A group of specialized physicians has confirmed that high temperatures during the summer can be detrimental to the body, potentially leading to heatstroke, which results in the loss of essential fluids and minerals.
This condition can disrupt the brain’s neurological functions and is often accompanied by organ failure, particularly when body temperature rises to 41 degrees Celsius. They highlighted that severe instances of heatstroke could even be fatal due to the malfunction it causes in vital body systems.
The experts emphasized the critical need for urgent medical care in such cases and the importance of adhering to health guidelines and recommendations to prevent heatstroke. They outlined seven strategies for avoiding exposure to high temperatures, including heatstroke.
Dr. Mona Al-Zaabi, a family medicine consultant, stated: “Heatstroke is a condition associated with direct exposure to high temperatures, leading to muscle spasms and heat exhaustion. Initial symptoms include excessive sweating, skin redness, fatigue, nausea, rapid heartbeat, temporary loss of vision before fainting, and loss of balance.”
She added, “Exposure to high temperatures can also cause severe damage to the brain, liver, kidneys, and muscles. Thus, it is crucial to promptly address symptoms of heatstroke, as it is one of the most significant summer ailments whose risks can threaten life.”
She indicated that if the body cannot dissipate its elevated heat due to intense sunlight, symptoms of heat exhaustion may emerge, causing a drop in blood pressure and possibly leading to unconsciousness.
Dr. Mansour Anwar Habib, a family and occupational health consultant, pointed out that certain groups of people are more susceptible to heatstroke, particularly those with liver and kidney diseases, frailty, Alzheimer’s, as well as heart and lung ailments. Children under two years old and the elderly are also at greater risk because they respond quickly to changes in temperature.
He stressed the importance of basic first-aid knowledge that can mitigate the impacts of heatstroke, which include moving the affected individual to a cool, shaded area, preferably with air conditioning, rather than just shade. It is essential to remove excess clothing to ease breathing and apply cool compresses to the patient’s body, unless there are pre-existing heart problems.
Dr. Maryam Saeed Al-Masafri, another family medicine consultant, remarked that increasing temperatures and heightened exposure to UV rays elevate the risk of common ocular diseases, particularly cataracts, and infections of the cornea and conjunctiva.
She explained that dehydration, changes in humidity, and increased sunlight can damage the proteins in the eye lens or the DNA of its cells, consequently raising the risk of cataracts, along with heightened occurrences of surface eye infections like pterygium and conjunctivitis. Thus, it is essential to wear appropriate sunglasses, keep the eyes moisturized, and avoid direct sunlight.
Moreover, Dr. Al-Masafri considered heatstroke to be a serious condition that poses a threat to human life, categorizing it among critical situations due to the intense rise in body temperature.
She warned that delays in providing necessary first aid and rapid treatment can lead to a worsening condition within hours or days, especially for the elderly and children.
Medical Recommendations
The physicians encouraged adherence to preventive measures against heatstroke and its health repercussions on the body, which include: Firstly, avoiding direct and intense sunlight whenever possible, steering clear of outdoor activities during peak times, and staying away from sun exposure.
Secondly, if there is an urgent need to be outside during these times, sunblock should be applied, efforts made to walk in shaded areas, covering the head, using a sun umbrella, and wearing light-colored clothing.
Thirdly, it is vital to rest if feelings of fatigue or exhaustion occur. Fourthly, sufficient water and fluid intake is crucial to replenish lost salts and fluids, assisting the body in cooling itself; drinking water frequently is advised, even without feelings of thirst.
Additionally, they recommended maintaining proper ventilation in homes. Sixth, avoiding physical activities during the day in hot summer conditions is important to prevent heat exhaustion or heatstroke. Lastly, exercising can be more suitable in the early morning or later in the evening after the intensity of sunlight has diminished.