Heat Disorders: what they are, symptoms and remedies

, at high temperatures and excessive humidity it is very dangerous. In fact, it can trigger various ailments, which can go as far as real heat stroke. For this reason, in summer, you need to be very careful, even more so if you practice physical activity during the day or when you are out for a long time in the hottest hours.It is also essential to learn about the first symptoms of any heat disorders, so as to intervene as soon as possible and avoid much worse consequences.

internal. The body is equipped with an efficient thermoregulation system, a mechanism that has the function of keeping the internal temperature constant, around 37 ° degrees, balancing the production and dispersion of heat depending on the external conditions. , ie excessive heat and high humidity, this mechanism can go haywire. This happens more easily if you stay in very hot and unventilated environments, such as a car or a small room, and if you do sports in the middle of the day. The subjects most at risk are: children, the elderly, people with certain diseases, pregnant women, non self-sufficient individuals.

and in people who have drunk alcohol. These problems mainly manifest themselves with muscle pain and tension.

How to intervene

• Move to a cooler area, out of direct sunlight.
• Gently massage the cramping muscle.
• Gently stretch the muscle.
• Drink fresh water or sports drinks every 15 minutes.

Clinic characterized by the increase in body temperature. It mainly manifests itself with: muscle cramps, dizziness, light confusion, rapid heartbeat, labored breathing, headache, irritability, extreme thirst, nausea or vomiting, pale skin, profuse sweating, fainting.

How to intervene

To treat heat exhaustion you should:

• move to a cooler area, out of direct sunlight;
• loosen clothes;
• apply fresh, wet towels to the face, neck, chest and limbs;
• ask someone to get some air;
• drink fresh water or sports drinks every 15 minutes. Don't drink too fast.

, cramps, skin redness, nausea and vomiting. If copious sweating fails to eliminate excess heat, real heat stroke is established: the body temperature can rise up to 39 ° -40 ° and the neurological picture becomes progressively more severe. The following may appear: irrational behavior or hallucinations, agitation, aggression, unbearable headache, rapid and shallow breathing, dry skin, convulsions, loss of consciousness, decreased blood pressure, cold, chills, pale skin. Above 40 ° the situation becomes very serious.

How to intervene

Heatstroke is a "life-threatening emergency. Call an" ambulance or go to the emergency room immediately. Meantime:

• move the person to a cooler area, out of direct sunlight;
• loosen clothes;
• remove any sweaty clothing;
• apply fresh, wet towels to the face, neck, chest and limbs;
• apply, if possible, ice on the armpits, wrists and groin;
• offer fresh water or sports drinks every 15 minutes if the person is conscious.

outdoors and doing excessive movement. In fact, when you make an effort, the body produces heat, making thermoregulation even more difficult. If you cannot do otherwise and you are forced to expose yourself in the central hours, take precautions.

• Rest as often as possible.
• Wear loose-fitting, light-colored clothing. The best garments are those in natural fibers, such as linen, silk and cotton, which promote skin transpiration and give a feeling of freshness.
• Drink water frequently.
• Avoid alcohol.
• Pay attention to the elderly and children, who are more vulnerable.
• Follow a light diet, which does not strain the digestive system too much. The ideal is to prefer fruit and vegetables, better raw or undercooked, which are also rich in water.
• Better then to have frequent but little abundant snacks.
• Those who have an air conditioner should adjust the temperature to values ​​between 24 and 26 ° C. Often, just switching on the dehumidification function is sufficient.
• To cool off, you can take baths and showers with warm water or wet your face and arms with fresh water.