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With temperatures shooting up every day, one is likely to witness a large number of summer-related illnesses. As it’s also holiday time, most of us are likely to spend more time outdoors, thus increasing our exposure to the heat and the dust. Heat-related ailments can be harmful if not addressed immediately and sensibly.
Children, the elderly and those working outdoors must be extra careful during summer as they are most vulnerable to the heat.
The most common heat-related diseases that affect people during this season include dehydration, heat exhaustion, heat cramps, skin diseases, heat strokes and water-borne diseases like diarrhoea.
It is imperative to take proper safety measures when you develop muscle cramps in the legs, get fatigued or feel weak after staying out in the sun. These are the first symptoms of heat cramps and heat exhaustion.
Dehydration
Dehydration or loss of fluids, water and electrolytes in the body increases the risk of heat stroke. Every day we lose body fluids through sweating, excretion, breathing and tears. These body fluids are generally be replaced by drinking water or juice, and consuming foods that have water.
Symptoms of dehydration include thirst, light-headedness, dry skin, fatigue, less-frequent urination, dizziness, muscle cramping and dryness in the mouth.
Children may also experience irritability, dryness in the mouth, lack of vigour and energy, less or no urination (for over 3 hours), depressed cheeks, abdomen or eyes, high fever and skin that does not flatten when pinched.
Precautions
If detected early, dehydration can be cured at home under a doctor’s advice. Serious cases of dehydration should be treated as medical emergencies, and hospitalisation may be necessary.
*Drink plenty of fluids if you are exposed to the sun. You must drink more fluids than what your body loses.
*If possible, avoid outdoor activities between 1:00 pm and 4:00 pm.
*Wear a cap and carry an umbrella if you must go out in the afternoons.
*Drink fresh fruit juice to help maintain electrolyte balance.
*Drink only boiled and cooled water. This is mandatory for infants, children and the elderly.
Heat stroke
Heat stroke (or sun stroke) occurs due to overexposure to sun and/or extremely high temperatures. It is the most severe form of heat illness and can be fatal if timely medical attention is not given. Heat stroke can lead to permanent damage of the internal organs and result in death as well. Not sweating enough to lower the body temperature is the primary symptom of a heat stroke. The condition can develop quickly and needs immediate medical attention.
The human body produces heat, which is dissipated generally through sweating. However, under certain circumstances, such as high humidity, severe heat or vigorous physical activities in the sun, the body might not dissipate heat quickly. This causes body temperature to rise to a dangerous level. Dehydration can cause heat stroke if the person does not sweat enough to cool off.
Heat stroke symptoms may include headache, dizziness, high body temperature, flushed, dry and hot skin without sweat, confusion or disorientation, fatigue or sluggishness, rapid heart beat, seizure and hallucinations.
If someone has suffered a heat stroke, move the person indoors, apply ice packs to the groin and armpits, sprinkle cool water and fan the person to stimulate sweat. Call for medical assistance as quickly as you can. To prevent a heat stroke, follow the precautions suggested to avoid dehydration.
Diarrhoea
In summer, diarrhoea generally occurs due to food poisoning. Summer is characterised by high heat as well as humidity that are considered as main factors for high contamination of food with bacteria, since bacteria thrive in such conditions.
Precautions
Many cases of diarrhoea are spread from person to person.
*Caregivers should wash their hands carefully after changing diapers, or helping the patient use the bathroom.
*Children should be instructed to wash their hands frequently, especially after using the bathroom.
*Practise safe food-handling. Always wash hands before and after handling food.
*Cook food to the right temperature and store it in clean containers.
*Fruits and vegetables, consumed raw, should be rinsed thoroughly.
*Do not consume foods from street vendors.