Heat exhaustion and stroke? What to do

"There has been a significant decline in the number of patients being admitted for heat related illness to the hospital’s emergency section,” said Maher El Hamarna, Head, Medical unit in Dubai Hospital’s emergency department.

“The mid-day rule and its effective implementation as well as an increase in awareness about heat-related illnesses among all strata of the population are positive factors that have led to a significant decline in the number of cases we receive," El Hamarna, who has been working with the department for over 29 years.

 Of the common cases the hospital receives are heat exhaustion cases, and very few are heat strokes, she added.

“Heat exhaustion is when the body becomes very hot and starts to lose water or salt from sweating. If heat exhaustion is not spotted and treated early, there is a risk it could lead to a heat stroke, which is a more serious condition," he explained.

In both cases, it is important to seek medical help, and it is, therefore, key to recognise the symptoms.

“A moist skin due to excessive sweating, dizziness, thirst, muscle cramps and stiffness,  nausea and vomiting are among the symptoms of heat exhaustion while a stroke is characterised by a high temperature of 41 degrees or more, dry skin and disorientation,” explained Syed Shams, internal medicine specialist at the Dubai Hospital explained.

El Hamarna continued that  heat related illnesses can be caused due to exertion or non-exertion. The non-exertional heat illnesses are more common among very young children, elderly, patients with chronic illnesses, patients that are on psychiatry medications.

Heat related illnesses are common among athletes, military personnel, people who work in hot environments for prolonged period of time with inadequate fluid intake.

He added that in case someone experiences symptoms after exposure to heat and humidity, the first step is to remove the person from that environment, relocate to a cool area and call the ambulance.

"In the meantime, remove excessive layers of clothing and start the cooling process with any means available at that moment- either by putting the person in water or sponging or by using ice packs on the face, armpits and groin area. If the patient is conscious and not vomiting, provide any rehydration fluid. Do not use any medicines to reduce the body temperature which is a common mistake and cause kidney and liver damage.”

Of course, prevention is better than the cure.

"People should avoid long exposure to heat and humidity – whether it is indoor or outdoor," said Nesreen Kaoud, specialist registrar in the primary healthcare sector at the DHA.

"Moreover, all precautions should be taken to avoid heat illnesses. People who do strenuous exercise or those who are exposed to the sun for prolonged period of time, especially children, should consume a natural solution of water with salt and sugar or coconut water or an oral rehydration salt to replenish the loss of fluids and salts.”

Ali Al Rahma, senior health educator in the primary healthcare sector at the DHA, said: “Other precautionary measures are to cover the head and the neck- use an umbrella, cap or a cotton head scarf. Clothing should be loose and light. Cotton is the best fabric to help evaporation and regulate the body temperature which takes place through sweating.”

Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.