Each year the heat of the sun is increasing significantly, resulting in a variety of physical problems. One of them is heatstroke. When the body temperature is higher than 105-degree Fahrenheit, it is called heat stroke. It is a serious physical condition that can lead to death. But with a little caution this summer, we can avoid such deadly conditions.

Heat Exhaustion vs. Heat Stroke

When the external environment temperature rises, our body automatically tries to maintain the internal temperature. As the body temperature rises, the veins in the skin widen and dispel excess heat into the external environment. In addition, the body is cooled due to sweating. However, excessive sweating in extreme heat makes the body lose water and salt.

As a result, physical weakness, fatigue, dizziness, muscle aches, extreme thirst, and nausea can occur. This condition is called 'heat cramp' or 'heat exhaustion. If you stay in a humid and hot environment for a long time or if you work hard, it is not possible for the body to control the heat. Rises to 105 degrees Fahrenheit. This is called 'heatstroke.'

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Symptoms of Heat Stroke

To deal with the heatstroke, we need to know the symptoms first so that we can take further steps. When the temperature rises in our body, various reactions occur. Initially, there may be less severe heat exhaustion or heat cramps before the heatstroke. Usually, heat cramps lead to pain in the muscles of body parts; as a result, the body feels weak and gets very thirsty.

The next stage of heat exhaustion is rapid breathing, headache, dizziness, nausea, incoherent behavior, etc. In both cases, the body heat remains under control, and the body sweats abundantly. Heatstroke can occur if immediate action is not taken in this condition.

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Let's know the symptoms.

·         The body starts sweating profusely, and suddenly the sweating stops.

·         Body temperature quickly exceeds 105 degrees Fahrenheit.

·         Breathing becomes fast.

·         Abnormal pulse rate. For example, sudden increase and decrease of the pulse.

·         Blood pressure becomes low.

·         The amount of urine decreases.

·         Hands and feet tremble body cramps.

·         Dizziness

·         Severe headache

·         Sudden abnormal behavior.

·         Being incoherent in speech.

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First Aid

If you see someone with the above-mentioned symptoms, you should come forward with first aid. As soon as symptoms of heatstroke appear, first, wipe the body with cold ice water to reduce body heat. Also, bring the infected person to a cool environment.

Taking off or loosening the body clothes as much as possible will help to reduce the body heat and pass the air. Drink plenty of cold water, fruit juice, or saline. However, if the patient loses consciousness due to heatstroke, the person should be taken to the nearest hospital as soon as possible.

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Who has a Higher Risk of Heat Stroke?

Heatstroke can happen to any person in extreme heat and humid environments. However, those who work hard in the open field in the hot sun, such as farmers, workers, rickshaw pullers, are more likely to have a heat stroke. If pedestrians walk for a long time under the hot scorching sun, they can have heat stroke. Also, school children playing on the school field under the sun can also have heat stroke.

Whoever works long hours in humid and hot environments (such as garment workers) indoors or inside the factory also has risks. Elderly and children contain lower body heat capacity. Hence they are more at risk. Further, dehydration increases the risk of heatstroke. Some medications increase the risk of heatstroke, especially medicines to increase the urine, antidepressants, and psychiatric medications. In addition, older people often suffer from various diseases or take various medications, which increase the risk of heatstroke.

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Preventing the Heat Stroke

Heatstroke can be avoided by following some precautions on hot days. These are-

·         Try to wear loose and light clothing. Moreover, the fabrics should be white or light in color. Wearing cotton clothing is better.

·  Stay in a shady place or indoor as much as possible.

·  When going outside, using a wide-brimmed hat, cap or umbrella can save you from excessive temperature.

·  Those who are involved in work outside should cover their head with an umbrella or something.

·  Drinking plenty of water and other fluids will keep the balance of salt and water in your body as both salt and water comes out with sweat.

·  Should refrain from consuming tea and coffee as these can increase the temperature.

·  Try to avoid working under the sun in hot weather. Try to do these tasks early in the morning or at night. However, if you are bound to do the task during the day, make sure you drink plenty of water and saline. Moreover, take a break during work and take a rest from time to time.

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Ways to Stay Dehydrated

To stay safe from heat stroke, we should take foods that can keep our body dehydrated for a long time. You can try the following items.

Tamarind juice 

Tamarind juice is very useful to cool the body quickly. Tamarind juice made with a combination of sugar and salt makes it more delicious and protects the body from dehydration quickly. It also contains potassium and magnesium, which help to keep the body healthy and functioning for a long time.

Coconut Water

There are no natural ingredients like coconut water to survive heat stroke. It instantly cools the body and maintains body heat balance. It also protects the body from dehydration, even in excessive heat. Prevents thirst for a long time and contains other mineral salts which are beneficial for our body.

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Sugarcane Juice

Sugarcane juice is very useful for dehydration, and it instantly maintains water balance in the body. Besides, it is also rich in nutrients and delicious to drink.

Lemonade/ Lemon Juice

Lemons contain vitamin C, which helps the body to refresh quickly. It is also a very tasty and healthy drink that normalizes body temperature. Mixing coriander and mint with it to make lemon juice is also beneficial for the body.

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