Know the causes, symptoms, prevention and treatment of heatwave

This time, heat like May-June has started in April itself. The Meteorological Department has warned of a big increase in temperature in the coming days. In such a situation, increasing temperature also increases the risk of many health related problems like blood pressure, heat stroke. Apart from this, due to imbalance of electrolytes in the body, muscle cramps, problems like heat camps, excessive sweating, weakness, dizziness, nausea and increased heart rate start increasing. With increasing temperature, problems like dehydration, food poisoning, diarrhea, vomiting and nausea have also started increasing. This problem can affect a person of any age. Actually, in summer, essential fluids and minerals are released from our body in the form of sweat. This can cause problems like dehydration, exhaustion and sometimes heat stroke, which can also prove to be fatal. Homeopathic treatment can be an effective and safe option to deal with these symptoms. Let's know about it....

When does heat stroke occur

Thermoregulation (keeping the body temperature balanced) in our body is an extremely complex and automatic system that keeps the internal environment of the body normal. When the body temperature rises abnormally, the hypothalamus (temperature control center of the brain) starts the process of more blood flow by expanding the blood vessels of the skin. But when the body's cardiovascular system cannot bear the stress caused by heat, heat stroke can occur.

Elderly people are at greater risk of heat stroke

Heat stroke is a medical emergency in which the body temperature exceeds 40 degrees Celsius. Also, the brain starts functioning abnormally. This problem occurs when a person stays in a hot environment for a long time. Especially when the environment is humid and the body temperature increases even without doing physical labor. Elderly people, people suffering from chronic diseases, excessive physical exertion, wearing very tight clothes, people with lack of water in the body are more affected by this.

Do not run or cycle in extreme heat

Avoid running or cycling in extreme heat. This can dehydrate the body. In fact, excessive sweating reduces the electrolyte balance in the body. Lack of fluid in the body increases the thickness of the blood. This increases the risk of clot formation, which increases the risk of heat stroke.

Effects of heat wave on the body

1. Effect on the skin: Heat dries the skin, makes it red and can also cause burning. Problems like heat rash, sunburn, swelling and yellowing of the skin are common.

2. Effect on the heart: High heat can have a direct effect on the heart. It can damage the heart muscles, which can lead to conditions like heart failure. Dehydration reduces blood volume, which makes the heart work harder to pump blood.

3. Effect on the nervous system: Heat stroke can damage brain cells. It can cause confusion, irritability, seizures, fainting, etc.

4. Effect on respiratory system: Breathing in hot air puts pressure on the lungs, which can cause breathing problems and coughing. Oxygen levels can decrease due to dehydration.

5. Effect on mental health: Heat stroke affects not only physical but also mental health. It can cause restlessness, agitation, confusion and emotional instability.

How to know if you are in the grip of heat wave or what are the symptoms

• Body temperature rises above 101 or 102.
• Body becomes hot and red.
• Feel thirsty even after drinking water.
• Breathing becomes fast.
• Sweating stops.
• Feeling nauseous and vomiting-diarrhoea.
• Headache and dizziness start.
• Feeling weak and tired.
• Heart beat increases, breathing becomes fast.
• Hot and dry skin
• Fast breathing
• Rapid heartbeat
• Drop in blood pressure
• Change in mental state like confusion, fainting or strange behaviour
• If a person suddenly becomes confused, faints or falls after working in the heat, it should be considered as heat stroke, whether the person is doing physical labour or not.

Treatment

• Get up early in the morning and do yoga, pranayama or meditation for 15-20 minutes
• Keep a cap or gamchha on the head.
• Sandalwood, rose water or neem paste cools the skin.
• Take a little rest in a shady and cool place in the afternoon.
• 10-15 minutes of rest makes the body energetic.
• Wear loose, light and cotton clothes.
• It is good to sleep in an open or airy place at night. Walking in the moonlight for a while is also beneficial. It gives mental peace.
• Change in food is necessary, you will get coolness

According to Ayurveda, the tendency of Vata and Pitta dosha increases in summer. Therefore, take special care of food-

• Plain rice, barley and wheat porridge
• Cold milk, buttermilk (mixed with cumin or salt)
• Seasonal fruits melon, watermelon, ripe mango, grapes, orange
• Coconut water, bael sherbet, mango panna, sattu solution
• Cold water from a pot, water mixed with rose water
• Drink water at short intervals, even if you are not thirsty.
• Avoid these things: Spicy, salty and heavy food items, fried and spicy dishes, hot drinks like tea, coffee and alcohol etc.
• Avoid physical or mental labour in extreme heat.
• Do not take heavy dishes made of asafoetida, carom seeds, garlic, sour curd or curd.
• It is not good to stay awake till late night and take bath with cold water immediately after coming from outside.
• Drinking cold water or taking bath immediately after coming from outside is harmful.

What to do if the person gets heatstroke?

Make the person lie down in a cool and shady place. Wipe the body with a wet cloth. Rub ice on the back. Keep a wet towel on the head for some time.

Give ORS, salt-sugar solution or lemon water to drink. Do not give anything in case of unconsciousness. Keep drinking water at short intervals. Drink salty buttermilk, rice water, lemon or raw mango water, lentil water. Stay away from alcohol and cold drinks. Avoid sunlight, wear light and loose clothes, keep the head covered. Do not work too hard, rest in the shade. Sprinkle water on the body and lie down under a fan or rest in an air-conditioned room. Take a bath with cold water. Medicines like Aconite, Belladonna, Carbo Vegetabilis, Cuprum, Gelsemium, Glonoinum, Lachesis, Natrum Carbonicum, Selenium etc. are effective in this problem, but do not take medicine without consulting a doctor.