Recognition of symptoms in one’s own body like giddiness and blurring of vision that are tale-tell signs of an impending heat stroke can be a life saver this summer with the Kolkata in the grip of the longest heatwave in recorded history and with no signs of respite in the coming few days, according to doctors at Woodlands Hospital. The maximum temperature has reached a high of 47 degrees Celsius in Bengal and 43 degrees in Kolkata. The last time Kolkata was hotter was 45 years ago on June 5, 1979.
One of the most serious effects of prolonged exposure to excessive heat is heat stroke, where the body temperature rises to 104 degrees Fahrenheit or more. In the absence of a quick response to lower body temperature, heatstroke can cause the brain or other vital organs to swell, possibly resulting in permanent damage or even death. Doctors prescribe staying indoors during the peak summer hours. But as this is not always possible to follow, the next best bet is to be able to recognise the symptoms quickly and take evasive action.
“If you feel giddy, drowsy, your vision starts to blur or you start sweating profusely, you are experiencing symptoms of acute heat stroke. Stop what you are doing immediately. Sit down. Try to find a closed space with a shade,” said Dr Saptarshi Basu, Medical Superintendent and in-charge of the Emergency department at Woodlands Multispeciality Hospital Ltd.
According to Dr Basu, the next step should be to inform someone who is more or less in physical proximity and can reach the spot soon to assist. “Wait for a while. Drink plenty of water, discontinue whatever you were doing and take rest,” he further advised.
Dr Soutik Panda, senior consultant and In-charge of Critical Care, Woodlands list some dos and don’ts starting with avoiding the sun during the 12pm to 4pm period as much as possible, use sunglasses, and a hat or an umbrella and using sunscreen of sun protection factor SPF of 15. “Drink plenty of fluids but avoid tea, coffee and aerated drinks. Have lassi, coconut water and natural fruit juices, not the packaged ones,” he said.
Doctors also warned against having cold water directly after coming indoors from exposure to the sun as the body’s thermos-regulatory system takes time to adjust to the change in ambient temperature. They also warned against having cut fruits as they are exposed to pollutants and flies, which could cause diseases like cholera, acute diarrhea and hepatitis A and E.
Red flag signs of Heat Stroke:
Giddiness
Drowsiness
Blurring of Vision
Profuse Sweating
State of Confusion
How to react:
Sit down if you are in a standing position
Try to find a closed, shady place
Inform a known person in the vicinity
Drink plenty of water/ ORS if available
Discontinue work
Consult a doctor
