ODISHA REPORTS FIRST SUNSTROKE DEATH AS TEMPERATURE CROSSES 44 DEGREES CELSIUS; WAYS TO PROTECT YOURSELF

A 62-year-old man died in Odisha's Balasore district due to sunstroke even as the state has been reeling under intense heatwave conditions for the last few days. According to news reports, Boudh town recorded a maximum temperature of 44.3 degrees Celsius.

“So far, information has been received in respect of three cases regarding alleged death due to the heat wave. One death has been confirmed so far from the district of Balasore. The remaining cases are being investigated by the concerned Collectors”, an official of the Special Relief Commission office said.

According to the Public Health Director Niranjan Mishra, at least 71 people have been admitted to different hospitals in the state after falling ill due to extreme temperatures.

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Of them, 35 were from Sundargarh, and seven each from Mayurbhanj and Angul.

What is a heat wave?

According to doctors, heat wave conditions are considered if the maximum temperature of a station reaches at least 40 degrees Celsius or more for plains and at least 30 degrees Celsius or more for hilly regions.

Rapid rises in heat gain due to exposure to hotter-than-average conditions compromise your body’s ability to regulate temperature and can result in a cascade of illnesses, including heat cramps, heat exhaustion, heatstroke, and hyperthermia.

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These heat-related illnesses require prompt identification to prevent serious complications.

A few symptoms of heatwave

A core body temperature of 104 F or higher, obtained with a rectal thermometer, is the main sign of heatstroke. A few others are:

Altered mental state or behaviour

Confusion, agitation, slurred speech, irritability, delirium, seizures, and coma can all result from heatstroke

Alteration in sweating

In heatstroke brought on by hot weather, your skin will feel hot and dry to the touch. However, in heatstroke brought on by strenuous exercise, your skin may feel dry or slightly moist

Nausea and vomiting

You may feel sick to your stomach or vomit

Flushed skin

Your skin may turn red as your body temperature increases

Rapid breathing

Your breathing may become rapid and shallow

Racing heart rate

Your pulse may significantly increase because heat stress places a tremendous burden on your heart to help cool your body

Headache

You may have a throbbing headache

Ways to combat the heat wave

During extreme heat, it is easy to become dehydrated or for your body to overheat. According to Dr. Divya Gopal, Internal Medicine, Sir HN Reliance Hospital and Research Centre, there are a few easy tips to combat the heat wave, a few of which include:

To prevent dehydration, drink plenty of water, fruit juice, or vegetable juice every day. “Because heat-related illness can also result from salt depletion, it may be advisable to substitute an electrolyte-rich sports drink for water during periods of extreme heat and humidity," said Dr. Divya.

Have lighter meals when it is hot and fruits with high water content like strawberries, oranges, cucumber, and lettuce will help you stay hydrated and cool.

A general recommendation for those doing moderate- to high-intensity exercise is to drink 17 to 20 ounces of fluid two to three hours before exercise. “Consider adding another eight ounces of water or sports drink right before exercise. During exercise, you should consume another seven to ten ounces of water every 20 minutes, even if you don't feel thirsty,” she added.

Avoid fluids containing either caffeine or alcohol, because both substances can make you lose more fluids and worsen heat exhaustion. If you suffer from heart, kidney, or liver disease, or have a problem with fluid retention, check with your doctor before increasing liquid intake.

Keep and use a cooling spray when you are outdoors in the heat.

Keep the curtains/blinds at home shut during the hottest times of the day so that your home stays cool.

Never leave kids, older people, or pets in cars. The temperature inside a parked car can double within minutes.

Seek out air-conditioned buildings and take cool showers at least twice a day. Wear lightweight, light-coloured, loose, and porous cotton clothes. Use protective goggles, an umbrella, a hat, scarves, and comfortable footwear while going out in the sun.

Schedule activities in the coolest part of the day and avoid exercising and being outdoors in the heat.

Immediately watch out for signs of dehydration like dry mouth, dizziness, confusion, and headache- see a doctor immediately.

2024-04-20T04:14:20Z dg43tfdfdgfd