What is the risk of heat?

Some are already talking about the heat apocalypse. Extreme heat warnings have been issued in France and the United Kingdom. Fires in Portugal (47 degrees Celsius) and Greece have forced thousands of people (estimated at 30,000) to leave their homes. More than 1,000 deaths have been attributed to heat in recent days in Spain and Portugal.

Heat exhaustion, a state in which there is an increased loss of salt and fluids, can manifest as dizziness, headache, tremors, and increased thirst. Anyone can experience it if they stay in the sun too long. Usually, the effects of heat exhaustion are not serious - as long as the body is cooled down within 30 minutes.

The situation becomes more serious when heatstroke occurs (it has nothing to do with stroke and it is not true that it is the domain of older people) when the body temperature is above 40.6 degrees Celsius. This medical emergency, which requires immediate medical attention, can lead to long-term organ damage and death. It causes fainting, profuse sweating, chills, vomiting, problems with speech, disturbances of consciousness and vision.

People who suffer from respiratory diseases, cardiovascular diseases and diabetes are at increased risk of developing heat stroke. Globally, it is estimated that nearly half a million deaths each year are caused by excessive heat, according to a study published in The Lancet (although data from many low-income countries are lacking here). Many more people die of the cold, but scientists predict that this trend will change.
The World Meteorological Association warns that air pollution also increases during heat waves, which also has a negative impact on health. Many studies have shown that the heat can also lead to low birth weight and premature labor in pregnant women. There are also less obvious dangers. Lawrence Wainwright, an environmental lecturer at the University of Oxford, said suicide rates and mental health problems often rise during heatwaves.

How can I protect myself against heatstroke?

Let's not forget about the headgear and the protection of the neck from the sun. We should always have a bottle of water with us. Let's not stay outside for too long, especially when the sun's activity is at its strongest (between 11:00 and 15:00). If symptoms of heat stroke occur, such as loss of consciousness, call an ambulance, move the person into the shade or a cool room, and apply cooling compresses, e.g. with a wet towel or a sponge soaked in water. If the patient is conscious, rehydrate with chilled drinks, which may be water with a little salt.

Source: Reuters