Scorching summer looms, beware of sun stroke

Scorching summer looms, beware of  sun stroke
A spate of summer diseases looms large as the summer temperature increases.

The cold weather conditions prevailing in Kerala till a few days ago have suddenly undergone a change. The mercury has shot up in several parts of the state and Thrissur recorded a maximum temperature of 35.1 degrees Celsius on Tuesday. A maximum of above 34 degrees was experienced in the district on all days of this week.

If the situation persists, the readings may touch 40 degrees by March. A spate of summer diseases too looms large as the temperature rises. DMO Dr K J Reena has issued an alert against sun stroke. Apart from Sun stroke, several other heat-related diseases can also affect people.

Sun stroke

When the heat in the atmosphere rises significantly, the temperature regulatory mechanism of the body goes out of gear. As a result, the body becomes incapable of expelling the heat that has built up inside. This adversely affects many crucial functions in the body, which is termed sun stroke.

Even though sun stroke occurs rarely in Kerala, precautions have to be taken. If any sign of sun stroke is seen, immediately seek treatment.

Signs

» High body temperature – over 103 Fahrenheit

» The body acquires a dry look and a reddish colour

» Pulse rate rises significantly

» Severe headache, dizziness and change in behaviour

Heat rash

Mostly seen in children, heat rashes occur when people scratch areas of the body where there is sweating. It is common on the neck, upper part of the chest and in the armpits.

The condition can be overcome by avoiding exposure to direct sunlight as well as sweating.

Heat cramps

This can occur when the body sweats excessively, losing water content. Heat cramps commonly affect limbs and abdomen. If cramps are felt, move to a shady area and drink plenty of water. Another remedy is drinking rice gruel and lemon juice to which salt is added. Affected persons need to take rest for some hours.

How to escape the heat

» People working in the open during daytime need to rearrange their duty time. They have to avoid working under the sun between 12 noon and 3 pm

» Drink plenty of water. Two to four glasses have to be taken every hour, even while not feeling thirsty. People who sweat profusely have to drink saline rice gruel or lemon juice

» Avoid exposure to direct sunlight when the mercury level is high

» Wear thin and loose clothes, preferably of white or light colours

» Do not leave children or others in a car parked under direct sunlight

» Ensure that elderly people and children do not get exposed to the heat

Heat exhaustion

This is a condition that is less intense than heat stroke. High atmospheric temperature causes loss of water content and salts from the body. It mostly affects people working under the hot sun and aged persons. People having high blood pressure also need to take care. If timely treatment is not given, the situation may turn worse, leading to heat stroke.

Signs

» Heavy sweating, anaemic body and muscle cramps

» Feeling tired and dizzy

» Severe headache, vomiting

» Pulse rate rises even when the body temperature becomes normal

» Breathing rate increases

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