As we approach summer, temperatures begin to rise. During the cold months or with a normal temperature we can carry out physical effort without major problem in the open air, but Exposure to high temperatures can cause heat stroke. It may seem like a minor situation, but it can get worse and cause damage to different vital organs such as the brain and heart. It is therefore interesting to know the recommendations to avoid it.
What is a heat stroke: causes and symptoms
Heat stroke occurs when body temperature reaches 40°C or higher due to prolonged exposure to high temperatures, or by the execution of physical effort during times of great heat. We can notice it with the appearance of different symptoms, before which we must treat it urgently.
If we do not show any symptoms there will be no major problem, but untreated heat stroke can affect the brain, heart, kidneys, and muscles. The damage will be worse if we delay treatment, to the point of being able to find serious complications or even death.
Causes of heat stroke
The main cause of heat stroke is because our body raises core body temperature to a point where it starts to be harmful. That rise in temperature occurs gradually as we are exposed to high temperatures, gradually increasing our core temperature.
If we make physical efforts in hot climates we can suffer a heat stroke in a short time, especially if we are not used to high temperatures. This circumstance is the one that occurs to a greater extent when the first heat waves of spring appear and catch us out of step coming from lower temperatures.
There are different reasons that favor the appearance of heat stroke: wearing clothes that do not allow sweat to evaporate so that the body regulates temperature; the dehydration either from not drinking enough water or from alcohol consumption, that in addition to dehydrating it hinders the body’s ability to regulate temperature; and humid weather which also worsens body cooling.
Symptoms that appear when we suffer a heat stroke
Heat stroke manifests itself with a state of confusion that makes us unable to speak normally and with some delusions. If a person exposed to the sun is suddenly confused, does not articulate words well and says things that make little sense, we could be suffering from one of the main symptoms of heat stroke.
We will notice how our heads hurt, being able to appear nausea and vomiting and rapid breathing, while the pulse also shows more beats. The skin turns red and does not show sweating, since the body is not able to evaporate the heat well.
Heat stroke treatment
If we have a thermometer and we obtain a measurement of 40ºC or more, and it is accompanied by any of the above symptoms, with a high probability we are suffering from heat stroke. First go to the shade and try to lower the temperature with cold water or wet towels on the head, neck, English or armpits. See a doctor as soon as possible as something minor can get complicated if not treated properly.
A cold shower can help cool down the body if we are at home Although heat stroke will occur outside of it, we can manifest the symptoms once we are at home. Putting on the air conditioning, a fan or fanning ourselves will also help treat heat stroke.
We can think that an ice bath will help since it will lower the body temperature. You can, but it can be dangerous if the heat stroke was not from intense exertion, especially in older adults and children, as they do not regulate their temperature well and can aggravate the situation.
What risk factors make it easier to suffer from heat stroke?
No one is exempt from suffering heat stroke, although it is true that there are factors that increase the risk of it appearing. Our central nervous system is embodied in dissipating heat and regulating temperature. Those people who do not have a central nervous system in perfect condition They can suffer from heat stroke more easily.
The children and the elderly are the main population that does not have an optimal central nervous system. Children have not yet fully developed it and in older adults it deteriorates.
If we suddenly find ourselves in a heat wave, our body will not be adapted to these temperatures, so we must be Cautious when exposing ourselves to the sun for a long time, and, above all, limit physical exertion during the hours of maximum temperatures.
Both physical exertion and face a sudden rise in temperature will increase the probability of experiencing heat stroke. The regulation of body temperature will be even more complicated if we ingest some medications that modulate blood vessels or facilitate dehydration. Your doctor or pharmacist will be able to guide you in this regard.
The physical state in which we find ourselves also influences when it comes to avoiding heat stroke. The excess fat, poor fitness, or having a chronic disease they will not help us prevent heat stroke.
How to avoid it: prevention
The first premise is the simplest: do not spend prolonged periods in the sun, and even less making physical efforts. There are cases in which we cannot avoid it due to work or other circumstances. In these cases, it is vital that you stay hydrated at all times with water or with water-rich foods such as fruit and that you use sunscreen with a protection factor of 30 or more.
Carry out your physical exercise outdoors in the less hot hours, such as when you wake up or at night when the temperature has dropped considerably. Going for a run in the middle of the day increases the risk of the appearance of heat stroke considerably.
If you arrive in a new climate, such as going from a colder country to a hotter one, and even more so if this new country has a lot of humidity, go gradually adapting. We can observe this adaptation both to the new climate and to the time zone when the Olympic athletes leave long before the Olympic Games to the city of the competition.
The the use of very tight garments, and that also do not allow perspiration well, should also be avoided. If you take any medication, ask your pharmacist if it affects our body to dissipate heat and for proper hydration.
One of the most common situations is heat stroke when we stay in the car in the sun with high temperatures. Unfortunately some children and animals have suffered devastating consequences as a result of staying in the car for a long time, reaching very high temperatures.
Source | Mayo Clinic, WebMD
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Images | iStock, Unsplash