Article regards of South Coast Herald.
With South Africa’s summer in full swing, temperatures are soaring and you are advised to take care.
South Africa enjoys a wonderfully warm climate but this comes with certain dangers. The elderly, babies and young children, people suffering from chronic lung and heart conditions and those taking certain medicines, which may impair heat regulation, are particularly heat sensitive.
Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are both forms of hyperthermia. Heat exhaustion is a less severe form, which can lead to heat stroke if not adequately treated. The health risks associated with high temperatures should not be underestimated as heat stroke, which happens when the body’s core temperature increases beyond 40 degrees Celsius, can be fatal.
Symptoms of heat exhaustion include:
- profuse sweating,
- muscle cramps and body aches,
- nausea,
- vomiting,
- fatigue,
- dizziness
- pale skin.
If you or anyone else shows symptoms of heat exhaustion, take action immediately. Get out of the heat, drink plenty of water, remove any tight or unnecessary clothing, and take a cool shower or bath to reduce the body temperature. If these measures don’t provide relief within 30 minutes, then the person could be suffering from the more serious condition of heat stroke.
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Heat stroke is a medical emergency and, if is not treated rapidly and properly, it can lead to coma or organ failure. The most characteristic sign of heat stroke is an absence of sweating.
Other symptoms include:
- dry flushed skin,
- high body temperature,
- rapid pulse,
- trouble breathing,
- confusion and disorientation,
- hallucinations,
- unusual and sometimes aggressive behaviour,
- seizures
- coma.
Where possible, stay indoors and avoid strenuous physical activity during the hottest period of the day, usually between 11am and 4pm. If you must be outside, try to keep to the shade. Drink plenty of water and avoid alcoholic drinks or those containing caffeine, as these dehydrate the body.
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Wear loose-fitting clothes in light fabrics and avoid dark colours, as these draw in the heat of the sun. Hats and high sun protection factor sunscreen are also a must. It is also vitally important not to leave anyone – children, the elderly or pets – in parked vehicles, even for a few minutes, as this very rapidly creates the conditions that cause heat stroke.
(Information supplied by Resolution Health)
