So far this year, 38 people have died from heat stroke, most of them in northeastern Thailand. Dr Atthapol Kaewsamrit, Deputy Director-General of Thailand's Ministry of Health, said on May 5: "Since February 22, extremely high temperatures have occurred in many parts of Thailand, resulting in 38 deaths from heat stroke. ”
Atapol said most heatstroke deaths occurred in the northeast, followed by the central and eastern regions. Most deaths occur among outdoor workers, older adults, people with comorbidities, and people who are regular alcoholics.
Atabol said the heat wave will continue to hit 12 provinces, including Yala, Phuket, Krabi, Trat, Chonburi (Pattaya), Pattani, Surat Thani, Phang Nga, Rayong, Chanthaburi, Samut Prakan and Bangkok, until Monday. He said people should avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight and avoid alcohol. Residents of the heatwave-hit provinces were urged to wear light clothing and drink plenty of water.
Thailand's meteorological department has warned people that rising temperatures could lead to heat stroke. The department warns that in the current humid environment, where "feel" temperatures could reach around 50 degrees Celsius, heat stroke is a real danger. The sensory temperature corresponds to the feeling of cold or heat felt by the person, as opposed to the air temperature, which depends on the weather conditions.
"When the humidity is high, people tend to feel warmer than they actually are because their sweat doesn't cool their bodies," the weather service said. "The Ministry of Health warns that such a high perceived temperature may lead to heat stroke and even heat stroke, especially for people who spend long periods of time outdoors.
What is heat stroke and what to do about it?
When the climate is hot and humid, our body's temperature regulation mechanism can be inadequate and even increase the danger: this is heat stroke or hyperthermia.
A common warning sign of heat stroke
Dizziness, vertigo, weakness, clumsiness and poor coordination, fatigue, headache, blurred vision, muscle pain, nausea and vomiting (which are also symptoms of heat exhaustion).
The affected people are unaware that their body temperature is very high.
In heat stroke, the skin becomes hot, red, and sometimes even dry.
Despite being hot, you may not sweat.
Due to poor brain function, people may become confused, disoriented, have seizures, or fall into a coma.
Rapid heart rate and breathing rate.
The pulse is usually rapid.
Blood pressure can be high or low.
Body temperatures often exceed 40°C and may even exceed standard thermometer markings.
treat
During hyperthermia, the patient must be placed in a cool and quiet area.
Ice packs can also be applied to the bottom of the limbs and neck.
The medical emergency services must be alerted as soon as possible.
Note that in case of fever or headache related to heat stroke, it is best not to take acetaminophen, which is not effective for this condition, and not to take aspirin, which reduces the ability to adapt to heat.
Hyperthermia can lead to cardiac circulatory arrest, requiring artificial ventilation (mouth-to-mouth) and cardiac massage.
This is a serious emergency that requires immediate hospitalization.
How can I prevent heat stroke?
To avoid heat stroke, it is useful to follow some recommendations in extreme heat:
Drink enough water;
Wear hats and light clothing;
ventilate the rooms in your home;
Place in a cool or ventilated place;
Never leave children or elderly people alone in poorly ventilated rooms or in a car in the sun, even if the windows are open (their body temperature rises three to five times faster than adults);
Stop going out to work as soon as you feel dizzy;
Avoid physical activity.