You need to know how to differentiate between feeling hot and the moment when the heat begins to suffocate your body, reaching levels that can be dangerous. Especially during heat waves, it’s important to know how to recognize these symptoms. To begin with, there are certain risk factors such as age and health; body temperature, ambient humidity, and sweating also come into play.
Acclimatization to environments is so helpful, as are risk factors such as age and physical problems
So, going into detail, the ideal body temperature is 37°C, the dangerous limit is 40°C; furthermore, the critical threshold is 35°C for humid temperatures; sweating can also be a factor when sweating is no longer effective; nights are also important; ideally, the body should spend cool nights for proper recovery. Acclimatization to environments is also helpful, as are risk factors such as age, physical problems, and physical activity.
Dehydration also reduces the sweat production, leaving the body without its main defense against heat
Regarding sweat, which may be one of the least discussed facts, we can say that sweat is the body’s natural cooling system. When it evaporates, it consumes energy in the form of heat and cools the skin and blood. However, its effectiveness depends on ventilation and ambient humidity. In very humid climates, sweat evaporation slows to the point where it loses its protective function. Dehydration also reduces its production, leaving the body without its main defense against heat.
“Treating heat stroke is a vital emergency, as mortality is lower if the patient is cooled as quickly as possible”
Each piece of information is a piece of a puzzle that helps identify risks, anticipate problems, and act before the situation becomes dangerous. “Treating heat stroke is a vital emergency, as mortality is lower if the patient is cooled as quickly as possible,” says Dr. Javier Nicolás García González.
These data should not be alarmed, but they should be taken into account to avoid unwanted outcomes. Mortality from heat stroke remains high, and survivors may experience various neurological and other sequelae. This illness has a worse prognosis in older people, if there is severe neurological involvement, signs of multi-organ damage, or if cooling is delayed for more than an hour.
The patient can develops a fever, almost always higher than 39-40°C
What happens when heat stroke strikes? The patient develops a fever, almost always higher than 39-40°C, an altered level of consciousness that can lead to a deep coma, and hot, dry skin, unlike what occurs with heat exhaustion. Heat stroke can also be caused by intense or prolonged physical exercise in hot, humid conditions.
We must keep in mind that the future will bring more heat waves, according to the IPCC. Therefore, it is important to follow a series of tips recommended by experts. For example, avoid sun exposure during the hottest hours of the day; stay well hydrated throughout the day; drink before, during, and after physical exercise; avoid alcoholic beverages; do not overdress children during hot weather; and ensure adequate ventilation.
In coastal areas, swimming in the sea can even become unrefreshing due to the high water temperatures
And regarding the latter, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change warns that episodes of extreme heat will become more frequent and intense. Every summer, we notice temperatures rising, not only in places where it’s usually very hot in summer, but also in higher altitudes, such as the north. In coastal areas, swimming in the sea can even become unrefreshing due to the high water temperatures. This means we will more regularly approach human physiological limits, requiring stricter preventive measures.
