The heat of the last few days has seriously endangered our health. Although the most affected are children and the elderly, anyone can come face to face with a so-called heatstroke. Here’s how to recognize it from the first symptoms and take immediate action to avoid unpleasant consequences. Dizziness and heat exhaustion
It is the most common symptom that often occurs before all the others. It happens because the continuous and excessive heat cannot be easily disposed of by the body. Our body, under normal conditions, adopts a whole series of tricks to bring it back to an optimal temperature. The first is sweating, coupled with an increased heart and respiratory rate. However, if the high temperatures do not drop for days, not even at night, it is possible that the overwork that the body is forced to is not enough to counter the heat wave. And this is how clear signs of hyperthermia in the brain tissues begin to appear: dizziness, headache or a sense of confusion. Muscle cramps and heat stroke
Muscle tension and cramps occur very frequently as a result of excessive heat. Unlike dizziness, this is not an imminent warning. But it is a clear sign that the body is starting to run out of minerals. Better to replenish them quickly before more serious signs appear. Weakness from heat stroke
Sun and heat can cause drastic drops in blood pressure, leading to constant weakness. But not only that: this symptom could also indicate a reduction in electrolytes, in both cases it is necessary to take measures to counteract the heat. Nausea and vomit
Continued weakness could result in some kind of persistent nausea. While hours and hours spent in the heat could reduce digestive capacity, leading – in the most serious cases – to vomiting. For this reason it is advisable not to overeat with food on extremely hot days. Grills included. Dehydration due to heat stroke
Arsura, dryness of the mucous membranes, constipation, lack of urine … these are all symptoms that indicate dehydration in progress. Symptom that the body is sweating excessively to be able to counteract the heat. The negative side is that when the first signs of dehydration appear, the body could stop the secretion of sweat with decidedly negative consequences on our health. Dermatitis and heat stroke
In some cases, red spots may appear on our skin. It is likely, in this case, that the follicles are inflamed: perhaps we are too dressed for the heat of the moment. Or we wear synthetic clothes that do not allow us to let the skin breathe. It is therefore important to try to choose suitable clothes that allow sweat to be expelled correctly. The best materials are cotton and linen. Complications from heatstroke
If you do not intervene quickly in the presence of heatstroke, real medical emergencies can be highlighted. These include muscle, kidney, heart, liver and lung damage. In severe cases, renal failure, coagulopathy, respiratory distress and permanent brain damage can occur. Heat stroke, qWhen to go to the emergency room
If the symptoms are particularly severe, the first thing to do is call an ambulance or go to the emergency room. Here, blood tests will be performed and, possibly, drip with electrolytes and targeted therapy in case of organ damage. How to intervene in case of heat stroke
In other cases it is essential to try to keep the body hydrated by often consuming mineral water with a high content of mineral salts. You may also need to take some dietary supplements containing magnesium, potassium, and creatine. If you feel dizzy or confused, call for help, drink immediately, and move to a cool area. Cooling down with ice applications on the forehead, hands and feet can also help. Applications with pieces of cloth soaked in frozen water are also excellent. The precautions for avoiding heat stroke
To avoid heat stroke it is important to leave the house only in the cooler hours: from 7.00 to 11.30 and from 16.30 onwards. After that, you should only eat light foods, especially vegetables and fruit. Excellent extracts and centrifuged to drink during the day: they help rehydrate the body by providing the right mineral salts. Finally, it is essential to wear only light clothing strictly made of cotton, avoiding synthetic ones that excessively increase the sensation of heat.
