Scorching heat claiming numerous lives

                                                           


HEAT STROKE

In order to discuss about this life threatening condition, we need to understand the in built mechanism of maintaining of internal body temperature called homeostasis.

It is medically defined as:

A state of balance among all the body systems needed for the body to survive and function correctly. In homeostasis, body levels of acid, blood pressure, blood sugar, electrolytes, energy, hormones, oxygen, proteins, and temperature are constantly adjusted to respond to changes inside and outside the body, to keep them at a normal level. Quoted text- NCBI

Mechanism of homeostasis



Homeostasis is maintained by two mechanisms further:-

  1. Mechanism of Vasodilatation
  2. Mechanism of Sweating

  1. Mechanism of Vasodilatation:- The expansion of blood vessels brought on by the smooth muscle cells in the walls of the blood vessels is known as vasodilation. Vascular enlargement brought about by this relaxation lowers blood pressure and increases blood flow.
    Vasodilatation helps in increased blood flow

  2. Mechanism of Sweating:- One essential physiological function that keeps our bodies at a healthy temperature is perspiration. When things grow hot, a complicated system with multiple actors cooperating keeps us cool.
    Sweating helps in cooling the body

 Upon failure of these mechanisms an organism reaches this fatal condition called Heat Stroke

A medical emergency known as heatstroke happens when your body becomes too hot to handle and is unable to cool down. It's the most dangerous type of heat-related disease and, if left untreated, can be fatal.

Causes:-
  • Extended exposure to high temperatures, which is frequently coupled with dehydration. 
  • In hot and muggy weather, strenuous activity might sometimes set it off.


Symptoms:-

The primary sign of heatstroke is a core body temperature exceeding 104°F (40°C). Other symptoms may include:

  • Altered mental state or behavior (confusion, agitation, slurred speech, delirium, seizures, coma)
  • Hot, dry skin (although in some cases sweating may be present)
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Flushed skin
  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Rapid heartbeat

If you suspect someone is experiencing heatstroke, call emergency services immediately.



Prevention

The good news is that heatstroke is preventable. Here are some tips to stay safe in hot weather:

  • Drink plenty of fluids, even if you don't feel thirsty.
  • Avoid strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day.
  • Wear loose-fitting, lightweight clothing made from breathable fabrics.
  • Take cool showers or baths periodically.
  • Stay in air-conditioned spaces as much as possible.
  • Avoid sugary drinks and alcohol, as they can dehydrate you.
  • Be aware of risk factors such as obesity, certain medications, and chronic health conditions.

By following these precautions, you can significantly reduce your risk of heatstroke.


Treatment:-

Take off any extra clothing. Adjust any clothing that is too tight.

Cool down, that person. Here are a few techniques:

Submerge the person in cool water: If at all feasible, place the person in a cool shower or bathtub. This is the fastest and most efficient method of reducing their body temperature.
If taking a bath or shower is not an option, keep spraying or sponging the individual with cold water.
Fan the individual while misting with cool water: Using a fan to circulate air and misting cool water on the skin can also aid in cooling and evaporation.
Put on ice packs: Apply cool, damp towels or ice packs to the person's armpits, groin, and neck. Large blood vessels are near the skin in certain places allowing for quicker cooling.


Additional care to be taken:

  • Give the person nothing to eat or drink. Await the arrival of medical personnel.
  • Observe how they are breathing. If you are certified to do CPR, start it if they pass out and are not breathing.
  • Give the patient no medication at all, not even paracetamol or aspirin.
  • Avoid touching the person's skin with alcohol. In fact, this may cause the cooling process to stall.



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