HEAT EXHAUSTION - Long exposure to heat can be fatal. It is essential to cool the body.
Heat stroke is an unnaturally elevated body temperature, caused due to extreme exposure to hot weather conditions. The human body maintains its regular body temperature by balancing heat gain with heat loss. When the body fails to regulate its own temperature and if the temperature rises above 104 Fahrenheit, it is termed as heat stroke. This imbalance damages body cells and releases toxic substances which can lead to cardiovascular collapse, multi-organ failure, resulting in a patient's death.
Who is at risk ?
- Individuals undertaking strenuous physical activity for a prolonged period, in hot conditions.
- Patients on medication for cardiac and blood pressure-related ailments.
- People consuming medicines which decrease sweating (anti-cholinergic)
- Children below five years of age and the elderly
- people with a history of heat stroke.
Symptoms
- Hyperthermia or high fever - temperature at or above 104 Fahrenheit
- Episodes of headaches, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, breathlessness, weakness, cramps and seizures
- Muscle pain or spasms
- A delirious state of mind
- Profuse sweating
- Rashes or eruptions on skin
- Low BP
- Dry Kin
To Be Continued....
