HEALTH

Heat stroke: causes, symptoms and how to prevent it

Heat stroke can affect any individual, regardless of age, but the elderly and children in particular are at greater risk.

Heat stroke can occur when there is an abnormal increase in body temperature above 40 degrees Celsius. Early intervention is necessary because complications may occur, which in severe cases may even lead to death. Intervening early reduces the risk that the brain, heart, muscles or kidneys may suffer serious consequences.

Preventing heat stroke can and must be done. All it takes is to take a few precautions, which are often very simple to follow. (Source: auxologico.it)

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Heat stroke, what to know to deal with it and especially prevent it
Heat stroke can affect any individual, regardless of age, but the elderly and children in particular are at greater risk. Heat stroke can occur when there is an abnormal increase in body temperature above 40 degrees Celsius. Early intervention is necessary because complications may occur, which in severe cases may even lead to death. Intervening early reduces the risk that the brain, heart, muscles or kidneys may suffer serious consequences. Preventing heat stroke can and must be done. Just take a few precautions, which are often very simple to follow. (Source: auxologico.it)
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Possible causes of heat stroke
Some of the causes that can cause an abnormal rise in body temperature and possibly lead to heat stroke are: side effects of certain medications, poor hydration, high heat and humidity, certain illnesses, being outside during the hottest hours of the day, and wearing dark clothes that attract more sunlight.
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Possible symptoms
When heat stroke is in progress, the following symptoms may occur: exhaustion and general malaise, headache, intense thirst, muscle cramps, feeling hot skin. At other times, increased heartbeat, dizziness, loss of balance, and fatigue may also be experienced. The resulting dehydration may also affect mental confusion, convulsions, delirium and organ damage.
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Tips for preventing heat stroke
Unless you have a medical condition or use medication, you can follow some simple tips to prevent heat stroke. These include: drink plenty of fluids (water above all) and try to stay well hydrated, avoid fatty and spicy foods, ventilate and cool indoors often, use sunscreens, wash as often as possible, wear light clothes (light-coloured and not tight-fitting), try to stay in the shade when going out, especially during the hottest hours of the day.
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The medical consultation
In case of suspected heat stroke, the best advice is to consult your doctor. If the symptoms shown appear serious, it may even be necessary to go to the nearest emergency room to avoid serious consequences.
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