The temperature in some Arab countries these days reaches 50 degrees Celsius, so how do you protect yourself from heat stroke, and what is the difference between heat stroke and heat stress? The answers are in this report…
With the advent of summer, many countries face extreme temperatures, and many Arab countries record temperatures that exceed 40 and may reach 50. Read also Serious discomfort for summer, other than heat stroke Ramadan and summer.. Pay attention to factors that increase the possibility of heat stroke Watch.. First aid for heat stroke Beware … you may be one of the most vulnerable people to heat stroke
Regarding the damages of this rise, the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Health in the New Valley Governorate, Dr. Ahmed Mahrous, said – in a statement carried by the Middle East News Agency yesterday, Monday – that “during hot weather waves, the citizen is exposed to health damage caused by high temperatures on the human body, such as heat stroke. It is one of the most severe damages resulting from exposure to extreme heat, and its symptoms include high body temperature to 40 degrees, dry skin, and weakness in the functions of the central nervous system, represented by headache, irritability, dizziness and confusion, with rapid heartbeat and rapid breathing, and sometimes loss of consciousness, It can be fatal and requires urgent medical attention.”
Mahrous directed “to stay away from the heat of the sun during the heat wave as much as possible, especially at noon, and try to avoid direct exposure to the sun for long periods, and it is better not to go out for patients with blood pressure, diabetes, sinus and respiratory system, except for necessity, especially in light of the current period to ensure the prevention of corona.” novel coronavirus”.
A complex system for controlling body temperature
According to a report by Dr. Muhammad Faraji , an assistant professor of family medicine and director of primary care and clinical skills at Weill Cornell Medical College in Qatar, humans have a complex system for controlling body temperature, so that this system constantly maintains an internal body temperature in the range of about 5 degrees. Even in the most severe fluctuations in air temperature around us.
There are many processes that occur together to keep the body temperature in this range, slightly above or below 36.8 degrees Celsius, and these processes collectively are known as thermoregulation, and this process is similar to the presence of an internal thermostat in the body. When the air temperature rises too high, the air conditioners are turned on inside our bodies, and our bodies sweat and redden our skin as blood collects at the surface of the skin to remove the heat.
As for the extreme drop in temperature, the heater of our bodies begins to work, and the blood moves into our bodies to reduce its exposure to cold. As the atmosphere becomes too hot or cold, the body’s thermoregulation processes rapidly accelerate, and sometimes cannot continue.
It is necessary to realize this fact as we enter the summer season of intense heat and excessive humidity. During these times, our health, and indeed our lives, can be at risk from heat stroke.
Dr. Faraji said that when cells are exposed to extreme heat, above 41.1 degrees Celsius, the cells begin to crack and disintegrate. In the most severe cases, heat causes intracellular protein denaturation and actual fusion of structural elements, among other consequences. These microscopic changes in turn lead to a breakdown of the heart and circulatory system, the occurrence of general failure in organ function, and finally death.
When an increase in the ambient temperature occurs, the human body deals with this rise in a number of ways. Radiation of heat – by transmitting heat into the atmosphere through the skin – is the main method by which the body gets rid of heat at a slight rise in temperature. But when the air temperature is very high, the most important way for the body to get rid of heat is evaporation, through sweating.
Detailed tips to protect against heat stress and heat stroke during hot weather
- Stay at home, and in an air-conditioned place as much as possible, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .
- You can take a bath with cold water.
- If you need to be outside, limit your activity to the hottest times, such as the morning and evening hours.
- Do not exercise outside in hot weather.
- If you must go outdoors, protect yourself from the sun by wearing a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, and applying sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher 30 minutes before you go outside.
- Use sunscreens that have the phrase “broad spectrum” or “UVA / UVB protection” on their labels, as these products work better.
- Avoid hot and heavy meals, as they add heat to your body.
- Drink plenty of fluids, no matter how active you are, and don’t wait until you feel thirsty to drink.
Dr. Faraji says that to maintain hydration and the ability to sweat, it is necessary to drink at least 2.5 liters of water. But if the person is an active worker whose work requires staying in the open air, then add two liters to this quantity, but add more than that if you are one who is making a great effort.
Dr. Faraji stressed the need to avoid excessive drinking of water, as too much water may lead to what is called excessive fluid in the body, a disease that results in an imbalance in the balance of salt concentration in the body. - Avoid very cold drinks, as they may cause stomach cramps.
- Excessive sweating removes salts and minerals from the body, and this means the need to compensate for them from food, and you can drink a sports drink to compensate.
- Don’t leave children in the car, as cars can quickly heat up to dangerous temperatures, even with the windows open. While anyone left in a parked car is at risk, children are especially at risk of heat stroke or death.
What is the difference between heat stress and heat stroke?
” Heat stress” (Heat exhaustion) precedes the case of heatstroke (Heatstroke), and can develop them , and generally no longer stress thermal dangerous if the person was cooled within 30 minutes, but if the evolution to heatstroke should call an ambulance.
What are the signs of heat stress?
- Headache.
- dizziness, confusion;
- Anorexia.
- Excessive sweating.
- Paleness of the complexion.
- Cramps in the arms, legs and stomach.
- Rapid breathing or pulse.
- Body temperature of 38 ° C or higher.
- Feeling very thirsty.
Symptoms are often the same in adults and children, but children may become limp and drowsy, according to the UK’s National Health Service.
What first aid for heat stress?
- Transfer the person to a cool place.
- The person is asked to lie down and raise their feet slightly.
- Drink a lot of water.
- Cooling the skin with water, with the use of a fan.
- Monitor until the patient improves, and body temperature should decrease within 30 minutes.
- If the condition does not improve within 30 minutes, or his temperature rises to 40, an ambulance should be called, because the heat stress has developed into heat stroke.
Heat stroke
Heat stroke or heat stroke is a serious health condition caused by prolonged exposure to a heat source (such as sunlight) or physical activity in a hot climate. A person is considered heatstroke if his temperature exceeds 40 degrees Celsius. Although the body has mechanisms to reduce the body temperature, it fails to do so in the event of heat stroke, which leads to the survival of the body temperature high.
The high temperature may cause convulsions in the patient, and he may develop heat exhaustion, the symptoms of which include severe sweating, nausea and dizziness. As the body temperature continues to rise, damage can reach the brain, kidneys and muscles, causing serious health consequences and even death.
Symptoms of heat stroke:
- Not sweating even though it’s very hot.
- Body temperature 40 ° C or higher.
- Acceleration or shortness of breath.
- Unconsciousness.
First aid for heat stroke:
The treatment of heat stroke depends on cooling the person’s body and calling the emergency immediately, because heatstroke may lead to death, and it is preferable for someone to call an ambulance while another deals with the injured, through:
- Keeping the person away from the source of heat, such as bringing him into the house or keeping him out of the sun’s rays and placing him in a shady place.
- Reducing clothing for the injured person.
- Dip the victim in cold water, or pour it in place.
- Putting ice packs on the person’s body.
- Drink water if the person is conscious and able to.