Heatstroke: The Hidden Danger of the Hot Season

April has arrived — famously the hottest month of the year. Many provinces in Thailand see temperatures climb past 40 degrees Celsius, placing the country among the 15 hottest cities in the world. This extreme heat raises the risk of heatstroke, a life-threatening condition. Heatstroke requires urgent treatment; left untreated, it can immediately damage vital organs, including the brain, heart, kidneys and muscles. The longer treatment is delayed, the more severe the damage becomes, increasing the risk of serious complications and long-term disability. Let's learn what the symptoms of heatstroke are, which warning signs to watch for, and how heatstroke can be prevented.

Getting to Know Heatstroke (Sunstroke)

Heatstroke, a heat-related medical emergency, is a condition in which the body becomes dangerously overheated. It usually results from working, doing manual labor, or exercising strenuously in a high-temperature environment. Heatstroke typically occurs when body temperature reaches 40 degrees Celsius or higher, and it tends to strike during the hot season or in areas with high humidity. It can harm vital organs such as the brain, heart, lungs, kidneys and muscles if proper treatment is not given promptly. Crucially, when treatment is delayed there is a real chance of dangerous complications — in some cases leading to permanent disability or death.

Who Is at Risk of Heatstroke

-Children under 5 and the elderly, since their bodies cannot dissipate heat as well as young adults
-People with chronic illnesses or underlying conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease, or diabetes
-People who are overweight or obese
-People who do not get enough rest
-People who work or do activities in the sun for long periods, such as exercisers, golfers, farmers, and those who spend time on outdoor activities
-Office workers who spend long hours in air-conditioned rooms and then step out into intense heat, leaving the body unable to adjust in time
-People who drink alcohol — the body loses more water and minerals than in those who do not drink, especially in extremely hot weather
-Alcohol stimulates the heart to pump blood faster and harder, raising blood pressure and forcing the heart to work harder, which can lead to shock and death

Symptoms of Heatstroke

Heatstroke does not strike the moment you step into hot weather; it develops from spending a long time in extreme heat. As the body's temperature rises, abnormal symptoms may appear.
-A high fever of 40 degrees Celsius or above
-Changes in behavior or mental state, such as sudden confusion, irritability, incoherent speech, delirium, seizures, or coma
-With heatstroke caused by hot weather, the skin becomes hot and dry
-With heatstroke caused by strenuous exercise, the skin feels dry yet slightly damp
-Nausea and vomiting
-Flushed, reddened skin
-Rapid heartbeat and fast, labored breathing
-Throbbing headache

Basic First Aid

The key principle of first aid: if you find someone suffering from heatstroke, care for them properly before taking them to the hospital. Quickly move the patient into the shade, somewhere well ventilated and out of direct sunlight, to bring their body temperature down. Have the patient lie flat and raise both feet to increase blood flow to the brain.
Loosen their clothing so heat can escape faster. Apply a cloth soaked in cold water, or ice, to the sides of the neck, the body, armpits, groin and forehead, and use a fan to help vent the heat, lowering the body temperature as quickly as possible. If the patient is conscious, have them drink plenty of water, and rush them to the hospital as fast as possible.

Preventing Heatstroke

-Avoid staying in areas with extreme heat, especially places where temperatures reach 40 degrees Celsius or more
-Protect your skin from the sun by applying sunscreen with SPF 50+ or higher, wearing a wide-brimmed hat, carrying an umbrella, and wearing sunglasses
-Wear lightweight, breathable clothing that is not too tight
-Refrain from activities or exercise during hot weather; if possible, exercise in the morning or evening instead
-Sip water frequently and drink enough to keep your body temperature normal
-Never leave children or pets in a car parked in hot weather — the temperature inside a car can rise by more than 11 degrees Celsius within 10 minutes, and parking in the shade or opening the windows does not prevent heatstroke
-Take extra care if you are on certain medications or have underlying conditions that may increase your risk of heatstroke

If you experience symptoms of heatstroke such as fatigue, nausea and vomiting, or heat building up in your body, stop your activity immediately, rest sufficiently, and drink plenty of water to release heat from the body. If your symptoms do not improve, see a doctor right away, as heatstroke can seriously harm your health if not treated promptly and properly. Follow more articles on beauty and wellness at Thai Clinics, the website that gathers quality clinics and the latest updates on surgery, beauty trends and health.