Heat stroke: what it is and what to do to prevent it

The 2023 summer season is one of the hottest in recent years. In some areas of Lima it is recorded up to 32°C and after noon the thermal sensation increases. He National Meteorology and Hydrology Service (Senamhi) He warned that an increase in temperature in coastal regions is expected for the next few days.

Faced with this situation of exposure to high temperatures that can cause serious damage to the body, Dr.. Gabriel Vidal Dominguezhead of the internal medicine service of the Sabogal de EsSalud hospital, explained how to identify the symptoms of “heatstroke” and provided recommendations for avoiding it.

The EsSalud specialist explained that heat stroke or thermal shock is an extreme state of increased temperature in our body and when this happens, all heat regulation mechanisms are lost. heatstroke It can affect children, adults and the elderly which are exposed to high temperatures, but in each case it manifests itself at different times and in different forms.

“Classic heatstroke is related to heat events and it develops gradually over one to three days, it occurs mainly in children and the elderly who begin to feel apathetic, prefer not to carry out the daily activities they used to do previously normally or they sleep longer than usual,” said the internist.

(Shutterstock)
(Shutterstock)

Dehydration and exhaustion. The doctor advised that we should be alert to these symptoms, and it can be recognized when sweating is not normal, urine is scarce, and strength is reduced even to carry out daily activities.

Brain function disorder. At this point, a person going through an episode of heatstroke will become more drowsy until they are bedridden. He said that in many cases seizures occur and can lead to coma or death.

Other symptoms. Fever, headache, dizziness, nausea, diarrhea, dry mouth, flushing of the skin and rapid breathing are other warning signs, reported the National Institute of Health (INS).

Given the intense heat that has been registered in recent days, the EsSalud doctor urged parents to be attentive to the first symptoms.

Stay hydrated. He pointed out that during the summer it is important to drink more than a liter of water than usual, except for people with severe kidney or heart disease, who should consult their doctor first.

Light clothes. When tight clothing is worn, heat is felt much more and acts like a thermos, accumulating heat, which could increase heat stroke.

It is important to stay hydrated.  (Getty)
It is important to stay hydrated. (Getty)

Dr. Gabriel Vidal Domínguez pointed out that athletes, adults who practice outdoor activities and workers exposed to the sun during the day can report heatstroke in less time. “People who practice any outdoor sport or work in the sun during the day and have not acclimatized properly, gradually increasing their activity, can develop heat stroke within hours or even suddenly,” he said. -He underlines.

Ventilated houses. The INS stressed the importance of maintaining the ventilation of homes and workplaces and, if possible, installing a fan.

Avoid sun exposure. Especially during the central hours of the day, between 11:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

Good Alimentation. The INS stressed that the consumption of alcohol should be avoided, as well as very abundant and fatty foods or foods with a high sugar content. Vegetables and fruits should be given priority in the daily diet.

cold showers. To lower body temperature, start with a very cold shower and wet towels.

Don’t self-medicate. If you have a case of heatstroke, you should not use anti-fever medicines as they could be harmful. You should go to a health facility immediately.

You don't have to self-medicate.
You don’t have to self-medicate.

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