It’s not often that we have to worry about heatstroke in this country, but this month of May has been the driest on record with a record number of hours of sunshine. It can be quite easy for fair-skinned people to burn out from the heat or suffer from heat stroke.
Heat stroke and heat exhaustion are two similar illnesses caused by the breakdown of different mechanisms in the body.
Heatstroke, also known as heatstroke, occurs when the body’s ability to keep cool is not working properly due to prolonged exposure to direct sunlight on the head. The result is dangerously high fever and hot, red, dry skin. The pulse and breathing are very fast due to the high fever. The person feels hot and weak, and the face becomes very red. Headaches, dizziness, and dullness indicate impending heat stroke. Nausea and vomiting are accompanying symptoms. Heat stroke is very serious and should be treated as a medical emergency. Take immediate steps to cool down your body. If the temperature is dangerously high, be careful not to allow the temperatures to drop too low.
In heat exhaustion, the body collapses due to excessive fluid loss from sweating too much and drinking too little. It doesn’t necessarily have to be a very sunny day. Unlike heat stroke, the skin is pale, cold, and clammy. There is no fever. The blood pressure is low and the pulse is slow and weak. Sudden, deep sweats indicate the beginning of heat exhaustion. Anxiety, weakness, and fatigue arise long before collapse. Heat exhaustion is much less serious, and through it, it also needs to be carefully monitored.
Both heat exhaustion and heat stroke are easily avoided with simple measures. Strenuous exercise in the sun and heat can easily lead to exhaustion and heavy sweating. If exercising in the heat cannot be avoided, it is of utmost importance to drink enough fluids with enough minerals, particularly salt. In very hot climates myself, I always drink ½ teaspoon of salt every day with a glass of water, but I tend to lose a lot of salt.
Clothing should be loose and airy enough to allow the skin to breathe and keep the body cool. Children, the elderly and the frail convalescent are the most susceptible to the dangers of heat. Alcohol also reduces the body’s ability to respond appropriately to heat. Circulatory collapse as a result of staying too long in heat will lead to heat exhaustion. In this case, the venous system collapses, allowing very little blood to return to the heart and brain. It is better to prevent it by walking. If the person feels like they are going to pass out or really pass out, it should help to lay them down with their legs raised. Women with low blood pressure and a poor venous system are the most susceptible.
Stay cool in hot weather by eating refreshing fruits and vegetables, such as watermelon, pineapple, and cucumber. Real lemon juice added to cold water and a tablespoon of honey is great for excessive heat and sun exposure.
Tissue salts are very useful for sunbathing too much.
Take four tablets under the tongue every half hour until the person feels better. Nat Mur is useful for the negative effects of excess sun, for severe headaches and drowsiness.
Ferr Phos should be taken for fever and congestion of the head with throbbing sensations.
The homeopathic remedy Belladonna is beneficial if the skin is hot and burning, and the head throbs with pain.
Enjoy the good weather!