Nampak gaya kita dijangka experience prolonged panas lit lit weather sampai August sebabkan monsoon transition season. Our Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, has relayed that all states will be affected by the heatwave, with the north and east costs (literally) feeling the heat most severe.
Tapi panas is not the only concern that spells from heatwave. The scorching heat will invite several heat-related illnesses and concerns, such as heatstroke, heat exhaustion, heat, rash, heat cramps, and sunburn. And as cuaca making panas sampai kita duduk rumah pun boleh ketibas, it’s important to know the differences, the symptoms, and the treatments between these illnesses, and concerns.
Oleh kerana (wow girl, so formal) heatstroke, and heat exhaustion are the major concerns during this sweltering period, kita cerita sikit lah about these two conditions dulu, ok?
Heatstroke
As the name suggests, heatstroke is a serious heat-related illness disebabkan badan kita tak boleh nak control its temperature. What happens is that the body’s temperature rises dengan laju, the sweating mechanism fails sampaikan badan kita tak dapat nak cool down. Bila kena heatstroke, the body temperature can rise to 40 °C or lagi tinggi dalam masa 10 to 15 minutes. Not only can heatstroke lead to permanent disability, but it can also cause death should emergency treatment is not given immediately.
Who Is Most At Risk?
Semua orang.
Yes, everyone can suffer from heatstroke. Tapi, babies and children up to 4 years old, the elderlies, people with poor health conditions, and people with chronic illnesses are more susceptible to heatstroke. Dan ye, kami juga maksudkan people who workout outdoors!
Symptoms
- High temperate (40 °C or higher)
- Headache
- Altered mental state or behaviour, such as confusion, irritability, or slurred speech
- Seizures or coma
- Nausea and vomiting
- Increased heart rate/pulse
- Rapid and shallow breathing
- Flushed skin
- Profuse sweating
- Hot and dry skin
First Aid
If you suspect your loved ones may be experiencing two or more symptoms, then we strongly recommend you to:
- Call 999 immediately – stay with the person until help arrives
- Move the person to a cool area
- Remove excess clothing
- Cool the person either:
- With cold water or ice bath
- Wet towels or cloths on the skin (neck, armpits, forehead and groin)
- Soak clothing
- Circulate air around the person
Heat Exhaustion
Heat exhaustion pula is the body’s response to an excessive loss of salt and water through sweating. Antara key differences between heatstroke and heat exhaustion is that with heat exhaustion, your body will be able to cool down within 30 minutes.
Who Is Most At Risk?
So, heat exhaustion is usually triggered due to outdoor physical activities. Macam mana pun, it’s most likely to affect:
- The elderly
- People with high blood pressure
- Those working outdoors under the scorching sun
Symptoms
- Headache or dizziness
- Nausea
- Extreme fatigue
- Clammy skin or heat rash
- Heavy sweating
- Excessive thirst
- Cramps in the arms, legs and stomach
- Rapid breathing or heart rate/pulse
- High temperature or elevated body temperature
- Decreased urine output
First Aid
Kalau you rasa your loved one (or even yourself) is showing signs of heat exhaustion, then cepat cepat lah:
- Move to a cool area
- Remove all excess clothing
- Rehydrate with sports drink or cool water
- Cool their skin with wet towels or cloths, cold packs and place them under the armpits or on the neck
- Bring the person to a clinic or emergency room for further evaluation and treatment
- Call 999 if medical care is unavailable and stay with the person until help arrives
- Increase fluid intake
Knowing the differences between heatstroke and heat exhaustion, the symptoms, and the first aid response of these two conditions, it could save your life or your loved ones. Nak tambah sikit: kalau boleh, bawa lah mist spray bottle, a bottle of water (for drinking and to cool off), carry an umbrella, a fan or a hat, some towels, sunscreen as well as sunglasses whenever you’re out.
It’s always best to stay prepared, as that way, we may #beattheheat.
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Disclaimer: Our content is strictly for educational and informational purposes only. Healthlah.com does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
