As temperatures continue to rise, the risk of heatstroke is increasing across various parts of the country. Until a few years ago, extreme heat was more common in the Tarai-Madhesh region, but it is now being felt in hilly districts as well. Rising temperatures, hot and dry winds, excessive sweating, and related health complications are becoming increasingly common.
Many people take paracetamol and rest when they develop a fever. However, during heatstroke, body temperature can rise to dangerously high levels, and fever-reducing medicines such as paracetamol alone may not be sufficient.
This is because heatstroke is not a fever caused by an infection. Instead, it occurs when the body’s temperature-regulating system, the hypothalamus, becomes impaired. Without timely treatment, heatstroke can damage vital organs, including the brain, heart, and kidneys.
Children, older adults, pregnant women, people with chronic illnesses, and those who work outdoors for long periods are at particularly high risk. Therefore, understanding the causes, symptoms, and preventive measures is essential during periods of extreme heat.
What causes heatstroke and how can it be recognised?
Under normal conditions, the human body regulates its temperature through sweating. However, prolonged exposure to extreme heat can lead to excessive sweating, causing significant loss of water and essential salts (electrolytes).
When the body cannot replace the lost fluids and electrolytes, its temperature begins to rise abnormally, increasing the risk of heatstroke.
Early symptoms may include excessive thirst, headache, dizziness, weakness, loss of appetite, and extreme fatigue. As the condition worsens, symptoms can include vomiting, muscle pain, rapid heartbeat, restlessness, facial flushing, and a very high body temperature.
In some cases, the person may lose consciousness. Without immediate treatment, heatstroke can become life-threatening. Its effects may not only be immediate but can also have long-term consequences, particularly for people with high blood pressure, heart disease, or other chronic health conditions.
What should be done immediately if someone suffers heatstroke?
If a person shows signs of heatstroke, they should first be moved away from direct sunlight or a hot environment and placed in a cool, well-ventilated area. Efforts to lower their body temperature should begin immediately.
Loosen or remove tight clothing if necessary. Applying cold, wet cloths to the forehead, neck, armpits, hands, and feet can help cool the body. Wiping the body with cool water may also provide relief.
If the person is conscious, they should be given water, oral rehydration solution (ORS), lemon water, coconut water, or other fluids to help replace lost fluids.
However, if the person is unconscious, has difficulty speaking, cannot stand properly, feels extremely weak, or has a very high body temperature, they should be taken to a health facility without delay. Severe cases may require intravenous fluids and other emergency medical treatment.
How can heatstroke be prevented?
- Avoid going outdoors between 10 am and 3 pm, when the sun’s intensity is strongest.
- If going outside is necessary, drink plenty of water beforehand and use an umbrella, hat, or head covering. Wearing light-colored, loose-fitting cotton clothing can help the body regulate temperature more effectively.
- Drink water regularly during hot weather. Do not wait until you feel thirsty; continue drinking fluids at regular intervals.
- ORS, lemon water, wood apple juice, coconut water, and other fluid-rich beverages help maintain hydration.
- Pay attention to your diet. Foods with high water content, such as cucumbers, melons, watermelons, oranges, grapes, salads, fruits, and vegetables, are beneficial. It is advisable to limit heavy, oily, fried, and excessively spicy foods.
- Alcohol, excessive tea and coffee, and sugary drinks can contribute to dehydration and should be consumed in moderation.
- Moving suddenly from an air-conditioned or very cold room into intense heat can also cause problems due to a rapid change in body temperature. It is better to spend a few minutes in a normal environment before going outdoors.
- People working in fields, construction sites, or open areas should choose morning or evening hours whenever possible. Taking regular breaks, drinking water, and preventing dehydration are extremely important.
Although heatstroke may seem like a common seasonal problem, it can lead to serious health complications. Drinking sufficient water, avoiding excessive sun exposure, and paying attention to early warning signs are the most effective ways to protect yourself from heatstroke during hot weather.
—Dr Abashesh Bhandari (General Physician and Gastroenterology & Liver Disease Specialist)
