How to cope with high temperatures?

The side effects of heat on health are manifested when the internal temperature regulation system fails to eliminate the excess amount of heat in order to maintain normal body temperature values.

Prolonged periods with extreme meteorological conditions, characterized by the increase of temperatures above the usual values, impose the undertaking of some measures for the prevention and treatment of the side effects of heat on health.

The side effects of heat on health are manifested when the internal temperature regulation system fails to eliminate the excess amount of heat in order to maintain normal body temperature values. Deficits in compensation initially manifest with signs and symptoms easily correctable with cessation of heat exposure.

But if exposure continues, the signs and symptoms of decompensation become more serious and are known as heat stress and heatstroke.

Extreme temperature increases can aggravate the condition of people with chronic pathologies. The main way of eliminating heat is through sweating, but in extreme physical and environmental situations, this mechanism is insufficient. If the degree of humidity in the environment is high, the sweat evaporates slowly and the body temperature can reach values ​​above 40°C, damaging the vital organs of the organism.

Factors affecting thermoregulation are:

1. Age (in young children and the elderly it is reduced)

2. Pre-existing diseases

3. Use of certain medications

4. Drug and alcohol consumption

Signs and symptoms of heatstroke:

The first to appear are:

1. Headache;

2. Nausea and vomiting;

3. Pale and warm skin;

4. Weak pulse;

5. Increase in body temperature;

6. State of being inactive;

7. Edema;

8. Muscle cramps;

  If exposure continues:

9. Disorders of consciousness ranging from confusion to complete loss of consciousness;

10. Convulsions;

10. Increased heart rate;

11. Severe cerebral damage, acute cardiac decompensation and death.

Protocol of measures for the prevention of heat injuries

1. Avoid exposure to the sun. Especially at peak temperatures (from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.)

2. The environment in which they live should be fresh and well ventilated, through air conditioning, fans or nebulizers for humidifying the air. Place dark curtains, especially on windows exposed to solar radiation. Place thermometers to measure the temperature of the environment where they spend most of their time.

3. Drink as much liquid as possible, mainly water. Avoid very cold drinks, carbonated drinks, with a lot of sugar and other additives.

4. Consume frequent food meals, in small quantities, cold and with easily digestible food ingredients.

5. To wear light clothes, with light colors and made of cotton or linen in order to break the UV radiation.

6. For people who use maintenance therapy, do not stop or change it, without consulting the relevant doctor.

7. Frequent showers with lukewarm water and without drying with a towel are recommended.