“Heat stroke occurs when body temperature reaches 40°C (104°F). Children, older adults and people with chronic diseases and those who work outdoors are the most vulnerable to suffer decompensation due to high temperatures. Many people go jogging at midday because they think they will lose more weight, but the only thing they get is severe dehydration,” says Dr. Julio Cachay, an internist and infectious disease specialist at our clinic, who explains how we can avoid these conditions.

How does heat stroke occur?

Excessive heat is a health hazard. It is therefore essential to avoid heat stroke, which occurs when the body temperature rises rapidly and the body does not have the ability to cool itself.

What are the symptoms?

Heat stroke has different phases, its main symptoms being: suffocating heat sensation, intense thirst and dry mouth, nausea or vomiting, muscle cramps, exhaustion, tiredness, hot and dry red skin, throbbing headache, dizziness, delirium, loss of consciousness, convulsions, altered consciousness and unconsciousness.

How can we prevent it?

• It is important to stay in ventilated and cool places, keep hydrated with safe water, bathe and/or wet your body frequently, open doors and windows and dress with loose and cotton clothes.
• In case of going outdoors, wear a hat that covers the neck and ears, use a fan, do not expose yourself to direct sunlight, seek shade when walking, do not stay inside a parked and closed vehicle and avoid physical exertion or demanding outdoor sports activities from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.

Recommendations in case of heat stroke:

• Place the affected person in a cool, ventilated and shaded place in a semi-sitting position with the head raised so that he/she can breathe, loosen his/her clothes so that he/she feels more comfortable, reduce body temperature (with the help of a fan or ventilator) and, if possible, apply cold compresses on the head, neck, armpits and groin, give him/her liquids, but slowly with small sips so as not to worsen the picture. Take her to the nearest medical center so that he/she can receive immediate medical attention.
• In the face of heat stroke, do not rub the skin with alcohol or administer fever-reducing medications.

 Remember:

If you present the symptoms associated with heat stroke, seek medical assistance. Do not wait for the symptoms to worsen; you can put your health at serious risk.

Dr. Julio Cachay
Internist and infectious disease specialist at Clínica Ricardo Palma