Dr. Suat Günsel University of Kyrenia Hospital Internal Medicine Specialist Züleyha Yazgan MD. underlined that heat stroke occurs after exposure to hot weather or exercising in a hot environment, and also reminded that if not treated quickly it can be fatal. Yazgan stated that hot and humid environments such as baths and saunas, working in the sun for long periods of time, doing physical activities at the beach are among the risk factors for heat stroke.
Dr. Suat Günsel University of Kyrenia Hospital Internal Medicine Specialist Züleyha Yazgan MD.
“Be careful when taking medication during hot summer days “
Züleyha Yazgan MD. stated that people should be careful when taking medication during summer and should not use any medication without their doctor’s consent. Dr. Suat Günsel University of Kyrenia Hospital Internal Medicine Specialist Züleyha Yazgan MD. also stressed that especially in young children and older adults symptoms can rapidly develop and inadequate fluid intake is one of the biggest risk factors. Yazgan also added that mixing some medications (blood pressure drugs, diuretics, allergy drugs, antidepressants etc.) with alcohol and other drugs can lead to heat stroke.
Symptoms and treatment of heat stroke
Internal Medicine Specialist Züleyha Yazgan MD. added that: “ Symptoms include dizziness, fatigue, low blood pressure, nausea, heavy sweating and vomiting. If not detected quickly it can result in a coma. When the first symptoms occur, take the patient to a shady and breezy place, rehydrate by giving fluids if possible, try to reduce the person’s body temperature and allow the patient to rest.
To prevent heat stroke:
- Avoid exposure to high temperatures for a long period of time,
- Do not leave young children and older adults in high-temperature environments, encourage them to stay indoors in air-conditioned areas and to drink plenty of water,
- If you should work in the heat, increase your fluid intake and rest (salt and sugar consumption is also important, you can prefer sports drinks). “