Too much heat dangerous and even fatal
WITH the hot season here now, it is good to remember that too much heat is not good for anyone. It can be dangerous or even fatal.
Each year there are people who die from hyperthermia, a condition where your body temperature is greatly above normal.
Prolonged exposure to extreme heat can cause illnesses such as heat stroke, heat exhaustion, heat cramps, heat syncope and heat rash. All these are grouped under hyperthermia.
Being too hot for too long can also worsen pre-existing chronic conditions. At risk are people with heart or blood vessel problems, poorly working sweat glands, heart disease, lung disease or kidney disease and those with various respiratory, cerebral and cardiovascular diseases.
Being overweight or underweight can equally put you at risk of hyperthermia in hot weather.
Heat stroke
Heat stroke is the most serious heat related disorder. It occurs when your body no longer sweats and so no longer controls its temperature. is causes the body temperature to reach dangerous levels.
Heat stroke can cause death or permanent disability if emergency treatment is not provided.
Signs of heat stroke include a body temperature of more than 40 degrees, a change in behaviour such as confusion, agitation, staggering, being grouchy or acting strangely. It can also include dry, flushed skin, not sweating even if it is hot, chills and a strong rapid pulse or a slow weak pulse. In later stages you may pass out and/or have convulsions.
You should call an ambulance immediately if heat stroke is suspected. While waiting for the ambulance, move the person suffering from suspected heat stroke to a cool area. Remove excess clothing. Fan him or her and spray with cool water. Offer sips of water, if the person is conscious.
Heat exhaustion
Heat exhaustion is the body’s response to the loss of water and salt typically through sweating. It is a warning that your body can no longer keep itself cool.
Symptoms of heat exhaustion include excessive sweating, weakness or fatigue, dizziness and/or confusion, clammy skin, muscle cramps and a flushed complexion. You may also feel thirsty and nauseous.
Heat exhaustion can lead to heat stroke, which can kill. Move the person you suspect of having heat exhaustion to a cool, shady place. Loosen or remove excessive clothing. Provide cool, lightly salted water. Fan and spray with cool water.
Heat cramps
Heat cramps are the painful tightening of muscles in your stomach, arms or legs.
Cramps can result from hard work or exercise. e heavy sweating drains the body of salt which cannot be replaced by simply drinking water.
ough your temperature and pulse usually stay normal during heat cramps, your skin may feel moist and cool. If symptoms such as cramping present themselves move to a cool area at once. Loosen your clothing and drink cool, lightly salted water.
Seek medical care if the cramps are severe or do not go away.
Heat syncope
Heat syncope (fainting) is a fainting episode or dizziness that usually occurs with prolonged standing or sudden rising from a sitting or lying position. Symptoms include fainting (for a short duration), dizziness or light headedness during prolonged standing or when suddenly rising from a sitting or lying position.
Heat rash
Heat rash is an irritation of the skin caused by excessive sweating.
Symptoms of heat rash include red clusters of pimples or small blisters. e rash usually appears on the neck and upper chest, groin area, under the breasts and in elbow creases. When possible, moving to a cooler, less humid work environment is the best treatment for heat rash. Keep the rash area dry. Powder may be applied to reduce discomfort.
Hot weather safety tips
In extremely hot weather heed early warning signs of heat related illnesses. Headaches, heavy perspiration, a high pulse rate and shallow breathing are early warning signs of heat stress. If early symptoms occur, take a break immediately and move to a cooler location. Dress for hot weather. Wear lightweight, light-coloured clothing as light colours reflect heat, while dark colours absorb heat. Some people find natural fabrics such as cotton to be cooler than synthetic fibres.
Drink plenty of water
Try to keep your home as cool as possible. Limit use of the oven. At night have only minimal covering, perhaps just a sheet, if you feel hot. Open windows at night, if it is safe to do so and you are not likely to be bothered by mosquitoes.
Do not try to exercise or do a lot of activities outdoors when it is hot.
In the work environment
In hot weather the dangers of working outside increase. Workers who are exposed to extreme heat or who work in hot environments may be at higher risk of heat stress and other heat-related illnesses. Knowing how to work safely in hot weather can help prevent these illnesses.
Heat can also increase the risk of injuries, as it may result in sweaty palms, fogged up safety glasses and dizziness.
Workers at risk of heat stress include outdoor workers and those who work in hot environments such as fire-fighters, bakery workers, farmers, construction workers, miners, boiler room workers and factory workers among others.
Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of fluids. If you work outside, drink approximately two glasses of water before you start work and a glass every 15 to 20 minutes. Avoid drinking dehydrating liquids such as alcohol, coffee, tea and caffeinated soft drinks.
Wear protective clothing
Lightweight, light coloured and loose-fitting clothing helps protect against heat. Change your clothing if it becomes saturated with sweat. Pace yourself. Slow down and work at an even pace. Know your own limits and ability to work safely in the heat.
Schedule frequent breaks! Take time for rest periods and water breaks in a shaded or well-ventilated area. Use a damp cloth to wipe your face or put it around your neck while you work. Avoid getting sunburn. Use sunscreen and wear a hat if working outside.
Be alert to signs of heat-related illnesses. Know what to look out for. Eat small meals. Eat fruits high in fibre and natural juice. Avoid high protein foods.
e information in this article is provided as a public service by the Cimas iGo Wellness programme, which is designed to promote good health. It is provided for general information only and should not be construed as medical advice. Readers should consult their doctor or clinic on any matter related to their health or the treatment of any health problem. — igo@cimas. co.zw or WhatsApp 0772 161 829 or phone 024-2773 0663.