The blistering heat has left people in distress across several states. Scorching winds have made existence tough, and even air conditioners are no match. Temperature in some areas has soared up to 45°C. Hospitals, including those in Delhi, are seeing a rise in heatstroke patients. According to Dr. Ritesh Gupta of the Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital in Delhi, 'Heatstroke occurs when the body cannot regulate its rising temperature, and the sweat mechanism, which helps cool the body, also fails. Special precautions are advised in such conditions.' Learn what heatstroke is, its symptoms, causes, and home remedies.
What is Heatstroke?
Commonly known as 'looniness' in layman's terms, heatstroke happens when the body cannot regulate its temperature. During a heatstroke, the body's temperature rises rapidly and fails to drop. Once affected, the body's sweating mechanism also fails, resulting in no perspiration at all.
If untreated timely, a person's body temperature can escalate to 106°F or higher within 10 to 15 minutes during heatstroke, potentially leading to fatality or organ failure.
Symptoms of Heatstroke
Recognizing the symptoms of heatstroke can facilitate timely treatment. It's crucial to identify symptoms like severe headaches, high fever, loss of consciousness, confusion, nausea, vomiting, red skin, increased heart rate, soft skin, dry skin, and delirium.
Causes of Heatstroke
Staying in hot places for extended durations can cause heatstroke. Even transitioning from a cold climate to a hot environment can increase the likelihood of a heatstroke. Excessive exercise in warm weather is a primary cause, especially if one does not hydrate sufficiently after sweating profusely.
Excessive alcohol consumption can incapacitate the body's ability to regulate temperature, leading to heatstroke. Wearing clothes that do not allow sweat and air to pass through can also heighten the risk of heatstroke.
Initial Treatment for Heatstroke
If someone has heatstroke, immediately adopt the following preliminary measures but ensure to consult a doctor beforehand. Keep the person out of the sun, remove layers of clothing to let the skin breathe, sit in front of a cooler or fan to cool off, take cold showers, wipe down with cold water, apply ice packs or a damp cloth to the head, and place cold water-soaked towels on the head, neck, armpits, and waist.
(Disclaimer: These are preliminary measures to help with heatstroke and should be followed only after consulting with a doctor.)
