Heatstroke, heat stroke: Causes and solutions

The article was written by Specialist Doctor I Do Van Manh - Emergency Resuscitation Doctor - Emergency Resuscitation Department - Vinmec Ha Long International Hospital

We need to understand under what conditions and circumstances people are prone to heatstroke, heatstroke to prevent and deal with when someone has heatstroke, heatstroke, especially in the current weather conditions according to the current weather conditions. According to the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, this summer there will be 5-7 heat waves, the highest temperature can reach 41-42oC.

1.1 Heatstroke When working or going out in the sun for too long, many rays of the sun will shine directly on the neck and back of the neck. Under the continuous effect of intense sunlight, the body's temperature regulation center will be shaken, disrupting body temperature regulation along with dehydration of the body.
Thus, heatstroke often presents a severe illness from the beginning, there may be many early neurological signs, very clear damage can be reversed or not. In some cases, there may be subdural and intracerebral hematoma.

1.2 Heatstroke is a state of total dehydration accompanied by temperature regulation disorders, vasomotor disorders which are essentially caused by the body's temperature regulation center not adapting to the surrounding weather conditions. Sunlight and heat are two physical agents that can cause stress on the body. When the outdoor temperature is too high, along with being exposed to the sun for too long or having to work in a hot high temperature environment (underground, in a closed room...), or active Excessive physical exertion in young people (playing intense sports, prolonged hard work)... will lead to the phenomenon that the amount of heat generated and absorbed is much larger than the amount of body heat. radiate to the surrounding environment. Therefore, in heatstroke, general dehydration is predominant.

A common feature is that both heatstroke and heatstroke lead to a state of hyperthermia. When the body temperature increases, it will lead to an increase in the process of sweating, causing the body to lose a large amount of water. Severe electrolytes can be fatal. Another risk factor when high body temperature will cause dysfunction of many organs such as cardiovascular, respiratory, nervous...
Manifestations of heatstroke, heatstroke can depending on the degree of temperature rise and time. It can be from mild initial manifestations of increased heart rate, increased breathing rate, palpitations, and then fatigue, dizziness, headache, fatigue in limbs, mild excitement, and increasing difficulty in breathing. , cramps... and finally fainting, coma, cardiovascular collapse, death.

Before a case of heatstroke, heat stroke, it is necessary to quickly conduct first aid measures immediately without the support of medical staff or medical facilities:
Quickly conduct hypothermia for the victim. Patients: Immediately move the victim to a cool, ventilated place, remove some clothes, give cool water mixed with salt, apply cold compresses with cool towels or ice in places with large arteries going near the skin such as armpits, groin, neck.
If the victim is comatose, cannot drink water or vomits continuously, has a continuous increase in fever, accompanied by symptoms of abdominal pain, chest pain, difficulty breathing, the victim must be quickly transferred to the nearest medical facility. During the transportation process, the victim is still regularly applied cool compresses.
At medical centers, victims will be given fluids and electrolytes as well as other supportive measures. In case the victim has a high fever, paracetamol can be used to help reduce the fever. If there is a convulsion, anticonvulsant drugs must be given to the patient. In case the victim is in a coma, an endotracheal tube may be required.
It is important to take measures to prevent heatstroke and heatstroke. That is not to work too long in the sun or in a hot environment and avoid strenuous physical activities. Drink enough water when it is hot or hard working. Always fully equipped with sun protection equipment when working, working outside in the sun such as workwear, hats, hats, glasses,... Cool the working environment, especially factories, Underground tunnels are very important in preventing heatstroke and heatstroke.