HEAT STROKE

Hey everyone! I hope you all are fine. So, today, I will blog on a widely known topic and is deeply connected with nature. Although every complication and disease are interconnected with nature, this one is specifically caused by nature's element. Today, I will increase your knowledge on the topic of heatstroke. So, let's get started. 

GENERAL INTRODUCTION:-

Heatstroke is a condition caused by your body overheating, usually as a result of prolonged exposure to or physical exertion in high temperatures. This most serious form of heat injury, heatstroke, can occur if your body temperature rises to 104 F (40 C) or higher. The condition is most common in the summer months. There's not much to introduce as heat stroke is a common complication and people should know about their causes and safety measures. So, let's jump to the causes.

CAUSES:- 

Following are the causes of heatstroke.

• Exposure to a hot environment.
• Strenuous activity( swimming laps, aerobics, calisthenics, running, jogging, basketball, cycling on hills, and racquetball)
• Wearing excess clothing
• Drinking alcohol
• Becoming dehydrated more often

SYMPTOMS:-

If you are experiencing a heat stroke, you may have these symptoms:-

• High body temperature. A core body temperature of 104 F (40 C) or higher, obtained with a rectal thermometer, is the main sign of heatstroke.
• Altered mental state or behavior
• Alteration in sweating
• Nausea and vomiting
• Flushed skin
• Rapid breathing
• Racing heart rate
• Headache

RISK FACTORS:-

Anyone can develop heatstroke, but several factors increase your risk:

• Age. Your ability to cope with extreme heat depends on the strength of your central nervous system. ...
• Exertion in hot weather. ...
• Sudden exposure to hot weather. ...
• A lack of air conditioning. ...
• Certain medications. ...
• Certain health conditions.

HOW A PERSON FEELS WHEN THEY EXPERIENCE A HEAT STROKE?

Confusion, agitation, slurred speech, irritability, delirium, seizures, and coma can all result from heatstroke. Alteration in sweating. In heatstroke brought on by hot weather, your skin will feel hot and dry to the touch. 

WHAT SHOULD WE DO IF WE SEE SOMEONE EXPERIENCING HEAT STROKE?

1. Get the victim to a shady area, remove clothing, apply cool or tepid water to the skin (for example, you may spray the person with cool water from a garden hose), fan the victim to promote sweating and evaporation, and place ice packs under the armpits and groin.
2. If the person can drink liquids, have them drink cool water or other cool beverages that do not contain alcohol or caffeine.
3. Monitor body temperature with a thermometer and continue cooling efforts until the body temperature drops to 101 to 102 F (38.3 to 38.8 C).
4. Always notify emergency services immediately. If their arrival is delayed, they can give you further instructions for the treatment of the victim.

PREVENTIONS:-

Heatstroke is predictable and preventable. Take these steps to prevent heatstroke during hot weather:

• Wear loose-fitting, lightweight clothing. Wearing excess clothing or clothing that fits tightly won't allow your body to cool properly.

• Protect against sunburn. Sunburn affects your body's ability to cool itself, so protect yourself outdoors with a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses and use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15. Apply sunscreen generously, and reapply every two hours — or more often if you're swimming or sweating.

• Drink plenty of fluids. Staying hydrated will help your body sweat and maintain a normal body temperature.

• Take extra precautions with certain medications. Be on the lookout for heat-related problems if you take medications that can affect your body's ability to stay hydrated and dissipate heat.

• Never leave anyone in a parked car. This is a common cause of heat-related deaths in children. When parked in the sun, the temperature in your car can rise 20 degrees F (more than 6.7 C) in 10 minutes.

• It's not safe to leave a person in a parked car in warm or hot weather, even if the windows are cracked or the car is in shade. When your car is parked, keep it locked to prevent a child from getting inside.

• Take it easy during the hottest parts of the day. If you can't avoid strenuous activity in hot weather, drink fluids and rest frequently in a cool spot. Try to schedule exercise or physical labor for cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or evening.

• Get acclimated. Limit time spent working or exercising in heat until you're conditioned to it. People who are not used to hot weather are especially susceptible to heat-related illness. It can take several weeks for your body to adjust to hot weather.

• Be cautious if you're at increased risk. If you take medications or have a condition that increases your risk of heat-related problems, avoid the heat and act quickly if you notice symptoms of overheating. If you participate in a strenuous sporting event or activity in hot weather, make sure there are medical services available in case of a heat emergency.

AFTER-EFFECTS OF HEATSTROKE:- 

Heatstroke can temporarily or permanently damage vital organs, such as the heart, lungs, kidneys, liver, and brain. The higher the temperature, especially when higher than 106° F (41° C), the more rapidly problems develop. Death may occur.

Well, readers, that was it. Hope you liked it and it gave you enough information about heatstroke. If still any queries, feel free to ask in the comments, and yes! suggestions will be appreciated. Take care and keep you and your family safe from heatstroke. I will write again soon. Till then, bubyeeee❤❤❤