"On Thursday [17 January 2013], temperatures in Pietermaritzburg measured in the mid-forties and it was also extremely humid. As a result, we saw quite a few patients who needed emergency care due to heat exhaustion and medical conditions, which were exacerbated by the excessive heat. In weather such as this, parents of young children and the elderly should be particularly vigilant, especially those suffering from medical conditions such as epilepsy and hypertension or high-blood pressure, as it is commonly known.
"Some people have to walk long distances or work outdoors, while others undertake vigorous exercise at the hottest time of the day, often underestimating the power of the sun. They further increase their health risk by not staying properly hydrated. In hot conditions such as these, people should try to drink at least two litres of water a day."
Dr Anchen Laubscher, medical director of Netcare and Netcare 911, explains that heatstroke occurs when the human body's core temperature increases beyond 40 degrees Celsius. It can be fatal if not treated properly and promptly. Heatstroke can cause an individual to slip into a coma and suffer organ failure.
Heat generated by the body is usually dissipated by radiation via the skin or through the evaporation of sweat on the skin. She notes that in extremely hot or humid environments and in cases where people overexert themselves, the body may not be able to dissipate the heat fast enough and an individual may suffer hyperthermia, which is simply an abnormally elevated body temperature. Dehydration may be another cause of hyperthermia.
"Heat exhaustion and heatstroke are forms of hyperthermia. Sometimes an individual will suffer from heat exhaustion, which progresses to heatstroke. This is a more serious condition, if the body temperature is not lowered. Some individuals may develop heatstroke rapidly and without warning."
Athletes, the young, the elderly, persons taking certain medications and outdoor workers may be particularly at risk of developing heatstroke. The condition can also be a threat to those undertaking vigorous work in warm indoor environments.
It is vital to bring the heatstroke patient's body temperature down to ensure that they do not suffer organ damage. First, move the individual out of the sun and into the shade. You can remove as much as possible of their clothing and place them in a bathtub filled with cool or tepid water if they are conscious. Do not use ice-cold water. Be sure to keep a close eye on them if you use a bath to make sure they do not lose consciousness.
Alternatively, the patient may be hosed with cool water from a garden hose or sponged using a cool, wet cloth. They may be fanned to encourage evaporation on and cooling of the skin. It is also vital to hydrate the person by getting him or her to drink water or, even better, isotonic drinks containing electrolytes. If the patient cannot take any liquids orally, intravenous hydration by means of a drip is necessary.
Dr Heinrich Koekemoer, senior medical officer at Netcare 911 says that signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion include nausea, headache, vomiting, fatigue, dizziness, muscle cramps and aches. The symptoms of heatstroke may differ from person to person and depend upon the cause thereof, but may also include those for heat exhaustion together with high body temperature, dry flushed skin with an absence of sweating, rapid pulse, trouble breathing, bewilderment and confusion, unusual and sometimes aggressive behaviour, seizure and coma. If any of these symptoms are noted it is advisable to seek medical assistance as soon as possible.
"Should you plan your activities with care and pay due respect to the sun, you could enjoy a summer without healthcare problems related to excessive heat," concludes Dr Koekemoer.
