There has been a constant elevation in the temperature during summer everywhere in the country. Ahmedabad this year recorded the hottest noon at 40.6 degree Celsius. The persistent heat waves have raised speculation of dehydration and heat stroke in people.
As the thermograph captures an evidential raise in the temperature, the body starts its adjustment mechanisms. Sweating out the heat is one of such kinds. When the normal body temperature 98.4 degrees Fahrenheit, calculated as 37 degrees Celsius increases up to 105 degrees Fahrenheit, calculated as 40.6 degrees Celsius body’s natural cooling mechanism is disrupted. The low water level in the body further aggravates the situation leading to heat stroke.
On a particular day, this year 19 cases of fainting, 29 cases of fall victimization, 23 cases of dehydration and 45 cases of unconsciousness and 17 cases of acute nausea and vomiting had been registered this year in Ahmedabad.
“Heat stroke is closely associated with prolonged exposure to heat and dehydration. Under normal conditions, the body loses water daily through sweat, tears, breathing, urine, and stool. In a healthy person, this water is replaced by external fluids and foods that contain water. The body loses a significant amount of water during fever, diarrhoea, or vomiting, dropping the natural water level leading to dehydration. The body may also run out of the water if an individual is overexposed to the sun and the water level is not restored. A dehydrated body can lose essential body salts, such as sodium and potassium further leading to a heat stroke” said Dr. Wasim Ahmed Sachora, Consultant - Internal Medicine Columbia Asia Hospital, Ahmedabad.
A person having heat stroke must be attended immediately as it can be fatal. Ice bath or cool shower can bring down the temperature. Keeping the person in an air-conditioned room for the next few hours will ensure recovery.
“This season has reached the epitome of heat-related catastrophes, 4,791 emergency cases have been attended by ambulances, either to transport them to hospitals or provided first AID treatment, at the rate of about 184 cases per day. All these numbers mark only the first 20 days of the month, as the heat waves gain stronger hold of the city situation may worsen for all. Humans, animals none is safe. Adaptation of preventive methods alone can save people from falling prey to the heat”, added Dr. Wasim Ahmed Sachora.
However, preventive methods are always more effective than unpleasant health encounters. Some of the ways through which one can beat the heat is:
Keeping water level in check: Carry water while travelling in heat. Keep fluid intake high. Avoid drinking compressed cold beverages instead have natural fruit juice and lime water.
Wear loose-fitting clothes: Loose fitting clothes allow the body to cool quickly. Hence in a hot climate, it is advisable to wear loose clothes.
Avoid outdoor during peak heat hours: It is better to go out in the mornings or evenings. Avoid the sun during the noon hours as it is the hottest during that time of the day. Wisely schedule heavy exhausting work, avoid doing it during peak heat hour.
Do not leave children outside in a parked car: A car parked out in the open can heat up to very hot levels. It can very dangerous if a child is inside. Animals too are prone to heat stroke do not leave the pet in the car while shopping during the daytime.
Not only humans, animals too are victimized by the heat waves. Around 800 cases of birds falling prey to heat-related illnesses were reported in an animal relief centre in Ahmedabad this year.
While a balanced water intake and avoiding going out in heat during peak heat hours is the key to avoid a heat stroke for humans, making water available for animals outside houses or inroads will be a great gesture towards humanity.
