How to prevent dehydration and heatstroke - healing practice

Imminent heat-related health issues

Due to summer weather and high temperatures, the risk of developing dehydration or even heat stroke increases massively. Emergency physician Dr. Baruch Fertel of the Cleveland Clinic in the United States explains the dangers of dehydration and how to protect yourself from it.

With the high temperatures, it is particularly important to cool down as much as possible. If this does not happen, the risk of dehydration increases massively or even heatstroke occurs, which is even more dangerous.

Heat stroke can be deadly

“Heat stroke can be life-threatening. The core body temperature increases. People don't sweat anymore. In extreme cases, they can lose consciousness and suffer serious metabolic and bodily function disorders,” the Cleveland Clinic expert reports in a recent statement.

Spending time in the shade

To avoid overheating the body, you need to take frequent breaks from the sun. Spend time indoors or in a shaded area.

Ensure sufficient water supply

It's also important to make sure you're drinking enough water throughout the day to avoid dehydration, says Dr. Fertel.

What are the symptoms of dehydration?

The expert cites headaches, dizziness, fatigue, dry mouth, flushed skin and dark colored urine as typical symptoms of dehydration.

In general, anyone can develop dehydration. However, there are groups of people who are particularly susceptible to dehydration. Thus reports Dr. Fertel that children and the elderly are generally more at risk of suffering from dehydration.

However, children and the elderly cannot always take care of themselves, so parents and carers should keep a particularly watchful eye on them in this weather, the expert warns.

“Younger children may not yet be able to express their thirst, so it is important that they drink enough,” explains the emergency doctor. For example, when children are sitting in the car or sleeping in hot weather, they may become dehydrated.

“The same goes for the elderly. Their thirst mechanism may not be as intact and they may not realize they need to drink,” Dr. Fertel added.

Kidney stones and kidney failure due to dehydration

Dehydration carries other dangers than heatstroke. Dehydration can also contribute to the formation of kidney stones or even trigger kidney failure.

Be sure to provide assistance to dehydrated people

Finally, the expert advises that in the event of suspicion of severe dehydration or even heat stroke, it is essential to immediately call the emergency services or take the person concerned to the hospital. (as)

Author and source information

This text corresponds to the requirements of the specialized medical literature, medical guidelines and current studies and has been verified by health professionals.

Sources:

Important Note:
This article contains general advice only and should not be used for self-diagnosis or treatment. It cannot substitute a visit to the doctor.