Heat stroke is understood as a profound disorder of the temperature regulation mechanism that causes high fever, collapse* and, in the most severe cases, convulsions, coma and even death. The cause is prolonged exposure to high temperatures, especially in places with poor ventilation or intense solar radiation.
Sunbathing in the summer is pleasant and relaxing, but sunbathing in excess often causes damage to body tissues.
Although the human body absorbs heat Coming from the sun’s rays, almost all the calories it needs are obtained from food. The combustion of glucose produces carbon dioxide and water, and releases energy in the form of heat, all in an extremely complex process that takes place inside cells.
When the heat outside increases, the body reacts to ensure that the general temperature remains between 36.2 ° C and 37.6 ° C, especially that of the brain. Ordinarily, excess heat is lost through sweat and by dilation of the skin’s capillaries, as well as by a notable increase in blood flow.
But if the temperature exceeds maximum values, the body’s reaction mechanisms are unable to control it and heat stroke appears.
This disorder manifests itself with increased sweating -which causes a feeling of exhaustion and dry mouth- and bodily fluids -which are accompanied by loss of salt-; acceleration of the pulse, and fall of the affected person in a state of semi-consciousness. If body heat continues to rise, sweating ceases, and collapse with convulsions ensues, followed by death if appropriate treatment is not given.
Heat stroke often affects older people who overdress on hot days. Initially they present headache, dizziness, weakness and faintness, because overheated skin draws more blood from the heart; sweating is moderate and leaves the body moist and slimy.
In these cases, the immediate application of home and natural remedies is convenient to prevent and prevent heat stroke from advancing and causing a greater problem in the affected person.
folk remedies
Remedy for heat stroke # 1: Applying onion juice behind the ears and on the chest helps to lower the body temperature. This is an Ayurveda remedy.
Remedy for heat stroke # 2: Consuming a few slices of raw onions in salads can cool down the system.
Remedy for heat stroke #3: Ingest a tamarind juice, since it is rich in vitamins, minerals and electrolytes. It can be drunk with a pinch of sugar. This remedy lowers your body temperature. It is equally important to indicate that tamarind has a slight laxative effect and helps in the treatment of stomach disorders.
Remedy for heat stroke # 4: Soak a couple of plums in a glass of water until they are soft. Then, grate them until they are well diluted without seed. Take immediately. This remedy, like the previous one, also has a laxative effect, so it should be consumed in case of constipation.
Remedy for heat stroke # 5: Consume coconut water as it hydrates your body through the natural balance of electrolytes in the body while also refreshing you.
Remedy for heat stroke # 6: Place a handful of coriander or mint leaves in a blender along with 1 cup of water. Blend for a few moments. Strain and drink 1 glass when you feel discomfort.
Remedy for heat stroke # 7: Soak a cloth with water of roses and pass through the forehead and the areas of the body where the heat is felt.
Remedy for heat stroke # 8: Pour a couple of drops of apple cider vinegar into a glass of water and drink immediately to refresh and replenish minerals like potassium and magnesium that have been lost through sweat.
Remedy for heat stroke # 9: Consume aloe vera or aloe juice as soon as you feel the first symptoms of heat stroke.
Remedy for heat stroke # 10: Mix some sandalwood powder and apply it on the forehead and chest. Its cooling properties will lower the body temperature. Alternatively, massage some sandalwood oil on your forehead. You can also use the oil to soften the irritable skin.
Remedy for heat stroke # 11: Wetting the affected person’s hair and forehead with cold, icy water. This provides channels for heat to escape.
recommendations
Wear loose dresses, made with air-permeable fabrics, for example, linen.
The colors that best protect from heat are light ones such as white, beige or khaki.
It is advisable to protect your head with a wide-brimmed hat that also covers the neck.
Avoid shoes with rubber soles, as they hinder the evaporation of sweat and keep your feet wet.
Drink plenty of fluids to compensate for water loss through sweat.
Since salts are also lost when you sweat a lot, it is advisable to take a salt supplement (1 or 2 grams per liter of water).
Refrain from drinking alcohol. This substance increases the production of heat in the body.
Shower often. Concentrated sweat favors the appearance of skin diseases.
Moderate exercise is not harmful, but great efforts should be avoided.
Questions and answers
Is wrapping with a wet sheet a good method of treatment for the person who has had a heat stroke?
Yes. In addition, this good therapeutic measure can be completed with the application of ice packs on the head and spread over different areas of the body. To consider that the person’s body temperature begins to normalize, it must be below 38 °C. It is also convenient to make the injured person drink fresh water, but not ice cold or, of course, alcoholic beverages.
What causes the feeling of weakness that is accused on very hot days?
When there is a sudden increase in environmental temperature, dilation of the blood vessels in the skin occurs, the frequency of heartbeats increases and blood pressure drops. If the affected person remains in a hot environment, they may faint, with paleness, clammy skin, and profuse sweating. Affected individuals usually recover quickly by resting and drinking fluids to recover from heat-induced dehydration.
Are there factors that predispose to heat stroke?
It affects more frequently children and the elderly, patients with the circulatory system, malnourished individuals and alcoholics. Among the factors external to the individual that predispose to heat stroke are environments with high temperatures accompanied by humidity, and places without proper ventilation.
Is a sunstroke the same as a heat stroke?
When the fever and the collapse are due to prolonged exposure to the sun’s rays, we can speak of both sunstroke and heat stroke. But, although sunstroke causes heat stroke, not all heat strokes are due to sunstroke, since they can also be due to staying in places with very high temperatures.
It must be taken into account that heat stroke is not the only alteration due to exposure to high temperatures, whether or not they are accompanied by solar radiation. There is another type of disorder, called heat exhaustion or prostration, in which circulatory collapse also occurs, but without the body temperature ceasing to be normal.
Are there a few hours a day when heat stroke is more likely to occur?
Yes. In Spain and in summer it can be said that the dangerous time slot is from 12:00 to 16:00. Those who want to sunbathe to tan may worry about doing so at other times, such as from 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. and from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. During this time the risks of sunstroke are much lower since the sun tans but does not burn.
The heat deficit can cause cramps, since…
The lack of sodium appears in the body after intense and constant sweating. This can happen to people who work in very hot and humid environments, such as bakers or miners. To remedy the electric shock it is sufficient to administer to the patient a suitable saline solution (sodium chloride).
Can it be that an intense physical effort produces a heat stroke?
One of the dangers that summer entails is making physical efforts when practicing sports. Although it is not counterproductive to play sports in summer, it is essential to start doing physical activity little by little. It is better not to do it in hours when the sun is at its fullest or when digestion is taking place. At the end it is convenient to shower with cold water and rest so that the body recovers from the effort. You should also avoid drinking alcoholic beverages and smoking.
Are cases of death due to heat stroke very frequent?
When body temperature exceeds 42 °C, irreversible brain damage occurs, accompanied by shock*, heart and kidney failure, and even death (approximately 20% of heat stroke cases). The possibility of death depends on the rapidity of applying an adequate treatment, and on the age and state of health of the individual.
Can you be allergic to heat?
The heat always makes things worse. allergies of the skin, but it is not its original cause. He rash It can have any other reason, such as a contact allergy, the cause of which is often difficult to ascertain. Allergic skin reactions may worsen at night, when it’s getting hot in bed, or after a hot bath, because of increased blood flow to the skin. The sun, on the other hand, is very favorable for cases of eczema.
Can the sun have negative effects when taking medication?
Clearly affirmative. Some of the medicines can see their effects enhanced, with the danger that this entails, with intense and prolonged sunlight. This is the case, for example, of diuretics, antidepressants, antiepileptics, oral antidiabetics, anti-parkinsonians and antiarrhythmics.
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