Bangkok: In today's increasingly severe weather conditions, heat is no longer just an uncomfortable sensation, but has become a potentially life-threatening health threat. This is especially true when the body is exposed to higher temperatures, causing the internal thermoregulation system to malfunction.
According to Thai News Agency, the human body has several mechanisms for dissipating heat, such as sweating, respiration, and the dilation of blood vessels in the skin, in order to maintain a constant body temperature. However, if the weather is extremely hot or you are in a confined space, your body may not be able to regulate its temperature quickly enough, leading to abnormalities in internal organs.
Dr. Payothorn has categorized the severity of symptoms caused by heat into three levels: Heat cramps, which are muscle spasms caused by loss of sweat and minerals; Heat Exhaustion, characterized by thirst, fatigue, and dizziness; and Heat Stroke, the most dangerous level, where body temperature exceeds 40 degrees Celsius, potentially leading to organ failure.
Warning signs of heatstroke include very high body temperature, confusion, incoherent speech, lethargy, seizures, rapid heartbeat, low blood pressure, and rapid breathing. At-risk groups, such as children, the elderly, and athletes, are particularly vulnerable to heatstroke.
The key to saving a heatstroke patient is to "Cool First, Transfer Second." This involves moving the patient to a shaded area, removing unnecessary clothing, using cold water immersion, giving water if conscious, and contacting emergency services.
Dr. Payothorn emphasized prevention methods such as regular water intake, avoiding high humidity, choosing appropriate clothing, and monitoring vulnerable groups. In an era of accumulated heatwaves, being aware of symptoms and taking preventative measures is crucial for safety.