Monday, 27 MAY 2024 | PNS | DEHRADUN
The continued spell of high temperatures in different parts of the State, particularly in the plain areas has increased the chances of heat stroke and diarrhoea. The rising mercury has resulted in a spurt in the number of cases of fever triggered by heat stroke in the hospitals.
Heat stroke is a condition caused by the combined effect of heat and humidity when the cooling mechanism of the body fails and its temperature rises abruptly. The doctors describe heat stroke as a condition caused by overheating of the body usually due to prolonged exposure to or physical exertion in high temperature. Generally physicians diagnose a person as suffering from heat stroke when his/her body temperature rises to 104 degrees Fahrenheit or 40 degrees Celsius. Heat stroke requires emergency treatment as it can quickly damage the brain, heart, kidneys and muscles. The damage worsens with delay in treatment, increasing the risk of serious complications or even death. The temperature conditions in excess of 40 degrees Celsius and high humidity levels triggers heat stroke in the people.
Senior physician at Apollo hospital, Dr SK Varun said the symptoms of the disease are high body temperature and muscle cramps. The patients also exhibit altered mental states like confusion, irritability and slurred speech, nausea, vomiting, rapid breathing, high pulse rate and severe headache. He said that one should take immediate medical advice when one experiences some of the above mentioned symptoms. The best defence against heat stroke is drinking plenty of water, fruit juices and eating fresh food. He suggested that one should avoid going out during the day time to evade the fury of the sun.
Dr Varun added that remaining hydrated and avoiding consumption of alcohol helps in preventing heat stroke.
The children and elderly are more susceptible to heat stroke. The paediatrics are of the view that since infants do not know how to hydrate themselves or move out of a heated place, it is up to their parents to ensure that they drink plenty of water and are kept in cool places. To avoid diarrhoea the physicians advice that they should eat freshly cooked food and consume safe drinking water. The doctors also highlight the role of good personal and food hygiene to prevent the infection in summers.
