The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a ‘red alert’ for Delhi as temperatures reached 44.4 degrees Celsius on Sunday, the highest for this season so far. The Najafgarh area recorded the highest temperature in the capital with a maximum temperature of 47.8 degrees Celsius. IMD also says that several parts of North India including parts of Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana and Delhi will suffer from severe heatwave till May 21.
A red alert has been issued for west Rajasthan and an orange alert for Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, East Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Gujarat. Along with this, IMD has also issued a yellow alert for heatwave-like conditions for Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, Gangetic West Bengal and Odisha till May 21.
Heatwaves can lead to several health issues, from dehydration and digestive issues to heatstroke and more. Therefore, it is important that you take the necessary steps that can help prevent such conditions. Read on to know more about heatstroke, its signs and symptoms and ways to manage it.
What is a heatstroke?
Heatstroke is a condition wherein your body cannot regulate the core body temperature. It usually happens when your body is exposed to high temperatures. The condition can get severe if your body temperature rises to and above 104 F (40 C). It is important that you treat the condition immediately as untreated heatstroke can damage your brain, heart, kidneys and muscles. If the condition is left untreated for a prolonged period of time, it can lead to severe complications and even death.
Common signs and symptoms of heatstroke
High body temperature
One of the most important signs of heatstroke is an increased body temperature which often exceeds 104°F (40°C). This happens when the body’s temperature-regulating mechanisms fail to get out the heat effectively.
Profuse sweating or absence of sweating
Sweating is the body’s natural way to regulate temperature. However, in cases of heatstroke, sweating may either be excessive or absent altogether.
Altered mental state
Heatstroke can affect your cognitive function and lead to confusion, disorientation, agitation or even loss of consciousness. These mental changes happen due to the increased body temperature.
Nausea and vomiting
Heatstroke can also cause digestive problems such as nausea, vomiting and abdominal discomfort. Persistent vomiting can also lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances,
Rapid heartbeat and shallow breathing
Your cardiovascular and respiratory health might also be affected due to extreme heat. The heart rate increases as the body struggles to circulate blood to get rid of the heat.
Headache and dizziness
Heatstroke can also cause headache, dizziness and weakness. These can happen when the body tries to maintain blood flow to the brain and other vital organs. Headaches might get severe and persistent.
Ways to prevent a heatstroke
Stay Hydrated
It is very important to keep yourself hydrated during summers and especially during a heatwave. Drink water as well as other fluids.
Don’t go out during peak hours
Try to stay indoors during the time when temperatures peak.
Wear light-coloured clothes
Wear light-coloured and lightweight clothes when stepping out. This will prevent your clothes from absorbing the heat.
Sunscreen and sunglass
It is important that you apply sunscreen when going out. Also, wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from harmful UV rays.
Air-conditioned room
If you’ve gone out in the sun, get back and try to stay in air-conditioned rooms or take a bath to cool down your body.
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