The summer temperatures in Hyderabad are often scary. The temperature goes over 40-degree Celsius and threatens people with sunstroke.
Sunstroke usually occurs when the body is dehydrated or overheated after exposure to high temperature.
If the body is exposed to high temperature for long time, it can fall victim to sunstroke. Sunstroke can be dangerous and life-threatening, if it is not identified immediately and immediate first aid is not given to the person.
Those most prone to sunstroke are young children, elderly people and people with health problems. This article talks about the symptoms of sunstroke, first aid be given if your loved one or passer-by is affected by sunstroke. It also gives you some precautions to take to avoid sunstroke.
Symptoms of sunstroke
Sunstroke symptoms vary from person to person. Below are some of the common symptoms of sunstroke:
- Increase in body temperature
- Sweating stops
- Rapid pulse
- Behavioural changes such as confusion, disorientation or staggering
- Difficulty in breathing
- Confusion, seizures
- Nausea, headache, vomiting, weakness, muscle cramps and dizziness
- Unconsciousness
- Dehydration – body begins to dehydrate due to water and salt loss
- In rare cases, patient may go into coma
First aid
Sunstroke patient needs medical help and before you call an ambulance or take the patient to a nearby clinic or hospital, you need to give primary treatment to the patient. Here are some points to remember:
- Immediately move the person to a shady place
- Remove any extra clothing like scarf, shoes, socks and wet the person’s forehead, neck, face and arms with water
- Use a newspaper or anything that is around to fan air over the person while the wetting process is being done
- If possible, try to find an ice pack from nearby store and apply it on the person’s armpits, neck and back. It helps in reducing the body temperature
- Slightly raise the person’s feet above the head, to allow blood circulation
- Give him enough water or any fluids to drink, except alcohol or caffeinated beverages
- Repeat the aid of cooling the person till he receives medical help
Precautions
You can avoid sunstroke by following these simple things:
- Avoid venturing out between 11 am and 4 pm when the sun’s rays are strong
- Keep your body hydrated. Drink water at regular intervals or fluids such as coconut water, buttermilk, sugar-cane juice, etc. to replace lost salts and water
- To protect yourself from sun’s rays; wear hat, sun glasses or carry umbrella
- Wear loose and light coloured cotton clothes
- Avoid alcoholic drinks. Alcohol worsens the sunstroke situation, as alcohol consumption leads to dehydration
- Avoid heavy exertion in the warmest part of the day, because you may sweat heavily which will result in loss of water and salt causing cramps
- Elderly people, pregnant women and children should take extra care and avoid going out in afternoons
Hope, this article helps you stay away from sunstroke and give first aid when someone gets affected by it. We would appreciate if you send us some tips on this topic.
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Health Tips to Beat Hyderabad Summer Heat