Most of the states of the country are in the grip of severe heat and heat waves these days. According to media reports, the mercury has crossed 48 degrees Celsius at many places in Delhi. Health experts consider high temperatures to be serious and problematic for health in many ways. Health experts said it is important for everyone to avoid exposure to strong sunlight. Along with this, keep drinking plenty of water. Even a little negligence in this can increase the risk of serious health problems like heat stroke.
The Meteorological Department has issued a 'red alert' regarding the heat wave in the capital Delhi-NCR till Wednesday. According to the data shared by the National Center for Disease Control (NCDC), more than 16 thousand cases of heatstroke have been reported in the country since March 1. Doctors say the number of patients in the emergency department of hospitals has been increasing for the last few days. In such a situation, the big question is whether heat stroke can also cause death.
Let's know about this.
Heat stroke and the problems it causes
According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a condition with a body temperature of 106°F or more can be a serious problem. If the temperature does not come down or the person does not get emergency treatment in time, heat stroke can cause permanent disability or even death. Media reports are coming from many cities in Rajasthan about people dying due to heat stroke.
Health experts have appealed to all people to keep protecting themselves from the increasing scorching heat.
What do doctors say?
In a conversation with Amar Ujala, Dr. Bhaskar Shukla, Senior Consultant Neurologist at a Delhi-based hospital, says, in recent times, a 90-year-old man and a 78-year-old woman were admitted to the hospital after complaining of heat stroke. They had stroke symptoms such as difficulty in speaking and weakness in the arms.
Heat stroke due to dehydration and the condition of dehydration after stroke can greatly increase health complications. To avoid such risks, it is important to avoid exposure to high temperatures and keep drinking plenty of water to reduce the risks of dehydration. In severe cases, it can also have life-threatening side effects.
Heat stroke can increase the risk of brain stroke
Dr Prakhar Sahay, a neurologist at another Delhi-based hospital, says, severe cases of heat stroke can also cause brain stroke. Dehydration disrupts the blood-brain barrier (BBB), which increases the risk of blood thickening and clotting within the vessels. Brain stroke is considered one of the life-threatening conditions. People who survive a brain stroke may be at risk of disability paralysis.
How to avoid heat stroke?
Dr Prakhar says, heat stroke and the problems caused by it can be prevented by keeping some things in mind. The most important thing is that you keep drinking plenty of water throughout the day. It is important to keep drinking at least 3-4 liters of water daily. Apart from this, avoid physical activity or intense exercise in hot, humid environments. Avoid consuming anything that can increase the risk of dehydration such as excessive coffee, tea, alcohol, etc. Most importantly, stay in air-conditioned or cool places to keep the body temperature under control.
(PC: ISTOCK)
