Degrees of Discomfort

What is heat exhaustion? How is it different from sunstroke?

8226;Heat exhaustion happens when the body gets overheated due to excessive loss of water or, in rare cases, salt depletion. Those who take part in strenuous physical exercise in the sun are at risk. The symptoms are thirst, headache, pallor, dizziness and nausea or vomiting. In severe cases, the person may feel disoriented and feel his heart race.

8226;Heatstroke or sunstroke occurs when the body8217;s thermoregulatory system stops working and the body temperature rises to approximately 41C. Other than the symptoms of heat exhaustion, other signs could be a stop to sweating, difficulty walking, disorientation, fainting. While heat exhaustion is not fatal, heatstroke can be.

8226;Other effects of over-exposure to the sun include: sunburn, swelling, blisters, fever, headaches and heat cramps8212;heavy sweating and painful spasms in the leg or abdomen muscles

8226;Also, since food cannot be stored for too long at this temperature, this could lead to outbreaks of food poisoning and diarrhoearal illnesses, which could further dehydrate the body.

Who is at risk?

Almost everyone is at risk by the time the mercury touches 40 degree Celsius. The elderly, the very young and the socially isolated are particularly vulnerable to the effect of high temperatures. Obese people, and those with medical conditions such as heart disease and diabetes are also at risk. Heat stress is also an occupational health problem.

Do people get adapted to the heat?

Indians, especially those who work outdoors and school going children adapt faster to rising temperatures.

Are there ways to avoid a heatwave?

8226; Eat regularly. Though hot weather can lessen appetite, don8217;t skip meals as it can lead to salt deficiency

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8226; Increase your intake of non-alcoholic, non-carbonated, caffeine free beverages such as water and fruit juice

8226; Wear light and loose fitting clothes

8226; Avoid the outdoors during extreme heat, stay out of the sun

8226; Eliminate strenuous activity

8226; Some experts also say you should cut down on the amount of proteins that you eat during a heatwave, as they can increase metabolic activity and generate heat in the body.

Treatment

8226;Get out of the sun and move, if possible, into an air-conditioned building.

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8226; Drink water. But drink slowly instead of gulping it down.

8226; If after 30 minutes, if the person isn8217;t better, seek medical advice.

8226; Bring down the body temperature8212;splash water on the skin.