Heatstroke a preventable disaster

Rawalpindi:A severe heat wave is hitting most parts of the country including the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi that may pose serious and even life-threatening health problems particularly to those who have to stay outside for a longer period of time under the sun.

Experts say that there are chances of significant increase in the number of serious heat-related threats like heat stroke that is considered as the most severe form of heat-related illness with mortality rate ranging from 10 per cent to 80 per cent depending on duration of temperature elevation.

Heatstroke that has deadly effects on a victim is defined as a body temperature higher than 40.6 degree Celsius (105.1 degree Fahrenheit) due to environmental heat exposure. Heat stroke results from failure of heat regulating mechanism. It is characterized by very high body temperature which may rise up to 105.1 degree Fahrenheit or 40.6 degree centigrade with profound disturbances including convulsions, coma, dry hot skin, with no sweating or sometimes excessive sweating. It can be fatal.

The treatment of heat stroke consists of rapid cooling of the body with ice water till the temperature falls below 38.9 degree centigrade. Studies reveal that high body temperature caused by a fever is different from high body temperature because of some heat related illness as the fever is the body’s reaction to some infection while heat related illness causes high body temperature when the body cannot transfer heat effectively or when external heat gain is excessive.

In cases of delay in treatment, the mortality rate of heat stroke can be as high as 80 per cent however early diagnosis and cooling may reduce mortality rate to 10 per cent. It is important that heat stroke can be avoided by adopting simple preventive measures, however in cases of delay in management or treatment, the mortality rate of heat stroke can be as high as 80 per cent. Early diagnosis and cooling, however, may reduce mortality rate to 10 per cent.

Health experts say that to avoid heat stroke, individuals must take necessary preventive measures religiously. People must be aware of the fact that heat stroke can cause death or permanent disability if emergency treatment is not given to a patient. Generally, the symptoms of heat stroke include profuse sweating or the absence of sweating with hot red or flushed dry skin, weakness, lethargy, chills, throbbing headache, high body temperature, hallucinations, confusion, dizziness and slurred speech and if one is having any of the symptoms, he or she should immediately be taken to the nearest healthcare facility.

It is important that infants, elderly persons, athletes and outdoor workers are at high risk of getting heat stroke. Heat/sun stroke is a preventable condition and the most important preventive measure is to avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight during the hottest time of the day. One should avoid strenuous physical activity during the hottest hours of the day and try to stay in the shade.

Do not leave children in parked vehicles and drink plenty of water while limiting time in direct sunlight in hot weather or in places with high environmental temperatures. Individuals who have to work under the sun should prevent dehydration and heat stroke by taking time out of the sun and drinking plenty of water and fluids. The patients should avoid use of caffeine and sugar containing soft drinks or tea, which may exacerbate dehydration.

Consume salty foods, use umbrellas, and wear hats, light coloured, light and loose-fitting clothes during the hot environmental conditions. Keep the body cool and hydrated by taking cool showers or baths during a heat wave. You can also use cold packs and wraps, towels, sponging, and foot baths to keep cool. If you feel dizzy, weak or anxious or have intense thirst and headache during a heat wave, it is best to move to a cool place as soon as possible and measure your body temperature. Drink some water or fruit juice to rehydrate.

Studies reveal that in many cases, blood cells burst causing massive bleeding due to persistent heat. Also there are chances of ceasing of the cardiac activity at high temperatures while the consistent high temperature in the environment may cause stiffness of muscles bringing them in contracted state. If the body temperature of a person goes up and the body stops sweating, it may be heatstroke and the person should immediately report to the nearest healthcare facility.