Explained: What is heatwave? How to stave off its effects?

Hyderabad: The searing heat in India is wreaking havoc on people's health. It is critical to take modest precautions. The hot summer months make it difficult to work, and many people who work outdoors must take extra precautions.

During extreme heat, vulnerable persons, such as babies, the elderly, and those suffering from chronic ailments, are more prone to risks. To stay hydrated, IMD recommends drinking plenty of water (even if you're not thirsty), drinking ORS (oral rehydration solutions or electrolyte replenishments), or making comparable homemade beverages.

What exactly is a heat wave?

Qualitatively, a heat wave is a state of high air temperature that is lethal to the human body when exposed. It is quantitatively determined based on temperature thresholds over a region in terms of actual temperature or deviation from normal. In certain nations, it is described in terms of the heat index, which is based on temperature and humidity, or the extreme percentile of temperatures.

What are the health effects of heat waves?

Dehydration, heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and/or heat stroke are common health consequences of heat waves. The following are the indications and symptoms:

Heat Cramps: Ederna (swelling) and Syncope (fainting) are usually accompanied by a temperature of less than 39*C, or 102*F.

Fatigue, weakness, disorientation, headache, nausea, vomiting, muscular cramps, and sweating are all symptoms of heat exhaustion.

Heat Stoke: A body temperature of 40°C (104°F) or higher, accompanied by delirium, convulsions, or coma. This is a potentially lethal disease.

What precautions should be taken to reduce the impact of the heat wave?

- Avoid going out in the sun, particularly between 12 p.m. and 3 p.m.

- Drink plenty of water as often as possible, even if you're not thirsty.

- Dress in lightweight, light-colored, flowy, and porous cotton. When going out in the sun, wear protective eyewear, an umbrella/hat, and shoes or chappals.

- Avoid intense activity while the temperature outside is high. Avoid working outside between the hours of 12 p.m. and 3 p.m.

- Carry water with you while traveling.

- Avoid dehydrating beverages such as alcohol, tea, coffee, and carbonated soft drinks.

- Avoid high-protein foods and stale foods.

- If you work outside, use a hat or umbrella and wipe your head, neck, face, and limbs with a wet towel.

- Do not leave children or pets in parked cars.

- See a doctor right away if you feel faint or unwell.

- Use ORS and homemade liquids such as lassi, Torani (rice water), lemon water, buttermilk, and so on to help rehydrate the body.

- Keep animals in the shade and provide plenty of water.

- Keep your home cool by using curtains, shutters, or a parasol and leaving windows open at night.

- Use fans, and wet clothes, and take regular cold-water baths.

What are the symptoms of sunburn and how do you treat it?

Symptoms include skin redness and discomfort, swelling, blisters, fever, and headaches.

First Aid: Take a shower with soap to eliminate oils that may clog pores and hinder the body from naturally cooling. Apply dry, sterile dressings to blisters and seek medical assistance if they appear.

What are the symptoms of Heat Cramps and how can you treat them?

Symptoms: Spasms in the legs, abdomen, or extremities that are painful. Sweating profusely.

Basic First Aid: Move to a cool or shady location. To ease spasms, apply firm pressure on cramping muscles or use a mild massage. Take a few sips of water.

What are the symptoms of Heat Exhaustion and how can you treat it?

Heavy sweating, weakness, cold, pale complexion, headache, and clammy skin are among the symptoms. Weak pulse. Normal temperature is a possibility. Vomiting and fainting.

Basic First Aid: Make the sufferer lie down in a cool spot. Adjust your outfit. Apply a cold, damp towel. Move the sufferer to an air-conditioned location or use a fan. Take moderate sips of water and stop if nausea starts. If you vomit, get medical treatment right away. Alternatively, dial 108 or 102 for an ambulance.

What are the symptoms of Heat Stroke (Sun Stroke) and how should they be treated?

Symptoms: A body temperature of 106°F or higher. Skin that is hot and dry. A strong, rapid pulse. Unconsciousness is a possibility. The victim is unlikely to perspire.

Basic First Aid: Heat stroke is a life-threatening medical condition.

- Call 108 and 102 for an ambulance or take the person to the nearest hospital right away.

- Delay may be deadly. Move the sufferer to a cooler location.

- Reduce body warmth by taking a chilly bath or sponging.

- Exercise great care.

- Take off their clothes.

- Make use of fans and/or air conditioners.

- Do not offer them fluids.

Top tips during a heat wave for pregnant women

- Keep away from the heat. Stay out of the sun during the day, especially during the present heatwave.

- Shower and bathe in lukewarm water. Showers and baths that are too cold might cause your body to retain heat.

- When it's hot outdoors, close the windows and lower the blinds. When the weather is colder, you can open the windows for ventilation.

- Avoid sunbathing and stay in the shade. During hot weather, pregnant women's skin may be more sensitive to the sun.

- Control hot flushes. Carry a little spray bottle with you to keep you cool.

- Stay hydrated. Carry a small reusable water bottle with you at all times, and keep it full.

Steps to keep newborns safe in hot weather

- Breastfed babies may require additional breastfeeds during hot weather. You don't need to give a very young infant extra water during a heatwave if you're nursing since breast milk supplies all they need. However, you should be sure to consume lots of water.

- Don't leave babies in prams in hot weather; prams can be hot and airless; make sure air can flow around your baby, for example:

- Remove any padding from your baby's crib and replace it with thick layers of cotton sheets to absorb sweat and prevent prickly heat rash.

- Avoid using a pillow or mattress that your baby sinks into.

- Put your baby to bed in just a nappy.

- In harsh temperatures, avoid taking your infant or small child outside. If you must go, drive carefully in hot weather.

- Covering a baby capsule in a car with a mat or towel to keep the sun out would impede airflow around the infant, making it hotter.

- Use window sunshades.

- Never leave a baby or young kid alone in a car, regardless of the temperature (even in moderate weather, automobiles may rapidly become too hot for tiny children).

- Make travels during the coolest portion of the day.

- Keep the air circulating rather than directing it at the infant. If you have an air conditioner, make sure it does not get too chilly (a temperature of 24 to 26 degrees Celsius is sufficient).

- If you do not have a fan or air conditioner, you can use cold wet towels to cover your baby's or toddler's body. You may also use damp towels or sheets to chill the air surrounding the bassinet or cot. Check on your infant frequently to ensure that they are not becoming too chilly.

Tips to protect your kids from heatwaves in school or summer camp

- Proper hydration.

- Limit outdoor activities.

- Use sunscreen.

- Make them wear comfortable cotton clothes.

- Make them follow a healthy diet.

- Keep them in a cool environment.

- Make sure they get enough rest.