A heatstroke happens when your body gets too hot, due to spending too much time in a hot environment, explains WebMD. It can be extremely serious.
Dr Amlendu Yadav, who heads the heatstroke unit at the Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, New Delhi, told Rediff.com, that excessive temperatures causes symptoms to escalate significantly faster leading to unconsciousness and multiple-organ failure, especially when the victim does not move towards coolness or a hospital. Read the interview here: 'If A Heatstroke Patient Doesn't Get Treatment, There's 80% Chance Of Dying'.
Loose-fitting, breathable clothes in light colours help reflect the sunlight away and allows your body to stay cooler, advises both Medical News Today and WebMD. Don't wear dark, tight, synthetic fabrics that trap heat.
Try to stay indoors between 12 PM and 4 PM, when the sun is at its strongest. If you must go out, take frequent breaks in the shade, recommends World Health Organization.
Temperatures inside a car can soar dangerously within minutes, even with the windows open a crack. Medical News Today warns that children or pets should not be left inside a car. Nor the elderly or anyone for that matter.
World Health Organization asks you to drink plenty of water regularly, even if you’re not feeling thirsty. Fruits, juices, neebupani are also good, says Dr Yadav. Dehydration reduces your body’s ability to cool itself through sweating, increasing your risk of heatstroke. WebMD also suggests avoiding fluids containing caffine and alcohol.
Cleveland Clinic suggest using fans (even personal fans), cool showers or wet towels on your neck to bring your body temperature down and prevent a heat stroke. Also keep oral rehydration salts (ORS) handy during extreme heat to replace the body salts lost when you sweat profusely.
Excessive heat can have a radical effect on the body. Since much of our body is protein, like an egg, Dr Amlendu Yadav describes, that is being boiled, the tissues of our body begin to sizzle and simmer in the sun. therefore: Use an umbrella. Use a hat. Cover your head, suggests Dr Yadav.
Dr Amlendu Yadav told Rediff.com to watch out for symptoms like dizziness, headache, rapid pulse, nausea, or confusion. These could be signs of heat exhaustion or heatstroke. Don’t ignore them. Cool yourself down immediately and head to the hospital.