వడదెబ్బ: లక్షణాలు, ప్రథమ చికిత్స, జాగ్రత్తలు — పూర్తి గైడ్

Heatstroke: Symptoms, first aid and how to stay safe

In the Telugu states, when summer arrives, news of heatstroke also comes. Many people take it lightly as "a little bit of sun". But in medical terms, heatstroke is an emergency. If not treated in time, there is a risk of brain, kidney, and heart damage and death. This article is for general awareness only — if you experience symptoms, consult a doctor immediately.

How does the body regulate heat?

Our body's normal temperature is around 37 degrees Celsius. When the outside heat increases, the body cools down by sweating. But staying in the sun for a long time and not drinking enough water causes the sweating system to stop working. Then the body temperature crosses 40 degrees — that's heatstroke.

Three steps

1. Heat cramps — painful cramps in the legs and abdomen. This is due to salt loss due to excessive sweating.

2. Heat exhaustion — Profuse sweating, dizziness, headache, nausea, vomiting, weakness, rapid pulse. If you take precautions at this stage, you can avoid a major accident.

3. Heatstroke — Body becomes very hot, skin becomes dry and red (no sweating), confusion, slurred speech, fits, loss of consciousness. This is an emergency.

What to do immediately — First aid

• Call 108 ambulance immediately.

• Move the person to the shade, and if possible, to a cool room.

• Loosen tight clothing.

• Wipe the body with a cloth dampened with cool (not ice) water, and allow the fan to blow air.

• Place a wet cloth or ice pack near the neck, armpits, and groin — these are where large blood vessels are located.

• Give small amounts of water or ORS only if the person is conscious and able to swallow.

• Never put anything into the mouth of an unconscious person — there is a risk of it going into the lungs.

Don'ts

• Fever pills (such as paracetamol) do not reduce the heat of a sunburn; do not give them without a doctor's advice.

• Do not give alcohol, soft drinks, or drinks with a lot of sugar.

• Don't just keep it at home, saying "it'll be fine in a while."

Who is at greater risk?

Elderly people over 65 years of age, children under five years of age, pregnant women, people with heart and kidney diseases, diabetes, high blood pressure, those taking certain medications, workers working in the sun, farmers, and delivery employees.

Prevention — Daily precautions

• Drink water throughout the day, even if you are not thirsty. Buttermilk, lemon juice, coconut water, and ORS are good.

• Make sure not to go out between 12 noon and 3 pm.

• Wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing. Use a hat, umbrella, and towel.

• Never leave children or pets in a parked car — the heat inside can reach lethal levels within minutes.

• Eat fruits that have a high water content, such as watermelon, cucumber, and cantaloupe.

• Workers should take a short break in the shade every hour.

Conclusion

Sunburn is completely preventable. Pay special attention to the elderly and children in the family. Greet the lonely elderly in your neighborhood once in the summer — that small act could save a life.

Photo: Pranabnlp / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)