Hey, it’s October heat! can’t bear going out or even sitting at home without fans/cooler/A/cs? So, let us go through the Dr.Cool’s(my family Dr.) interview- taken by me. I asked him heat related many questions to solve this problem once for all.
So, after requesting him to enter the cabin on appointment I started immediately-
Me- Good morning Dr.
Let me know what happens to the body as a result of exposure to extreme heat?
Dr.cool- We suffer heat-related illness when the body’s temperature control system is overloaded. The body normally cools itself by sweating(e.g. Mumbai weather). But under some conditions, sweating just isn’t enough. In such cases, a person’s body temperature rises rapidly. Very high body temperatures may damage the brain or other vital organs. Several factors affect adversely the body’s ability to cool itself during extremely hot weather. When the humidity is high, sweat will not evaporate as quickly, preventing the body from releasing heat quickly. Other conditions that can limit the ability to regulate temperature include old age, age 0-4, obesity, fever, dehydration, heart disease, mental illness, poor circulation, sunburn, and frequent prescription drug-use and frequent alcohol use.
Me- Dr. who are affected more, I mean most probably by heat-related illness?
Dr.Cool- Those at greatest risk for heat-related illness include infants and children up to four years of age, people 65 years of age and older, people who are overweight, and people who are ill. So, don’t you worry now. Don’t be overweight.
Me- Dr., let me know what is heat stroke?
Dr.Cool- Heat stroke is the most serious heat-related illness. It occurs when the body becomes unable to control its temperature- the body’s temperature rises rapidly, the sweating mechanism fails, and the body is unable to cool down as I told you earlier. Body temperature may rise to 106°F or higher within 10 to 15 minutes. Heat stroke can cause death or permanent disability if emergency treatment is not provided.
Me- Dr., what are the signs of a heat stroke i.e. how to know about heat stroke?
Dr.Cool- warning signs of heat stroke which may vary but may include,
Medha, note down one by one-
1.An extremely high body temperature(above 103°F)
2.Red, hot, and dry skin(no sweating)
3.Rapid, strong pulse
4.Throbbing headache
5.Dizziness
6.Nausea
7.Confusion
8.Unconsciousness
Me- Dr., pl. tell me what should I do if I see someone with any of the above signs of heat stroke?
Dr.Cool- If you see any of these signs, you may be dealing with a life-threatening emergency. Have someone call for immediate medical assistance while you begin cooling the victim.
Do the following- again note down-
1.Get the victim to a shady area.
2.Cool the victim rapidly, using whatever methods you can. For example, immerse the victim in a tub of cool water; place the person in a cool shower; spray the victim with cool water from a garden hose; sponge the person with cool water; or if the humidity is low, wrap the victim in a cool, wet sheet and fan him or her vigorously.
3.Monitor body temperature and continue cooling efforts until the body temperature drops to 101-102°F.
4.If emergency medical aid is delayed, call the hospital emergency room for further instructions.
5.Do not give the victim alcohol to drink.
6.Get medical assistance as soon as possible.
Me- Dr., what is heat exhaustion concept?
Dr.Cool- Heat exhaustion is a milder form of heat-related illness that can develop after several days of exposure to high temperatures and inadequate replacement of fluids. Those most prone to heat exhaustion are elderly people, those with high blood pressure, and those working or exercising in a hot environment.
Me- Dr., then are there warning signs of heat exhaustion?
Dr.Cool- Yes. The warning signs of heat exhaustion include-
1. Heavy sweating
2. Paleness
3. Muscle cramps
4. Tiredness
5. Weakness
6. Dizziness
7. Headache
8. Nausea or vomiting
9. Fainting
10.The skin may be cool and moist.
11.The pulse rate will be fast and weak, and breathing will be fast and shallow.
If heat exhaustion is untreated, it may lead to heat stroke. See medical attention if symptoms worsen or last longer than one hour.
Me- Dr., then tell me about steps one can take to cool the body during heat exhaustion?
Dr.Cool- Quite simple-
1.Drink cool, nonalcoholic beverages.
2.Rest.
3.Take a cool shower, bath, or sponge bath.
4.Seek an air-conditioned environment.
5.Wear lightweight clothing.
Me- Dr., I heard about heat cramps. What are they and who is affected more?
Dr.Cool- Heat cramps are muscle pains – usually in the abdomen, arms, or legs – that may occur in association with strenuous activity. People who sweat a lot during strenuous activity are prone to heat cramps. This sweating depletes the body’s salt and moisture. The low salt level in the muscles causes painful cramps. Heat cramps may also be a symptom of heat exhaustion. If you have heart problems or are on a low-sodium diet, seek immediate medical attention for heat cramps.
Me- Dr., what should I do if I have heat cramps?
Dr.Cool- If medical attention is not necessary, take the following steps-
1.Stop all activity and sit quietly in a cool place.
2.Drink clear juice,
3.Do not return to strenuous activity for a few hours after the cramps subside because further exertion may lead to heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
4.Seek medical attention for heat cramps if they do not subside in 1 hour.
Me- Dr., my friend got heat rash. Tell me about it?
Dr.Cool- Heat rash is a skin irritation caused by excessive sweating during hot, humid weather. It can occur at any age but is most common in young children. Heat rash looks like a red cluster of pimples. It is more likely to occur on the neck and upper chest, under the breasts, and in elbow creases.
and I will tell you now about it’s treatment. The best treatment for heat rash is to provide a cooler, less humid environment. Keep the affected area dry. Prickly heat powder may be used to increase comfort, but avoid using ointments or creams - they keep the skin warm and moist and may make the condition worse.
Me- Dr., how effective are electric fans in preventing heat-related illness?
Dr.Cool- Electric fans may provide comfort, but when the temperature is in the high 90s, fans will not prevent heat-related illness. Taking a cool shower or bath or moving to an air-conditioned place is a much better way to cool off. Air conditioning is the strongest protective factor against heat-related illness. Exposure to air conditioning for even a few hours a day will reduce the risk for heat-related illness. Consider visiting a shopping mall or public library for a few hours. Hey, I am not advertising any A/C model or A/C shopping mall here but these are facts.
Me- How can people protect their health when temperatures are extremely high?
Dr.Cool- They should remember to keep cool and use common sense. Drink plenty of fluid, replace salts and minerals, wear appropriate clothing and sunscreen yourself, stay cool indoors, schedule outdoor activities carefully and try to adjust to the environment.
Pl. see rest part of interview in comment section.(bear with me and heat too)