How to recognize sunstroke and heatstroke

GD&TĐ - Knowing the signs and symptoms of heatstroke or heat exhaustion can save your life or the lives of your loved ones in time.

Heatstroke occurs when your body loses too much water and salt, usually through sweating. Severe heatstroke, on the other hand, is a serious medical emergency that occurs when your body is unable to regulate its internal temperature.

During the summer, many people still have to work or travel in the hot sun. To prevent health risks in extreme weather, you need to know the signs to distinguish between common heatstroke and heat exhaustion so that you can take timely action if you experience this situation.

Symptoms of heatstroke

Symptoms associated with heatstroke are often severe. Muscle cramps can be the first sign of a heat-related illness.

Remember, heatstroke can be more serious than sunstroke and requires immediate medical attention to prevent complications.

Causes of heatstroke and heat exhaustion

Both heatstroke and heat exhaustion are caused by your body's inability to cool itself down. Sweating is your body's natural way of cooling down. If you overexert yourself or work hard in hot weather or in a confined space, your body may have difficulty producing enough sweat to stay cool.

Other causes of heatstroke and heat exhaustion include: dehydration, wearing thick and tight clothing, and indiscriminate alcohol consumption.

Prolonged heat exhaustion can lead to heatstroke. Heatstroke often occurs quickly if it's very hot or you're overexerting yourself. That's why treatment should begin as soon as the first signs appear.

Risk factors

Several factors increase the risk of heatstroke and heat exhaustion, although anyone can develop either condition.

The following factors may increase the risk of temperature sensitivity:

Age

Infants, children under 4 years old, and adults 65 years and older are at higher risk of heat-related illnesses. This is because the body's ability to regulate temperature is more difficult at these ages.

Use medication as prescribed.

Some medications used to treat high blood pressure or heart conditions can reduce the body's ability to retain water. Dehydration can lead to heat exhaustion and heatstroke.

Obesity

Your body retains more heat when you are overweight. Additionally, cooling your body can be more difficult if you are overweight or obese.

Sudden temperature changes

When you move quickly from a cooler climate to a warmer one, such as going on vacation to a hotter place, your body doesn't have time to adapt to the weather. As a result, you may have more difficulty regulating your body temperature.

High heat index

The heat index is a measure that takes humidity into account the outdoor temperature to determine how hot you and your body feel. High humidity means your sweat evaporates more slowly, making it harder to cool down. If the heat index is above 91°F (32.8°C), focus on preventative measures.

Treatment

Your body needs more water than usual when working in a hot environment because you lose more fluids through sweating. (Image: ITN)

If you start experiencing symptoms of heat exhaustion, try to find a cooler place if possible. For example, if you're outdoors, find a shady area. If you're indoors, remove a layer of clothing or turn on the air conditioner.

You should also lie down, or if that's not possible, stop any strenuous activity. This helps your body regulate its temperature.

Drink water or sports drinks to rehydrate your body. Sports drinks contain electrolytes that the body loses through excessive sweating.

If you feel nauseous or begin to vomit, seek medical help immediately.

Heatstroke (or heat exhaustion) is considered a medical emergency. Call your local emergency services if you suspect you are having heatstroke.

With prompt treatment, you can make a full recovery. Early intervention can also prevent heatstroke from progressing into a medical emergency.

Ways to prevent heat-related illnesses

One of the main ways to prevent heat-related illnesses such as heatstroke and heat exhaustion is to keep your body temperature cooler. This is especially important when you are working or participating in outdoor activities in hot weather.

You can also take some simple steps to avoid both heatstroke and heat exhaustion:

Drink 2 to 4 glasses of water every hour when you are doing outdoor activities in the heat or direct sunlight. Your body needs more water than usual when working in a hot environment because you will lose more fluids through sweating.

Avoid alcohol or caffeinated drinks if you are engaging in strenuous activity, especially in hot weather. Caffeine increases the risk of dehydration.

Stay indoors in a temperature-controlled or air-conditioned environment. Try to avoid outdoor activities during the hottest times and in direct sunlight.

Wear lighter clothing. Light-colored, loose-fitting, lightweight clothing is ideal for outdoor activities in the heat. A wide-brimmed hat will protect you from the sun and help keep you cooler.

According to healthline.com

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