Heat Stroke: Warning Signs to Look Out For, Steps to Take to Beat Heat Exhaustion

While there are occasional reliefs in the form of rain and wind, summer is at its best across the country. Indian summer can be brutal and you need to take extra precautions to stay hydrated in this hot weather. Heat stroke is a major concern in the summer months. “Hydration is very important to prevent heat exhaustion, heat stroke and other side effects. Therefore, we must be careful about taking some extra fluids this season,” says Dr. Mukesh Mehra, Director of Internal Medicine, Max Super Specialty Hospital, Patparganj, Delhi.

Dr. Mehra says that issues like dehydration and other associated ailments related to heat exhaustion can become very serious if not addressed early. “When your body loses more fluids than it takes in, you become dehydrated. And when you’re dehydrated, your body can’t function normally. And that dehydration and heat stroke are especially dangerous for young children, especially under five years of age.” says Dr. Mehra.

Signs of Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke

“The science of heat exhaustion should also be made known to people such as nausea, vomiting, tiredness, headache, muscle cramps, dizziness, or a patient who is pale. If this becomes severe, the victim could require hospitalization and fluids.” intravenous also efficient suffering. from hypertension or any heart condition. The person always requires urgent medical attention,” shares Dr. Mehra.

Also read: How to protect your heart from the summer heat, follow the advice of the experts

Precautions to take in summer

Dr. Mukesh Mehra has the following tips for people to prevent heat exhaustion or heat stroke:

1. People who stay and work outdoors in the sun need to take extra precautions. Protect your head from the sun and, if possible, use a small towel soaked in water or try to store some clothes under the hat.

2. It is very important to stay hydrated and drink as much water as necessary in this current temperature. Carry water or some type of liquid with you at all times. If you use any chronic medication, you are supposed to drink more water. Avoid spaces where the sun shines brightly if possible. Use rehydration solutions such as ORS and others.

3. It is important to ensure that older people have access to water and parents or carers should also pay special attention to younger children to ensure they are hydrated. Babies who are breastfed also need to be fed more often in hot weather. Try to keep your children indoors or in the shade and also ask them to dress lightly and wipe them down with a damp cloth if they are outside. Parents should remember to keep children inside, especially during peak heat hours between 11 am and 4 pm.

Heat Stroke: When to Seek Medical Attention

Dr. Mukesh Mehra says that parents should be vigilant and if children have more than two watery stools or vomit, or if they become lethargic, always try to seek medical attention. “During dehydration, one’s skin may become dry and the patient’s eyes may look sunken. Therefore, these patients will require urgent care. Sports drinks or commercial oral rehydration solutions are also effective on occasion. And if symptoms dehydration worsen or the patient develops a high fever, then urgent medical attention is also required,” shares Dr. Mehra.

The doctor has one last word of advice. “I’ll suggest drinking additional water, maybe up to four liters of fluid in different forms, whether it’s plain water, oral rehydration, fresh fruit juices, or some kind of non-carbonated drink. You can also regularly consume fruits that are almost 90% composed of or more than 90% liquid only. Umbrellas and hats are also suggested if you have no choice but to go out in the heat,” says Dr. Mehra.