Strike Away the Heatstroke

Summer in Pakistan is a real test. Pakistan is located in one of the world’s hottest hemispheres with temperature reaching as high as 53.5 °C, recorded in Mohenjodaro, Sindh in 2010. Just yesterday, the temperature in Rahim Yar Khan touched 49 °C on the scale. The situation is pretty alarming and one must be ready to raise the defenses.

The most common and serious ailment in summer is the heatstroke; a condition caused by overheating of the body due to prolonged exposure to high temperature. This serious calamity occurs if your body temperature rises to 104 F (40 °C). It causes dehydration, intense weakness that can lead to unconsciousness or in the most fatal cases, even coma. In Pakistan, the precedent is extremely worrisome as 2000 people lost their lives in 2015’s deadly heatstroke, with 1300 casualties reported in Karachi only.

The symptoms of heatstroke include severe headache, dizziness, lack of sweating despite the heat, redness and dryness of skin, muscle weakness, nausea and vomiting, rapid heartbeat, rapid and shallow breathing, and unconsciousness.

If you see these symptoms in someone, immediately call an ambulance or Rescue 1122. While the rescue team arrives, initiate first aid. Move the person to an air-conditioned environment or at least a cool, shady area and remove any unnecessary clothing. Fan air over the patient while wetting his or her skin with water from a sponge or a piece of cloth. Try to gently decrease the body temperature of the patient by sponging them with normal temperature water at their armpits, groin, neck, and back. Do not use ice for older patients, young children, patients with chronic illness, or anyone whose heat stroke occurred without vigorous exercise.

While these are the immediate measures, let us also learn some precautionary measures. In this blistering heat, try to wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing, and a wide-brimmed hat. Use sunscreen and keep yourself hydrated by drinking water after regular intervals. It is advisable to use ORS or homemade lemonade to avoid salt depletion which is another cause of heatstroke. Reschedule your activities to the coolest times of the day. Also, children are more prone to heatstroke due to their fragility so do not let them play in the heat for too long. 

To learn more about this fatal thing, log onto Healthginie.com where you can find and set an appointment with an expert doctor who can guide you to pass this scorching summer safely. Your health matters to Healthginie as we provide our services for free. Take good care of yourself!