Bhubaneswar, AP 6: Bhubaneswar recorded a temperature of 43.5 degrees C on Friday and was the 6th hottest city in Asia. By 2:30 pm, mercury in the capital city of Odisha had already touched 43.3° C.
The IMD has issued a yellow warning for heat wave in 14 districts of Odisha.
Let’s know the causes, symptoms, treatment and prevention:
Sunstroke, also known as heatstroke, is a serious condition characterized by the body's inability to regulate its temperature due to prolonged exposure to high temperatures and dehydration. It is a medical emergency that requires prompt treatment to prevent severe complications, including organ damage and even death.
Symptoms of Sunstroke:
High body temperature (usually above 104°F or 40°C)
Rapid heartbeat
Rapid and shallow breathing
Throbbing headache
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Nausea and vomiting
Muscle cramps or weakness
Confusion or disorientation
Loss of consciousness or fainting
Causes of Sunstroke:
Prolonged exposure to high temperatures: Spending extended periods in hot and humid conditions, especially without adequate hydration or breaks in shade, can lead to sunstroke.
Dehydration: Insufficient fluid intake can impair the body's ability to sweat and cool down, increasing the risk of overheating.
Excessive physical exertion: Strenuous activities in hot weather can elevate body temperature rapidly, especially if combined with inadequate hydration.
Certain medications or health conditions: Some medications or pre-existing health conditions, such as heart disease or obesity, can impair the body's ability to regulate temperature and increase the risk of sunstroke.
Treatment of Sunstroke:
Move to a cooler environment: Immediately move the person experiencing sunstroke to a shaded or air-conditioned area to lower their body temperature.
Hydrate: Offer cool water or sports drinks containing electrolytes to help rehydrate the individual. Avoid alcohol and caffeinated beverages, as they can worsen dehydration.
Cool the body: Use cool water or damp towels to lower the person's body temperature. Applying ice packs to areas with abundant blood flow, such as the neck, armpits, and groin, can also help.
Monitor vital signs: Continuously monitor the person's vital signs, including temperature, pulse, and breathing, and seek medical attention if symptoms persist or worsen.
Seek medical help: If the person's condition does not improve or if they lose consciousness, experience seizures, or show signs of severe dehydration, seek immediate medical assistance. In some cases, hospitalization and intravenous fluids may be necessary to treat sunstroke effectively.
Prevention:
Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids, especially water, before, during, and after outdoor activities.
Avoid prolonged exposure to extreme heat, particularly during the hottest parts of the day.
Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing and a wide-brimmed hat to protect against the sun.
Take frequent breaks in the shade or air-conditioned spaces, especially during hot weather.
Be mindful of the risks of sunstroke when engaging in outdoor activities, particularly during heatwaves or in high-humidity environments.
