Monday 02 May | PNS | Dehradun
Heatstroke is a condition caused by overheating of the body usually due to prolonged exposure to or physical exertion in high temperature
The continued spell of high temperatures in different parts of Uttarakhand-especially the plains and nearby areas has increased the chances of heat stroke and other diseases. Heat stroke is a condition triggered by the combined effect of heat and humidity when the cooling mechanism of the body fails and its temperature rises abruptly.
The doctors describe heatstroke as a condition caused by overheating of the body usually due to prolonged exposure to or physical exertion in high temperature. Generally physicians call a person suffering from heatstroke when his/ her body temperature rises to 1040 F or 40 0 Centigrade. Heatstroke requires emergency treatment as it can quickly damage the brain, heart, kidneys and muscles. The damage worsens the longer treatment is delayed, increasing the risk of serious complications or even death.
Senior physician, Dr Pravin Panwar said that the best defence against heat stroke is drinking plenty of water and other things which are liquid. He suggested that one should avoid going out during day time to evade the fury of the sun. The symptoms of the disease are high body temperature, altered mental state like confusion, irritability and slurred speech, alteration in sweating, nausea, vomiting, rosy skin, rapid breathing, high pulse rate and severe headache. “The best way is to get out of the heat quickly and rest in a cool shady place. One should drink plenty of water or other fluids containing sugar and salt. Avoid alcohol as it can further aggravate the condition,’’ Dr Panwar said.
The children and elderly are more susceptible to heat stroke. Child specialist, Dr NS Khatri said that infants do not know how to hydrate them or move out of a heated place so it is up to their parents to ensure that they drink plenty of water and are kept in cool places. He warned that the little children should not be kept bundled up in clothes and should be kept in cool shady places during day time.
The associate professor at the department of ophthalmology at GDMC, Dr Sushil Kumar Ojha said that high temperature increases the instances of disease like eye flu and dryness in the eyes. He suggested that people should avoid direct exposure to the sun for a long duration. The eye specialist advised people to remain hydrated these days.
Skin specialist, Dr Anil Arya said that chances of skin becoming reddened and sun burn increases on exposure to direct sunlight during summers. He suggested that one should cover exposed body parts with cotton cloths to minimise the effect of sunlight on skin.
