Sunstroke: Prevention and Prevalence:

Don't fall prey to the unrelenting Indian summer heat. Take these
precautions and keep yourself and your loved ones safe from sunstroke.
What is sunstroke?
Sunstroke is a severe form of heat stroke, which if nottreated
quickly, can endanger life. It occurs when the body is unable to
regulate its temperature due to exposure to excessive heat. Much like
a thermostat, our body has a mechanism to control the temperature.
This heatregulating system helps the body stay cool in summer and warm
in winters. The body perspires in summers to stay cool.
Dehydration can lead to sunstroke. The body loses water to excessive
perspiration and if this is not replenished the body takes up water
from the blood stream. This has an impact on the heart and brain.
Sunstroke has to be treated as a medical emergency. Dehydration can
also lead to other complications like difficulty in passing urine,
burning sensation and urinary tract infections.
Prevalence of sunstroke in India
With global temperatures rising, Indian summers aretaking a heavy toll
of life. Temperatures are reachingas high as 48-50 degrees in places
like Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, parts of Andhra Pradesh and Orissa.
Heat wave conditions are an everyday reality in peak season.
Those unable to withstandsuch high temperatures immediately fall prey
to it.Young children and elderlypeople are high-risk groups that need
to stay protected during the peak of summer.
Symptoms of sunstroke include
*. Dizziness
*. Headache
*. Rapid pulse rate
*. High fever
*. Rise in body temperature
*. Unconsciousness
*. Nausea
*. Hallucinations
*. Convulsion
Treatment of sunstroke
Identify the symptoms as early as possible and treat the condition
like an emergency. Try to lower the body temperature by using ice
packs on the head and covering the body with wet towels. Give fluids
to the patient –electrolyte fluids or fresh lime or coconut water are
recommended. In severe cases IV fluids may be required.
In case of fits and seizures rush the patient to a hospital.
Prevention of sunstroke
*. Schools switch to summer timings after exams but you still need to
take care that on the way back children do notlinger about in the sun
to play and get back home quickly.
*. Adults should try to avoid going out in the heat between noon and 3pm.
*. The elderly at home should be made to drink water at intervals even
ifthey are not thirsty. As the constitution is weak in old age the
body can still develop heat stroke conditions even while at home in
front of the cooler.
*. Wearing loose fitting, light cotton clothes is a good idea.
*. Keep plenty of cool drinking water available for everyone.
*. Avoid excessive physical activity in the mid day. Workouts and
practices should be completed in the cool early morning hours./

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