Heat stroke is an emergency. It is the result of long, extreme exposure to the sun, in which a person does not sweat enough to lower body temperature. The elderly, infants, people who work outdoors and those on certain types of medications (or drinking alcohol) are most susceptible to heat stroke. It is a condition that develops rapidly and requires immediate medical treatment.
What causes heat stroke?
Our bodies produce a tremendous amount of internal heat and we normally cool ourselves by sweating and radiating heat through the skin. However, in certain circumstances, such as extreme heat, high humidity or vigorous activity in the hot sun, this cooling system may begin to fail, allowing heat to build up to dangerous levels.
If a person becomes dehydrated and can not sweat enough to cool their body, their internal temperature may rise to dangerously high levels, causing heat stroke.
What are the symptoms of heat stroke?
First symptoms tend to include headache, dizziness, disorientation, agitation or confusion and sluggishness or fatigue.
Other symptoms are seizures, hot and dry skin that is flushed but not sweaty, a high body temperature, loss of consciousness, rapid pulse, hallucinations.
How is heat stroke treated?
Call an emergency doctor as heat stroke can cause permanent damage or death. Afterwards, get the affected person indoors, remove clothing and gently apply cool water to the skin followed by fanning to stimulate sweating, apply ice packs to the groin and armpits and have the person lie down in a cool area. Intravenous fluids are often necessary to compensate for fluid or electrolyte loss.
How can heat stroke be prevented?
Drink plenty of fluids. Water and sports drinks are recommended; avoid tea, coffee, soda and alcohol as these can lead to dehydration. Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing in light colors. Schedule vigorous activity and sports for cooler times of the day. Protect yourself from the sun by wearing a hat, sunglasses and/or using an umbrella. Additionally, try to spend as much time indoors as possible on very hot and humid days.
Gastroenteritis
There are different causes of gastroenteritis but most they are ussually caused by viruses, bacterias, and other microbes like parasites.
In Spain food poisoning is a common cause of gastroenteritis. Many different types of germs can cause food poisoning. Common examples of bacterias causing gastroenteritis are the campylobacter and salmonella bacteria.
Symptoms
The symptoms can vary from a mild tummy upset for one or two days, with some mild diarrhea to a severe diarrhea for several days or longer. Often there is vomiting or nausea as well. If vomiting occurs it often lasts for one day. Diarrhea mostly continues after vomiting has stopped and it can last for a week or more before the normal pattern comes back. Abdominal cramps and fever are also common symptoms. Symptoms may settle within a few days if the immune system clears the infection.
Treatment
If you vomit, wait at least 10 minutes before you start drinking again, and drink slowly. For example, a sip every 2-3 minutes, but make sure that your total intake is as described above.
Introduce food gradually to reduce the period of the diarrhea.
If there are any of the following signs you need to see a doctor: signs of dehydration: dizziness, little urine production, dry mouth, dry skin and hollow eyes.
It is also advised to see a doctor if the patient has blood in the faeces or has a tendency to sleep and has a high fever which can't be controlled by antipyretics.
Prevention
It is recommended to use a clean toilet. Do not share towels. Do not prepare food for others. Most important is rehydration by oral rehydration solution or isotonic drinks. As a rough guide, drink at least 200 ml after each time you get diarrhea.
