When suffering from heat exhaustion, simply resting is not enough. This is because you have lost fluids and electrolytes while sweating in high temperatures, meaning your body's temperature regulation system is not functioning properly. Since missing early warning signs or responding incorrectly can cause symptoms to worsen rapidly, it is crucial to accurately identify the symptoms.
In particular, people often delay their response because they fail to distinguish between an emergency and general helplessness. In this article, I will summarize how symptoms differ from the initial stage to the emergency, and how to respond at each stage.
First, you need to know what the symptoms of heatstroke are.
‘What exactly does it mean to be 'heatstroke'? Medically speaking, it refers to the sweat our bodies shed in a high-temperature environment. massive loss of water and electrolytes (minerals such as potassium and sodium)It refers to a state where normal body temperature regulation becomes impossible.
Many people think of hot weather as simply a matter of feeling 'heavy,' but in reality Our body's homeostatic system has broken down.. Therefore, it may not improve over time or the symptoms may worsen.
The response varies depending on your physical condition.
The symptoms of heat exhaustion are not just one. As it progresses from the early to the middle to the emergency stage, it sends completely different signals.
In the early stages, lethargy, headache, dizziness, excessive sweating, and nausea The degree of change is becoming apparent. You can consider it as the body still in the stage of trying to cope with the high temperature. In the middle stage, the face becomes pale, fingers tingle, heart rate increases, and vomitingIt begins. The emergency stage is a condition where the body temperature exceeds 40 degrees, there is no sweating, consciousness becomes impaired, or convulsions occur.
If you see even a single emergency signal, do not hesitate to contact 119.
Why You Need to Know the Difference Between Sun Exhaustion and Heatstroke
Among heat-related illnesses, sunstroke and heatstroke are the most confusing. They look similar, but their severity is completely different.
Heat exhaustion gets better if you go to the emergency room or rest for a few days. However, Heatstroke can lead to serious consequences no matter how quickly it occurs, so a delay in emergency treatment is life-threatening.You can do it.
Emergency measures you need to take right now
There are two most common mistakes people make when they feel heatstroke: gulping down cold water and taking fever reducers.
Drinking cold water rapidly can cause gastrointestinal disorders, and, Antipyretics are medications used only for fever caused by bacterial infection or inflammatory response.It is ineffective if taken when suffering from heatstroke. On the contrary, it only puts a strain on the stomach.
Follow the correct sequence of actions. First, in a shaded area where sunlight does not reach, or Move immediately to an air-conditioned room.. Second, Loosen your clothes, wipe your body with a cold towel, and apply ice packs to your neck, armpits, and groin.Provide [it]. Third, if the patient is conscious, have them consume lukewarm water or electrolyte drinks little by little.
You must never give fluids to an unconscious or confused person. This is because the fluid could enter the airway, causing suffocation or pneumonia.
Foods for quick recovery, foods to avoid
If you feel a little better, you need to efficiently replenish fluids and electrolytes. Simply drinking water will worsen electrolyte imbalance.
Watermelon is 90% moistureIt quenches thirst the fastest, and cucumbers are rich in minerals, Bananas contain a lot of potassium, which relieves muscle cramps.do. Seaweed soup replenishes sodium and fluids at the same time.It is possible and quite effective. If it is too difficult to eat rice, soft porridge is also good.
Conversely, foods to avoid are coffee, energy drinks, and caffeinated beverages. These cause diuresis, which further exacerbates dehydration. The same applies to spicy foods, alcohol, and greasy foods.
I let my guard down thinking it was indoors…
Some people think that they won't get heatstroke in air-conditioned indoor spaces. That is incorrect. If a confined space has poor ventilation and high temperature and humidity, heat exhaustion can certainly occur even indoors.
It occurs frequently, especially when wearing many layers of clothing, engaging in strenuous indoor exercise, or staying in a room with the windows closed and without air conditioning. Prevention is simple. Drink water frequently and consistently consume seasonal hydrating foods such as watermelon and Korean melon.You can do it, but the most important thing is not to ignore your body's signals. If you feel something is slightly off, go to a cool place immediately.
Symptoms of heat exhaustion tend to progress rapidly. The sooner you catch it in the early stages, the faster your recovery and the lower the risk. If you notice emergency signs (changes in consciousness, persistent vomiting, or a body temperature above 40 degrees Celsius), call 119 without hesitation; however, if the symptoms are general lethargy or a headache, simply follow the response steps outlined above. Accurately recognizing your body's condition is the best prevention and treatment method.
| division | heatstroke | heatstroke |
|---|---|---|
| temperature | 37~40 degrees | 40 degrees or higher |
| cause | Decreased body fluids due to lack of water and electrolytes | Paralysis of the thermoregulatory center |
| characteristic | Dizziness, vomiting, clear consciousness | Confusion, seizures, loss of consciousness, lack of sweating |
| Response | Rapid replenishment of fluids and electrolytes | Immediate first aid (call 119) |