Heat waves are becoming increasingly frequent and intense, increasing the risk of serious health problems, especially among the elderly, people with chronic diseases, and those who work or stay outdoors for long periods of time.
Public health expert Dr. Brian Bossak warns that prolonged exposure to high temperatures can progress from heat exhaustion to heat stroke, a medical emergency that can be life-threatening.
Heat exhaustion is accompanied by symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, excessive sweating, weakness, thirst, and headache. At this stage, it is recommended that the person immediately move to a cool place, drink fluids, and use wet compresses to reduce body temperature.
If the condition worsens and turns into heat stroke, body temperature can reach or exceed 41 degrees Celsius, causing damage to the brain, heart, and kidneys.
At this stage, the person may stop sweating, lose orientation, have seizures, or fall into a coma. Without immediate treatment, the condition can be fatal, foreign media write, citing public health expert Dr. Brian Bossak.
To avoid risks, specialists advise limiting physical activities during the hottest hours of the day, staying in air-conditioned environments, consuming as much water and electrolyte drinks as possible, and taking special care of the elderly and people with disabilities, who are more exposed to the consequences of extreme temperatures.
