Heat exhaustion and heat stroke can affect all ages, doctors warn

Public warnings have been issued on Tuesday in view of the ongoing heatwave and related deaths urging vigilance for symptoms of both heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

“Heat exhaustion can be the precursor to heat stroke,” medical expert Ioannis Schinas said, speaking on CyBC’s morning radio.

The expert said it was important not to make the mistake of assuming that only the elderly and frail were likely to suffer from the heat.

“Any person of any age or state of health could be vulnerable under the right -or wrong- conditions,” the expert said, adding that for this reason precautionary measures are of utmost importance.

Chief among these is remaining vigilant, staying hydrated and keeping up electrolyte levels in the body, as well as staying in a shady, cool, and well-ventilated environment.

“When humidity levels are high, the body’s natural capacity to regulate its temperature through sweating is impeded,” the expert cautioned, noting that no one should be left unattended in a poorly ventilated room under such conditions, even if the room appears to be cool.

Heat exhaustion is marked by symptoms of fatigue, headache, dizziness, and possibly vomiting, vision disturbance, and a cool, clammy skin with slightly elevated temperature.

First aid treatment for someone who exhibits these symptoms should be focused on bringing down the body temperature by entering a cool room and re-hydrating with an electrolyte solution. If the person does not show signs of recovery within an hour, then they should be taken for emergency treatment with intravenous fluids, the expert advised.

Heat stroke is differentiated from heat exhaustion as it is an acute, life-threatening condition marked by cognitive disorientation, and symptoms such as difficulty in speech and delirium, a flushed face and extremely heightened body temperature. Permanent damage to the brain, liver or kidneys can occur.

First aid treatment involves immediately placing the person in a tub of cold water, if possible, and if not, applying a cool sponge to the extremities and the nape of the neck. Bringing down the temperature should be gradual, the expert said.

He further cautioned that while waiting out the heatwave on the beach under a sun umbrella may seem like a good idea, beach umbrellas do not protect from the glare of the sun and its reflection off the water and the ground during times when the UV index is at an extreme high.

To avoid heat-related collapse as well as skin cancer, bathing should be confined to the cooler hours of the day, very early morning or late afternoon, especially under the current climatic conditions.