Private Denizli Cerrahi Hospital Internal Diseases Specialist Dr. Dündar Güngör, who warned against increasing cases of heat stroke due to air temperatures above seasonal norms, stated that vital organs are affected and said, “It can reach serious dimensions such as the patient losing his life. Therefore, we should protect ourselves from the heat and sun.”
In recent days, there has been an increase in cases of heat stroke due to temperatures above seasonal norms throughout the country. Experts warned citizens as temperatures continue to increase. Stating that due to temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius and excessive exposure to humidity, body temperature also rises, Private Denizli Cerrahi Hospital Internal Diseases Specialist Dr. Dündar Güngör stated that heat stroke occurs as a result. Stating that the body tries to maintain the temperature balance by sweating, Dr. Güngör said, “In extremely hot and humid weather, this situation can change and a situation that harms people occurs. Factors such as prolonged exposure to extremely hot and humid environments, working in hot weather or doing exertional work such as sports, old age, chronic diseases and medications are more effective in heat stroke. In case of heat stroke, the body temperature rises above 40 degrees. Patients may experience symptoms such as dizziness, weakness, loss of balance, fatigue, pallor or redness of the skin. The patient has complaints such as nausea, vomiting and severe headache.”
3 treatment methods for heat stroke
Emphasizing that heat stroke is treated in 3 stages, Dr. Güngör said, “In the treatment of heat stroke, we first try to lower the body temperature. We try to lower the body temperature above 40 degrees by immediately taking a cold shower or applying ice. Secondly, in this case, what we call electrolyte disorder occurs. With excessive sweating, the electrolytes that balance body temperature deteriorate. In this case, fluid supplementation is required immediately. Thirdly, we apply a treatment called symptomatic treatment. If there is a headache, we apply symptomatic treatment by giving painkillers and antipyretics, and if there is nausea, we apply symptomatic treatment by giving anti-nausea drugs.”
“We should take care to take even more fluid than we take daily”
Suggesting that in order to avoid heat stroke, it is necessary to avoid extremely hot and humid environments and to stay in the shade, Dr. Güngör said, “We should consume plenty of fluids. We should take care to take even more than the amount of fluid we take daily. We should wear light-colored, light and cotton clothes. We should use devices such as hats and umbrellas that protect our head and body area. We should follow the weather closely. We should time our exercise and working hours well. We can protect ourselves from heat stroke by doing our exercises or outdoor work with high effort at noon instead of doing it at noon when the air is cooler.”
“It can reach serious dimensions such as losing the patient's life”
Stating that the elderly and children are most affected by heat stroke, Dr. Güngör said, “Children may not notice the temperature while playing. Parents need to pay attention to children not to play in the sun and to be in the shade. Elderly people with chronic diseases and patients taking medication are more sensitive to heat stroke. All organs are affected by heat stroke. As the body temperature rises above 40 degrees, kidney functions, heart and lung functions are negatively affected. Since these are vital organs, it can reach serious dimensions such as the patient losing his/her life. Therefore, we should protect ourselves from the heat and the sun.”
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