In my medical career, I have come across many memorable cases, but there is one that stands out in particular. Not only did it change the fate of a family, but it also reminded me that as doctors, our responsibility is far more than just treating diseases, but also educating about health and preventing them before they occur.
The story begins on an ordinary weekend. A 61-year-old woman, let's call her Aunt Li, was taking a shower when she suddenly felt weakness on one side of her body, and then collapsed in the bathroom, unable to move. After her family found out, she was rushed to the hospital and diagnosed with acute cerebral thrombosis, commonly known as "stroke". This accident not only brought great physical pain to Aunt Li, but also caused her family unprecedented challenges.
In the course of the following treatment, Auntie Li and her family and I went through a process from despair to hope and then to gradual recovery. Along the way, we will not only have to fight the disease, but also face various difficulties and challenges in the recovery process. But Aunt Li's strength and the support of her family touched us all.
Precursors of stroke and hidden dangers of bathing
Before we explore how to avoid the risk of stroke while bathing, we need to understand some of the precursors of stroke and why bathing increases the risk of stroke. A stroke, or cerebrovascular accident, occurs when the blood supply to the brain is blocked, and it can be due to a blockage of a blood vessel (cerebral infarction) or a rupture of a blood vessel (intracerebral hemorrhage). Signs of stroke may include sudden weakness in one face, arm or leg, slurred speech, blurred vision, severe headache, etc. Recognizing these signals is crucial, as timely medical intervention can greatly reduce the damage of stroke.
Association between bathing and stroke
When bathing, especially in hot water, the body's blood vessels dilate to help dissipate heat. This process can cause blood pressure to drop, forcing the heart to pump faster to maintain blood pressure. For people with cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, this process may increase the burden on the heart and brain, increasing the risk of stroke.
High-risk factors
Fluctuations in blood pressure: Bathing, especially when alternating between hot and cold water, can cause rapid changes in blood pressure, creating additional pressure on blood vessels.
Hot steam: Prolonged exposure to hot steam can lead to overdilation of blood vessels, which can be a risk factor for people who have already damaged or blocked their blood vessels.
Physical stress response: Although a hot bath can promote blood circulation, for patients with cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, the heart needs to work harder to maintain blood pressure, which can trigger cardiovascular events.
Three things you must do before taking a shower
There are a few things that can be done well in advance of the simple routine of bathing that can not only enhance the enjoyment of bathing, but also significantly reduce potential health risks. Especially for middle-aged and elderly people or people at risk of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, these preparations are particularly important. Here are three must-do things before bathing to stay safe and healthy:
1. Check the water temperature
Test the water temperature with your hands before turning on the shower or stepping into the tub. Make sure the water is at a moderate temperature and not too hot or too cold. The right water temperature can help the body relax and avoid blood pressure fluctuations caused by too high or too low temperatures. For most people, a warm bath (around 36°C to 37°C) is most appropriate to help increase blood circulation without putting an extra strain on the heart.
2. Prepare the bathroom environment
Ensuring a safe and comfortable environment in the bathroom is one of the factors that must be considered before taking a bath. First of all, there should be adequate lighting in the bathroom to avoid falls due to poor vision. Second, use a non-slip mat or bathroom rug to reduce the risk of slipping. In addition, if possible, install some fixed grippers, especially for people with limited mobility or poor balance, these measures can greatly increase safety when bathing.
3. Physical examination and self-perception
Do a simple physical status check before bathing, and if you feel unwell or have any health issues, especially heart disease or blood pressure issues, consider postponing the bath, or at least let your family know about your plans so that you can respond quickly in case of an emergency. In addition, be aware of your health and, if necessary, consult your doctor about special precautions when bathing.
Precautions in the bath
Bathing is an integral part of our daily life, it is not just to cleanse the body, but also a process of relaxation. However, as we discussed earlier, bathing can also pose potential health risks for certain populations. To ensure your safety and health while bathing, here are some important things to keep in mind:
1. Choose the right water temperature
Avoid using excessively hot water. The ideal water temperature should be between 36°C and 37°C, which will not only promote blood circulation, but also avoid a drop in blood pressure caused by excessive temperatures.
2. Control bath time
The bath time should not be too long. The recommended bathing time is 10 to 15 minutes. Excessive bathing time not only increases the burden on the heart, but can also lead to excessive dryness of the skin.
3. Preparation before and after bathing
Before bathing, you can do some light physical activity, such as stretching exercises, to promote blood circulation.
After bathing, it is advisable to take a short break before engaging in other activities, especially to avoid strenuous exercise immediately or going outside in cold environments.
4. Use anti-slip measures
Bathroom floors are slippery, and the use of non-slip mats or grippers can reduce the risk of slipping, especially for the elderly and people with limited mobility.
5. Monitor your body's responses
If you feel dizzy, nauseous, chest tightness, or other discomfort during bathing, you should immediately turn off the water source, sit or lie down, and seek help.
6. Consider personal health
For people with heart disease, high blood pressure, or other chronic medical conditions, it is best to consult a doctor before bathing to find out if the individual's health condition is suitable for a hot bath or if special precautions are needed.