Health risk from heat waves: how to avoid, locate and treat heat stroke and heat exhaustion

In the United States, a heat wave is expected in the middle of summer this weekend, subjecting millions of Americans to record temperatures.

While the heat index is expected to exceed 37.8 degrees Celsius this weekend, what can be done to avoid and protect yourself from heat exhaustion or overheating?

Exhaustion by heat and heat stroke

Heat exhaustion is actually the precursor of heat stroke and results from overheating of the body. Signs of heat exhaustion include heavy sweating, dizziness, tiredness, fast pulse, cold skin, nausea, muscle cramps and headaches, and these symptoms may occur over time or suddenly, especially after prolonged exercise. . If these symptoms are not treated, heat stroke may occur.

Heat stroke occurs when a person's body temperature reaches 40 ° C (104 ° F). In addition to high temperature, nausea, vomiting, skin rash, rapid breathing and heart rate and altered mental state are other symptoms. Without emergency treatment, heat stroke can lead to death because the brain, kidneys, muscles and heart can be damaged at high temperatures.

A sign to watch for if a person is suffering from heat exhaustion or heat stroke is that a person suffering from heat exhaustion will sweat a lot, whereas a person already suffering from heat stroke has already stopped sweating.

As a rule, heat exhaustion is not considered serious if it is controlled and treated within 30 minutes. But once the illness has become heat stroke, it must be considered a medical emergency.

Avoid, stain, treat

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, three elements are to be taken into account with regard to heat stroke and heat exhaustion: avoid, locate, treat.

First of all, it is important to avoid exposure when the temperature is very high. It is best to stay indoors, but if you really need to go outside, it is essential to dress properly with a hat and light clothing while taking breaks. It is also wise to keep drinking water, to find air-conditioned places, and never to keep children or pets in a closed and parked car. In extreme heat conditions, it is also wise to avoid doing exercise and consume excess alcohol.

Children, the elderly and people with chronic heart disease are also at higher risk for heat-related illnesses. It is therefore important to closely monitor friends and relatives in these categories. That said, anyone who shows signs of exhaustion due to heat or heat stroke should immediately be the subject of a medical consultation, especially of those who have heat problems or who have problems with it. # 39; hypertension.

While waiting for appropriate caregivers, the patient can be helped by helping to calm down. If the patient suffers from heat exhaustion, he must be transferred to an air-conditioned room and obliged to wear light clothing. They should also rest, consume cold non-alcoholic beverages and be washed in a sponge or cold bath.

If a person suffers from heat stroke, she should immediately be moved to a shady spot but not to receive any liquid. To cool them while waiting for medical care, it is essential to put them in a cold bath, sprinkle them with a garden hose, air them and mop them with fresh water to lower their temperature. body at 38.8 degrees Celsius.

In hot weather, the body may become unable to cool properly, which can lead to serious health problems related to heat. To avoid this, it is important to remember the steps you can take to protect yourself from the heat and keep an eye on each other as it can save a life.

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