How to beat heatstroke

MANILA, Philippines - Someone once said, “There are only two types of weather in the Philippines: hot and very hot.” To some extent, it’s true. The Philippines is a tropical country, and with the inevitability of summer also comes unbearable heat waves, which in turn bring about the prevalence of heatstroke.

Premier health institution Makati Medical Center sheds some light on this condition — what heatstroke really is, how people can prevent it and what basic remedies they can perform when it happens to them or to someone they know.

So first things first: What is heatstroke? Dr. Johnny Sinon, head of MakatiMed’s Emergency Department, explains: “Heatstroke is usually the result of prolonged exposure to high temperatures and dehydration. Medically speaking, one has heatstroke if his core body temperature is greater than 40 degrees Celsius, or 105 degrees Fahrenheit.”

He proceeds to describe the symptoms: “Telltale signs include a throbbing headache, dizziness and light-headedness, lack of sweating despite the heat, dry skin, muscle weakness or cramps, nausea, vomiting, rapid heartbeat, which may be either strong or weak, rapid, shallow breathing, unconsciousness, and behavioral changes such as confusion or disorientation.”

What Filipinos really need to know, though, is that heatstroke is not to be taken lightly. “Heatstroke involves damage to the brain and internal organs. Left untreated, it can cause death in a matter of hours,” Sinon cautions.

When asked what kinds of people are more prone and susceptible to heatstroke, he says, “Well, babies are prone to it, as well as the elderly who suffer from heart, lung or kidney diseases, or those who take medication that make them vulnerable to dehydration. Heatstroke is also prevalent among athletes, especially those who physically exert themselves under the sun.”

Sinon warns: “Heatstroke is the most serious form of heat injury and is considered a medical emergency, so much so that when it happens, you must seek professional help immediately.”

So what can one do, then, when someone shows signs and symptoms of heatstroke? He advises: “While waiting for paramedics or before taking the person to the hospital, some home remedies can be done. First thing you need to do is take the person to a cooler place if he or she has been under the sun. Next is to cool the person by applying ice packs or cold wet towels on the person’s head, neck, armpits and groin. Don’t use an alcohol rub, just use cold water. If the person is conscious, give him or her something cool to drink. Any drink will do as long as it’s not caffeinated or too cold. But if the person is unconscious, don’t give them anything by mouth.”

But while there are first aid options such as these, Sinon reiterates that prevention is still better than cure: “We can help prevent heatstroke by doubling our water intake. If during normal temperatures we must take a minimum of eight glasses of water a day, this season we must double that.”

He also stresses the importance of staying indoors, especially during the hottest time of the day. “If you don’t need to go out between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., then stay indoors. And don’t do something foolish like jogging under the afternoon sun. But if you do need to go out, then bring an umbrella, wear loose-fitting clothing and apply sunscreen. Bring a bottle of cool water as well.”

Sinon concludes: “By taking these necessary precautions, you can enjoy everything you love about the summer season without causing harm to your body.”