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- What causes hot weather?
- Symptoms of hyperthermia (heat-related illnesses)
- First aid for heat-related illnesses based on diseases
- High-risk group of heat-related illnesses
- How to Take Care of Yourself in Hot Weather
Hot weather | Hyperthermia (Heat related illnesses)
Hot weather causes hyperthermia when a person's body temperature rises abnormally high due to overexposure to extreme heat and an inability to dissipate heat properly, resulting in heat-related illnesses such as heat rash, heat cramps, heat exhaustion, or heatstroke, which is a life-threatening medical emergency. Mild heat-related illnesses include headaches, dark urine, fatigue, or red heat rashes. Severe heat-related illnesses include heatstroke, which can cause central nervous system damage, brain damage, and internal organ failure and potentially lead to death within hours
What causes hot weather?
Hot weather can be caused by several factors, including high-pressure systems that trap warm air and prevent the Earth from regularly dissipating heat from the sun. These systems increase the Earth's average temperature, causing heat waves, extremely hot weather, or a combination of hot and humid weather. Furthermore, climate change and human activities such as greenhouse gas emissions, fossil fuel combustion, and deforestation contribute to heat retention and global warming, which have far-reaching consequences for planetary climate, increase average Earth temperatures, and make heat waves more frequent and severe.
What causes hyperthermia (heat-related illnesses)?
Higher than normal temperatures in summer, humidity, exertion, and exposure to high environmental temperatures are the leading causes of hyperthermia (heat-related illnesses) and deaths of people worldwide. Typically, when the body is exposed to heat, the bodily thermoregulatory mechanism dissipates high body temperature by increasing breathing rate, heart rate, and blood circulation, redistributing blood from the core organs to its periphery, dilating skin blood vessels to maximize heat dissipation, and sweating to evaporate excess heat out of the body to cool the skin.
Heat-related illnesses occur when the bodily thermoregulatory mechanism inadequately functions to dissipate metabolic heat to maintain normal body temperature. When the air temperature is higher than the skin temperature (typically 32 degrees Celsius), the body gains more heat than it can get rid of. When humidity rises to the point where sweat ceases to evaporate and drips off the skin, the body cannot cool itself down, resulting in the body temperature rising beyond control and causing hyperthermia (heat-related illnesses).
Symptoms of hyperthermia (heat-related illnesses)
Hot weather causes hyperthermia (heat-related illnesses) due to the body’s inability to maintain a narrow range of body temperature or the body is unable to dissipate excess heat adequately. Heat-related illness symptoms range from mild to severe, depending on the health status and environmental condition of each person. Hyperthermia (heat-related illness) symptoms include:
Heat edema
Symptoms: Swollen legs, backs of the hands, arms, and feet, particularly the ankles; warm, red skin.
Heat rash
Symptoms: Red rash or bumps on the face, skin, neck, upper chest, skin folds, skin itching, irritation, and discomfort.
Heat cramps
Symptoms: Painful muscle cramps from muscle spasms in the thighs, arms, and abdomen.
Dehydration
Symptoms: Thirst, dry mouth, low urine output, dark-colored urine, fatigue, discomfort, dizziness, headache, rapid and shallow breathing, fast heartbeat, low blood pressure (hypotension), seizures, and fainting
Heat syncope
Symptoms: Dizziness, confusion, moist skin, rapid heartbeat, acute drop in blood pressure, heat syncope (temporary loss of consciousness), potentially blood pooling in the legs.
Heat exhaustion
Symptoms: Body temperature rises 38-40 degrees, dehydration, exhaustion, fatigue quickly, headache, dizziness, confusion, nausea, vomiting, dilated pupils, fast heartbeat, rapid and shallow breathing, moist skin, normal skin temperature, muscle cramps, and heat syncope (temporary loss of consciousness).
Heat stroke
Symptoms: Confusion, delirium, and seizure. Very hot or high fever, high body temperature over 40 degrees, hot, red, and dry skin, extreme thirst, profuse sweating or no sweating, confusion, dizziness, lethargy, staggering, rapid breathing, rapid heartbeat, low blood pressure, fatigue, slurred speech, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, seizure, fainting, unconsciousness, and possible death within a few hours.
First aid principle for heat-related illnesses
The crucial first aid principles for those with heat-related illnesses (hyperthermia) is to quickly lower the person's body temperature before transporting the person to the hospital using the following steps:
MOVE THE PERSON OUT OF THE HEAT
- Move the person to a shady, well-ventilated area, using a fan to blow cool air, or move them to an air-conditioned room with cooler air.
- Place the person in a supine position and ensure the airway is open (slightly elevated legs in case of heat edema or exhaustion).
REMOVE CLOTHING
- Loosen thick or tight clothing. Remove unnecessary clothing
APPLY COLD COMPRESSES
- Cool the person with a cold, wet towel or apply clothes-wrapped ice cubes cold compresses to the entire body, including the neck, torso, extremities, groins, and armpits.
- Rub the entire body surface with a wet towel in the opposite direction of the hair follicles.
GIVE WATER
- If the person is conscious, give them sips of water, ORS, or electrolyte drinks to correct dehydration (avoid giving alcohol, caffeine, or carbonated drinks).
MONITOR THE PERSON
- Do not leave the person alone. Observe symptoms and vital signs regularly
- Check the airway to ensure it is open to prevent airway obstruction.
CALL EMERGENCY MEDICAL HELP
- Seek the nearest help. Call an ambulance as soon as possible.
- Rush the person to the hospital as soon as possible, particularly in cases of heatstroke, to save the person's life.
First aid for heat-related illnesses based on diseases
Heat-related illnesses have similar and different symptoms. The most important thing is to provide first aid and take the person to the hospital as soon as possible so that the doctor can either provide appropriate care or initiate a life-saving procedure. First aid for heat-related illnesses based on diseases is as follows:
Heat edema
First Aid: Move the person to a cooler, shady area. Remove unnecessary clothing. Apply cold compresses to the entire body, including the neck, torso, extremities, skin folds, groins, and armpits. Use a fan to blow cool air. Give water or electrolyte drinks. Lie supine with legs slightly elevated. Get plenty of rest; symptoms can resolve on their own.
Heat rash
First Aid: Move the person to a cooler, shady area. Shower or soak in a bathtub or apply a cold compress. Dab the body instead of rubbing it. Wear light clothing. Apply anti-itch medication. Use a fan to blow cool air. Drink enough water. If the heat rash is severe, disperses, and is associated with fever, see a doctor.
Heat cramps
First Aid: Move the person to a cooler, shady area. Give them water or electrolyte drinks. Gradually stretch the muscle to its full extent until the muscle relaxes. Do not stretch muscles in a quick repetitive motion, as this will tense up the muscles. Avoid strenuous activities until the cramp is relieved. If the cramp lasts for several hours, see a doctor.
Dehydration
First Aid: Move the person to a cooler, shady area. Give them water or electrolyte drinks (avoid alcohol, caffeine, or carbonated drinks). Lie supine. Loosen clothing. and apply a cold compress to the head, body, armpits, and folds. If there is a high fever, dizziness, lightheadedness, or rapid breathing, take the person to the doctor as soon as possible.
Heat syncope
First Aid: Move the person to a cooler, shady area. Remove unnecessary clothing. Lie the person in a supine position and slightly elevate their legs. Apply a cold, wet towel to the face and body. Use a fan to blow cold air. Provide an inhaler or balm. If the person is conscious, give them a sip of water or an electrolyte drink. Massage their arms and legs. Observe their symptoms and vital signs regularly. If the symptoms do not improve, take the person to the doctor promptly.
Heat exhaustion
First Aid: Move the person to a cooler, shady area. Remove unnecessary clothing. Lie the person in a supine position and slightly elevate their legs. Apply a cold, wet towel to rub the face. Apply clothes-wrapped ice cubes cold compresses to the entire body, including the neck, torso, joints, extremities, groins, and armpits. Use a fan to blow cold air. Gradually give them a sip of water or electrolyte drink. Check their vital signs regularly. If the person is breathing quickly, has a rapid heartbeat and low blood pressure, or is in shock, take the person to the doctor as soon as possible. Lie down the person, slightly elevated legs
Heat stroke
First Aid: Cooling the person down as fast as possible is vital; time is crucial to minimizing organ damage. Move the person to a cooler, shady area. Remove unnecessary clothing. Apply a cold, wet towel to the face. Wrap the person in clothes-wrapped ice cubes and cold compresses, including the neck, torso, extremities, groins, and armpits. If the person is conscious, give them a sip of water or an electrolyte drink to replace dehydration (avoid alcohol, caffeine, and carbonated drinks). Do not leave the person alone. Observe symptoms and vital signs regularly. Seek the nearest help. Call an ambulance as soon as possible.
High-risk group of heat-related illnesses
- Those working outdoors are exposed directly to the hot sun or working near heat sources, such as agriculturalists, contractors, or smiths.
- Infants or young children under 5 years old
- People aged 65 and above
- Pregnant mother
- Those exercising in the hot sun or in high humidity where sweat cannot evaporate, e.g., marathon runners and cyclists.
- Obesity, overweight, or a body mass index (BMI) of more than 30 kg/m²
- Those with underlying diseases, such as infectious diseases or fevers, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, skin diseases, skin rashes, and sun allergies.
- Those taking medications for underlying conditions, such as diuretics, beta-blockers, anticholinergics, and central nervous system stimulants.
- Those who engage in risky behaviors such as drinking alcohol, liquor, sweet drinks, carbonated drinks, not drinking enough water, not getting enough rest, and wearing thick, tight-fitting clothing during the summer.
How to Take Care of Yourself in Hot Weather
- Drink plenty of water during the day. Do not wait until you are thirsty to drink water.
- Observe the color of your urine. Your body may be dehydrated if your urine is dark yellow and has a low urine output.
- During the hot summer months, take frequent showers, wet your body, or soak in cold water in the bathtub to help lower your body temperature.
- Avoid drinking alcohol or high-sugar drinks because they induce your body to lose fluids.
- Stay in the shaded area. Avoid being in direct sunlight. Avoid exercising or doing activities in the sun for extended periods.
- If you must be outside, wear heat-protective clothing such as arm covers, a hat, and an umbrella, and use a portable fan to cool down.
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing that is not too tight, avoid thick fabrics, and wear light-colored clothing. Avoid wearing tight clothing.
- If you experience symptoms of heat-related illnesses, see a doctor right away, especially if you are at risk or work in the sun.
- Monitor the daily maximum temperature, stay in a well-ventilated or air-conditioned room on hot weather days when the temperature reaches 40 degrees Celsius or higher, and avoid direct sunlight between 12:00 and 16:00.
Hot Weather | Heat-related Illnesses Must Beware
Hot weather during the summer affects our health as a result of extreme heat and causes the deaths of people worldwide each year. The average global temperature is expected to rise annually, posing a significant environmental threat to humans, particularly those in high-risk groups, including young children, the elderly, pregnant mothers, and those who work outdoors.
Signs of heat-related illnesses include headache, dark-colored urine, dizziness, confusion, light headache, red skin rash, and loss of appetite. These symptoms may be precursors to more dangerous heat-related illnesses such as hyperthermia, rapid heart rate, low blood pressure, nausea, vomiting, seizures, and unconsciousness. Those experiencing these symptoms should be rendered first aid and be taken to the hospital as soon as possible to prevent life-threatening heat-related illnesses.
