Heatstroke Death: Detailed Information - With Examples

Heat stroke is a serious and life-threatening condition that occurs when the body's temperature rises rapidly and the body loses its ability to regulate it. It is caused by extreme heat and dehydration.

Symptoms of heat stroke:

High fever (104°F or higher)

Hot, dry skin

Rapid sweating or no sweating

Severe headache

Dizziness or confusion

Muscle cramps

Rapid pulse

Rapid breathing

Unconsciousness

Causes of heat stroke death include:

Brain damage: Extreme heat can damage the brain, leading to seizures, coma, and death.

Example: In India in 2010, a heatwave caused thousands of deaths. Many victims experienced brain damage and organ failure.

Organ failure: Heat can damage vital organs such as the heart, kidneys, and liver, leading to organ failure and death.

Example: In the US in 2019, a 65-year-old man died due to a heat wave. The cause of death was heart and kidney failure.

Dehydration: Heat can cause a loss of water from the body, which can lead to low blood pressure, electrolyte imbalances, and death.

Example: In Pakistan in 2016, a heat wave caused more than 1,300 deaths. Most victims died from dehydration.

Some people are more vulnerable to heat stroke:

The elderly: Their body has less ability to regulate temperature.

Infants and young children: Their body has less ability to regulate temperature and are more vulnerable to dehydration.

Pregnant women: They have less ability to regulate temperature and are more vulnerable to dehydration.

People with health conditions: Such as people with heart disease, diabetes, and kidney disease.

People with obesity: They have more body fat, which can trap heat.

People taking certain medicines: like diuretics and some anti-depressants.

Our body temperature is always 37° Celsius, it is only at this temperature that all the organs of our body can function properly.

The body maintains the temperature of 37° Celsius by excreting water in the form of sweat, it is very important and necessary to keep drinking water even when sweating continuously.

Water also performs many other functions in the body, due to which, when there is a lack of water in the body, the body avoids excreting water in the form of sweat. (stops it)

When the outside temperature crosses 45° degrees and the cooling system of the body stops, then the body temperature starts reaching above 37° degrees.

When the body temperature reaches 42° Celsius, the blood starts heating up and the protein present in the blood starts cooking (like an egg cooks in boiling water)

The nerves start getting stiff, during this time the nerves necessary for breathing also stop working.

Due to reduction in water in the body, blood starts thickening (blood pressure becomes low), blood supply to vital organs (especially brain) stops.

The person goes into coma and each and every organ of his body stops working in a few moments, and he dies.

To avoid such disasters in summer, we should keep drinking water in small quantities and pay attention to how our body temperature can be maintained at 37°.

(Equinox phenomenon) Equinox effect will affect most of the Asian region in the next 5-7 days.

Please try to stay inside the house, room or office as much as possible between 12 noon to 3 pm.

The temperature will remain in a state of deviation around 40°.

This change will cause dehydration and sunstroke in the body.

This effect is caused due to the sun shining just above the equator.

Please do not let yourself and your loved ones suffer from dehydration.

Drink at least 3 liters of water in any condition. People with kidney disease should drink at least 6 to 8 liters of water per day.

Keep an eye on blood pressure as much as possible. Anyone can get heat stroke.

Take cold baths. Avoid or minimize the consumption of meat.

Include fruits and vegetables in your diet.

Keep an unused candle outside or in the open. If the candle melts, it is a serious situation.

Keep two open containers half filled with water in the bedroom and other rooms to maintain the humidity in the room.

Try to keep your lips and eyes moist.

To prevent heat stroke:

Keep drinking water: Drink plenty of water throughout the day, even if you do not feel thirsty.

Stay cool: If possible, stay in a room with air conditioning or a fan.

Wear loose-fitting and light-coloured clothes: Dark-coloured clothes absorb heat.

Avoid sun exposure: Avoid sun exposure during hot days, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Reduce physical activity: Avoid strenuous exercise or physical activity during hot days.

Avoid alcohol and caffeine: These substances can dehydrate the body.