How the body overheats
Normally, the body gives off excess heat due to dilation of skin vessels and evaporation of sweat. In extreme heat, especially with high humidity, sweat evaporates poorly and this mechanism stops working. If at the same time a person drinks little, loses salt through sweat, wears thick clothes or physically works, the body temperature begins to rise. First, heat exhaustion develops, and when thermoregulation completely breaks down and the temperature exceeds 40 ° C with impaired consciousness, they speak of heat stroke.
- High air temperature and humidity
- Dehydration and loss of salts
- Physical activity in the heat
- Tight, breathable clothing
- No shadow or air movement
- Child left in a locked car
Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke: What's the Difference?
With heat exhaustion, a person sweats profusely, complains of weakness, headache, nausea, dizziness, his pulse quickens, but his consciousness remains clear. If you move it to a cool place and give it something to drink, the condition improves in 30–60 minutes. Heatstroke is characterized mainly by a disturbance of consciousness: lethargy, strange behavior, slurred speech, and possible convulsions appear. The skin is often hot and dry. This condition requires immediate calling an ambulance.
- Heat exhaustion—profuse sweating, weakness, lucidity
- Heat stroke—confusion, delirium, seizures
- Temperature 40 °C or higher with heat stroke
- Stopping sweating is a warning sign
- Vomiting and rapid breathing
- Muscle cramps in the calves and abdomen due to loss of salts
First aid
You need to act quickly: the longer the high temperature lasts, the higher the risk of organ damage. Move the victim to the shade or a cool room, remove excess clothing, and lay him down with his legs elevated. Cool your body with water at room temperature: wipe, fan, apply cool compresses to the neck, armpits and groin. If the person is conscious and not nauseous, give small sips of water or saline solution. If consciousness is impaired, you cannot give water - immediately call 103 and continue cooling until the doctors arrive.
- Move to shade or cool area
- Remove excess clothing and allow air flow
- Wipe with cool water and fan
- Cool compresses on the neck, armpits, groin
- Drink in small sips if your mind is clear
- Avoid alcohol and caffeinated drinks
- If consciousness is impaired, call 103 and do not give water
Who's at risk
Young children have a relatively large body surface area and immature thermoregulatory mechanisms, so they overheat faster than adults. In older people, the feeling of thirst is reduced, and chronic diseases and medications interfere with sweating. People who work outdoors, athletes, as well as those who take diuretics, some blood pressure medications and psychotropic drugs require special attention. Alcohol increases dehydration and prevents you from adequately assessing your condition.
- Children of the first years of life
- People over 65 years old
- Working outdoors
- Athletes and lovers of training in the heat
- Patients with heart and kidney diseases
- Taking diuretics and psychotropic drugs
- Drinking alcohol in hot weather
Prevention in the heat
In summer in Tashkent, it is wise to rearrange the day: move heavy physical work and walks to the early morning and evening, and stay indoors during the hottest hours. You need to drink regularly, without waiting for thirst, giving preference to water; for profuse sweating, add saline solutions. Clothes should be light, loose, made from natural fabrics, and the head should be covered with a hat. Never leave children or elderly people in a parked car: the temperature inside the car can rise to dangerous levels in a matter of minutes.
- Avoid the street during the hottest hours of the day
- Drink regularly without waiting for thirst
- Light, loose clothing and a hat
- Cool shower and room ventilation
- Do not leave anyone in a closed car
- Limit alcohol and sugary carbonated drinks
- Keep an eye on elderly relatives during hot days
