Summer Precautions: From the Doctor’s Desk

Summer is back!

Let’s all loosen up to welcome this warm humid season.

Heat Regulation in our Body     

When heat gained exceeds the capacity of heat loss, body temperature increases.

The result can be heat illnesses, which can be in the form of Heat Cramps → Heat Exhaustion → Heat Stroke.

Heat Cramps

Painful brief muscle cramps in the legs following vigorous exercise in hot temperatures. There is no elevation in the core body temperature. It occurs mostly due to depletion of electrolytes (salts like sodium etc.) from the body in sweat.

Treatment

Get out of the sun and rest in a cool place, drink plenty of fluids with electrolytes (simple salt and sugar mixed in water can do). Massage the cramped muscle.

Heat Exhaustion

Occurs commonly in temperatures between 37°C-40°C and is mostly seen in individuals undertaking vigorous physical activity in a hot atmosphere.

Symptoms

• Fatigue, Tiredness
• Muscular Weakness
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Nausea
• Irritability
• Collapse

Treatment

• Remove the person to a cooler place.
• Loosen the clothing.
• Active cooling: cold sponging or cold shower.
• Fluid replacement (oral rehydration mixtures).   
• If they cannot take it orally, IV fluids may be required to prevent it from escalating to heat stroke.    

Heat Stroke

Life threatening medical emergency occurs when core body temperature rises above 40°C provoked by a failure of heat regulatory mechanism.

Treatment

• Immediately remove the person in shade preferably in air-cooled atmosphere.
• Undress the person and apply cold sponging.
• If drowsy, don’t give anything orally — immediately rush to a hospital for careful fluid replacement and appropriate IV monitoring and investigations. 

Precautions to be taken in Summers!

• Avoid prolonged activities in the sun; preferably, take short breaks.
• Wear loose light coloured clothes.
• Cover your head with a cap, hat or scarf — use an umbrella if required.
• Avoid looking at the sun directly and wear sunglasses.
• Keep drinking fluids frequently — always carry your own bottle of water (avoid aerated drinks and caffeine).
• Frequent showers can be refreshing.
• Apply a sunscreen lotion on exposed parts of the body and use a hair conditioner if hair gets dry.
• Seek medical assistance at the earliest if required.      

                    

Let’s hope these little precautions will give us a safe and healthy summer ahead!

Dr. Nazia Khan

School Medical Officer