Heat stroke precautions from DU Faculty of Medicine

Düzce University (DU) Faculty of Medicine, Head of Emergency Medicine Department, Dr. Faculty Member Erdinç Şengüldür advised staying in the shade and consuming plenty of water to protect against heatstroke.

In the statement made by DU, Şengüldür’s opinions about heat stroke and the precautions to be taken were included.

Stating that heatstroke cases are frequently seen in emergency departments during the summer months, Şengüldür noted that with the effects of climate change, summers are now hotter than expected in most of Turkey, and this makes heatstroke a serious public health problem.

Şengüldür pointed out that heat stroke is a life-threatening, serious clinical condition that develops due to heat exposure and continued as follows:

“The two most important findings are impaired consciousness and body temperature above 40 degrees Celsius. In addition, hot red skin, palpitations, shortness of breath, shortness of breath, and a decrease in blood pressure may be observed. Due to the coagulation disorder that develops due to heat, the skin is called ‘petechiae’ and ‘purpura’.” “Patients may apply to emergency services with complaints of personality changes, hallucinations, seizures or loss of consciousness.”

Pointing out that children, the elderly, people with chronic diseases and those who do excessive physical exercise in hot weather are among the risk groups for heat stroke, Şengüldür said, “The majority of patients show clinical improvement after applications aimed at lowering body temperature. Patients experience electrolyte disorders, heart rhythm problems, Problems such as kidney failure and liver damage may develop. Heat stroke can be fatal in people with long-term heat exposure. shared his opinion.

Şengüldür made the following suggestions to protect against heat stroke:

“First of all, on summer days, it is necessary to stay in shaded areas at noon, when the sun is at its highest. In hot weather, light-coloured, non-synthetic, thin summer clothes should be preferred. Works that require excessive effort or performance-based sports in hot weather will facilitate heat stroke. Use the evening hours to do sports.” We recommend waiting. Even if you do not feel thirsty, we recommend drinking plenty of fluids, especially water. On hot days, it is important to drink at least 3 liters of water a day to replace the fluid loss caused by sweating. “We recommend that you keep the curtains closed as another precaution that will ensure less heating in work areas.”