Drinking a lot of coffee to quench your thirst in hot weather, beware of adverse effects

Reader Dao Thanh Minh (35 years old, living in Ho Chi Minh City) asked: My job requires me to travel outdoors while the weather these days is extremely hot, so I often feel dizzy and have headaches. Can you tell me how to avoid heatstroke when working outdoors this season?

Specialist Doctor 1, Huynh Van Muoi Mot, Tam Anh General Hospital (HCMC) answered:

Symptoms of heatstroke include: Fever of 40 degrees Celsius or higher; changes in mental state or behavior (such as confusion, agitation, slurred speech); dizziness and lightheadedness; dry, hot skin or increased sweating; nausea and vomiting; flushed skin; rapid pulse; muscle weakness or cramps; rapid breathing; headache; unconsciousness; seizures.

Causes of sunstroke and heatstroke are due to not drinking enough water in hot weather, poor air circulation in the house, and direct sunlight in the living space.

High environmental temperatures, especially in the summer, cause many people to fall into a state of heatstroke. In addition, there are other favorable factors including: poor thermoregulation and adaptation to heat in children or the elderly; exercising and working for too long in hot environments; wearing clothes that are too thick, waterproof, and easily absorb heat...; not drinking enough water when in an environment that is too hot; using drugs with side effects that reduce sweating such as diuretics, beta blockers, antihistamines... Having diseases, hormonal disorders, obesity...

To prevent heatstroke in the summer, it is best to stay in a cool environment. If you have to go out in the sun, you can prevent heatstroke by taking the following precautions: Supplement with fruit juices to help reduce body temperature on hot days. Wear cool, comfortable, light-colored clothes and a wide-brimmed hat. Use sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher. Drink more water to prevent dehydration. You should drink at least 1.5 liters of filtered water, fruit juice or vegetable juice every day or you can use sports drinks rich in electrolytes on days when the temperature is high and the humidity is low.

Also, avoid fluids that contain caffeine or alcohol, as these can make dehydration worse.

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