.
- Monitor the color of your urine. Darker urine is a sign of dehydration.
- Measure your weight before and after physical activity. Tracking water loss can help determine how much water you need to drink.
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