Malaysia is known for its hot weather, especially during summer. While it brings you to sunny and bright days, it also can cause heatstroke, a serious health risk. Heatstroke signs are not something that we can just ignore because it is a serious matter.
Heatstroke: Causes, Signs & Tips
Check out these causes, symptoms, and essential advice for dealing with heat and preventing heatstroke.
What Is Heatstroke & How Does It Happen?
Heatstroke, also known as sunstroke happens when your body cannot control its temperature. It makes the body’s temperature go higher for up to 40°C or even higher in 10 – 15 minutes. When the body is unable to decrease the temperature, the heatstroke will happen.
2 types of heatstroke:
- Exertional heatstroke: It usually happens because of physical exercises in hot humid surroundings and it can develop in a few hours
- Non-exertional heatstroke: It is a common heatstroke that happens due to health conditions and it can happen over several days
In Malaysia, especially during heat waves, the risk might be raised by a combination of high humidity and heat. Other common causes include:
- Staying too long in hot weather
- Not drinking enough water
- Wearing thick clothes in hot weather
- Too much intense activities in hot weather
How To Recognize Heatstroke Signs?
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Early detection of heatstroke signs is essential for proper treatment. Here are common signs of heatstroke:
- The body’s temperature went above 40 °C
- Sweating a lot
- Muscle pains or cramps
- Difficult to breathe
- Severe headaches
- Rapid and strong pulse
- Hot and dry skin
- Nausea and feeling dizzy
- Unconsciousness
Knowing all the signs of heatstroke can make us more alert with our body.
How To Prevent Heatstroke?
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There are a few tips that you can use to avoid getting heatstroke:
- Drink a lot of water even when you are not thirsty to stay hydrated
- Take cool showers or baths to keep your body temperature low
- Avoid intense activities during hot weather
- Wear lightweight, loose-fitting and light-coloured clothes for better airflow and reflect sunlight
- Stay indoors or in shaded areas to avoid direct exposure to the sun
- Use sunscreen with high SPF to protect your skin from UV rays
By taking serious on all the tips above, you can prevent heatstroke from happening to yourself. Read also about 5 environment-friendly ways to cool down your house during hot weather.
Heatstroke First Aid
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If you encounter someone who is having a heatstroke, you need to call 999 immediately. It is important to seek medical help right away. While waiting for help, you can try these methods to cool them down:
- Move them to a cool place
- Loosen their clothing for airflow
- Apply wet and cool cloth to their skin
- Give them sips of cool water
- Fanning them for a cool breeze
Remember to stay hydrated and avoid being under the sun for too long to prevent heatstroke. Malaysia can still embrace the warmth of its tropical season while keeping heatstroke at bay. Stay cool and stay safe everyone!
