Heat Exhaustion - Part 2

First Aid 

• Immediately move the person into a cool place, away from direct sunlight.
• Remove extra clothing from the body.
• Cool the patient's entire body by sponging or spraying cool water; but do not us ice.
• Apply ice packs only on neck and armpits; where large blood vessels are in close proximity to the skin surface and fan the person to lower the body temperature.
• Check the patient's rectal temperature frequently and try to bring it down to 102 Fahrenheit.
• Do not administer aspirin or paracetamol as these medicines may have some adverse reactions.
• If the patient is awake and alert enough to swallow, make him drink fluids for hydration. 
• Also, ensure that the patient is sitting-up while drinking so that he does not choke. Avoid oral fluids if a person has an altered level of consciousness and cannot drink safely.

Prevention

• Limit alcohol intake.
• Discuss with your doctor about medications and drugs that interfere with heat dissipation.
• Drink fluids at regular intervals and not just based only on thirst.
• Frequent cooling breaks and visits to air-conditioned / cool environments are important. Even a brief spell in such environment can drastically reduce the incidence of heat stroke.

Source : TOI

Heat Exhaustion - Part 1

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....