Heatwave increases risk of heatstroke, dehydration 

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HYDERABAD: The scorching heat of the ongoing hot spell has not only increased dehydration and food poisoning cases but also brought the people down from heatstroke, the most severe form of heat-related illness.

According to medical experts, heatstroke is the severe injury from high body temperatures that causes damage to many organs, particularly the central nervous system which includes the brain and spinal cord.

The experts are of the opinion that heatstroke is a life-threatening emergency and without proper care, the victims of heatstroke could most likely die. The people who have exertion heat stroke are usually the persons who are exercising in excessively warm conditions and their bodies cannot manage the stress of the physical activity and the hot environment together, they added.

During the season, dehydration can stress the heart and reduce the kidneys’ ability to maintain the correct balance of electrolytes charged elements such as potassium, sodium, phosphorous and chloride and essential for the normal functioning of every cell in the body.

The primary treatment for heat exhaustion is to rest in a cool environment (a shady spot or an air-conditioned room) and to drink cool (not icy) fluids. Water is usually enough to reverse dehydration, or one can drink a sports drink that contains electrolytes.

Prevention and protection from heatstroke is quite easy and the very first thing to remember is that heatstroke can be caused by rapid dehydration because the body needs water to cool down.