Thiruvananthapuram: Health Minister Veena George has warned all districts to be vigilant in the event of extreme temperature rise due to climate change. All the district medical officers were instructed based on reports received from some districts. All PHCs and CHCs are committed to ensuring timely detection and proper treatment of sun-related health problems. DMOs have also been directed to issue immediate instructions to medical officers, taluk, district, general hospital, and medical college hospital superintendents. The minister also requested that those with any health problems due to heat should seek treatment.
Sunstroke (Heatstroke / Sub stroke)
When the ambient temperature rises above a certain level, the thermoregulatory system of the human body malfunctions and interferes with the release of body heat. Then many vital functions of the body may be disrupted. Sunburn is one such condition.
Symptoms
Sunburn can cause very high body temperature, dry red hot body, severe headaches, dizziness, slow pulse, mood swings, and subsequent unconsciousness. The services of a doctor should be sought immediately.
Heat Exhaustion
Thermal body exhaustion is a condition that is slightly less severe than sunburn. This condition is caused by the loss of a lot of water and salts from the body through sweating due to extreme heat.
Symptoms
Symptoms of sunburn include fatigue, dizziness, headache, muscle cramps, nausea and vomiting, abnormal sweating, severe thirst, decreased urine output, dark yellow color, and loss of consciousness. If not treated properly, heat exhaustion can lead to sunburn.
Things to do in case of sunburn and heat exhaustion
If sunstroke is suspected, move from a sunny place to a cool place to rest. Remove thick clothing worn. Rinse body with cold water, fan, AC. Cool the body with the help of eating fruits and salads. Drink plenty of fluids. If your health does not improve or you lose consciousness, seek treatment at the nearest hospital.
Those who need special attention
Particular attention should be paid to the elderly, young children, pregnant women, the critically ill, and those who work in the sun.
Preventive measures
Drink plenty of water even if you do not feel thirsty, especially in hot summers. Adjust working hours from 12 noon to 3 pm, taking time off from work, whenever possible. Do not allow children to play in the sun. Keep doors and windows open to allow air to escape and heat to escape. Wear loose-fitting white, light-colored clothing. Avoid leaving children in a parked car or another place where possible.
Some other problems with sunburn
In those who work in the sun for long periods, body parts that are exposed to direct sunlight may become red and sunburned, causing pain and burns. They should see a doctor and seek immediate treatment. Do not burst if there are hot bubbles.
As the atmosphere heats up, the body sweats more and loses water and salts, and experiences muscle spasms. Drink plenty of salted porridge, lemonade, and tender coconut water and rest, and seek treatment at the nearest hospital if health does not improve.
Excessive sweating in hot weather can also lead to an itchy and hot rash. It mainly affects children. Such people should not be exposed to too much sun and their swollen body parts should always be kept moist.
