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Heat stroke can strike you unawares as mercury soars in UAE

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Heat stroke can strike you unawares as mercury soars in UAE

Dubai - Spot the symptoms

By Web Report

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Published: Sat 12 Aug 2017, 2:55 PM

Last updated: Sun 13 Aug 2017, 2:51 PM

If a person's body overheats due to long hours of exposure to high temperatures and the individual feels nauseatic or disoriented, immediate medical attention is a must. Reason: It could be a heat stroke that's damaging for the brain.
When mercury zooms (as it has been in the UAE), heat stroke can strike a person mostly unawares. And therefore, it is important to know its symptoms and ways to tackle it.
Dubai Municipality recently shared a video on Twitter explaining the steps one could take to avoid heat-related issues in the country.

The municipality has taken initiatives to raise awareness and educate the employers and workers about the consequences of these disorders. The municipality's focus is on companies to improve the health and safety standards for workers.
What is heat stroke?
Heat stroke results from prolonged exposure to high temperatures - usually in combination with dehydration - which leads to failure of the body's temperature control system, says a webmd report.

Heat stroke is the most serious form of heat injury and is considered a medical emergency. If you suspect that someone has heat stroke, call medical services immediately and give first aid until paramedics arrive.
It can kill or cause damage to the brain and other internal organs. Although heat stroke mainly affects people over age 50, it also takes a toll on healthy young people.
This medical emergency often occurs as a progression from milder heat-related illnesses such as heat cramps, heat syncope (fainting), and heat exhaustion. But it can hit you even if you have no previous signs of heat injury.
Symptoms
The symptom of heat stroke is a core body temperature above 104 degrees Fahrenheit. But fainting may be the first sign. Other common symptoms include nausea, seizures, confusion, disorientation, and sometimes loss of consciousness or coma.

Other symptoms
Throbbing headache
Dizziness and light-headedness
Lack of sweating despite the heat
Red, hot, and dry skin
Muscle weakness or cramps
Nausea and vomiting
Rapid heartbeat, which may be either strong or weak
Rapid, shallow breathing
Behavioural changes such as confusion, disorientation, or staggering
Seizures
Unconsciousness
First aid
If you suspect that someone has a heat stroke, transport the person to a hospital. Any delay seeking medical help can be fatal.
While waiting for the paramedics to arrive, initiate first aid. Move the person to an air-conditioned environment - or at least a cool, shady area - and remove any unnecessary clothing.
If possible, take the person's core body temperature and initiate first aid to cool it to 101 to 102 degrees Fahrenheit. 
Prevention
When the heat index is high, it's best to stay in an air-conditioned environment. If you must go outdoors, you should ensure to:

Wear lightweight, light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing, and a wide-brimmed hat.
Use a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or more.
To prevent dehydration, it's good to drink at least eight glasses of water, fruit juice, or vegetable juice every day.


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