What are the causes of summertime heat stroke and how can it be avoided?

Critical heat-related sickness, known as heat stroke, results from the body’s thermoregulatory systems failing, often as a result of prolonged exposure to high temperatures and dehydration. If left untreated, this condition—which is characterised by a body temperature of 104°F (40°C) or higher—poses serious health hazards.

The director of internal medicine at Max Super Speciality Hospital in Patparganj, Dr. Mukesh Mehra, has now provided some heat stroke preventive advice and symptoms.
Signs:
Recognising the signs of heat stroke is essential for timely action and consists of:

Hyperthermia: When a person’s core body temperature rises beyond 104°F (40°C), their body is unable to release heat.

Central Nervous System Dysfunction: Changes in mental state resulting from heat damage to the brain, from agitation and confusion to delirium and coma.

Cutaneous Manifestations: Because evaporative cooling has stopped, the skin is flushed, heated, and dry and often does not sweat.

Cardiovascular Strain: When the heart fights to keep the blood flowing despite an increase in metabolic demand, it experiences tachycardia, or rapid heartbeat.

Neurological Disorders: headache, vertigo, and, in extreme situations, seizures, which are indicative of disturbances in the central nervous system.

Symptoms related to the digestive system include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea when the body reroutes blood flow to important organs from the gastrointestinal tract.

Prevention: Strategic efforts are necessary to reduce the risk of heat stroke.

Hydration Strategy: Sustaining a sufficient fluid intake to facilitate evaporative cooling and avoid heat strain caused by dehydration.

Environmental management includes finding shade, avoiding the hottest times of day, and using air conditioning or fans to cool down.

Wearing breathable, light clothes that promote sweating and heat dissipation is appropriate attire.

Gradual Acclimatisation: By exposing the body to increasing temperatures over time, the body may progressively adjust to hot conditions.

Strategic Rest Periods: Including periodic rest periods throughout physically demanding activity to avoid overheating.

Being Aware of Your Vulnerabilities: Recognising individual risk factors that might increase your likelihood of developing heat intolerance, such as age, health issues, and medicines.