Heatwave deaths: Why a heat stroke kills, and how to stay safe

Source: The post is based on the article “Heatwave deaths: Why a heat stroke kills, and how to stay safe” published in the Indian Express on 21st June 2023

What is the News?

Amid heatwave deaths being reported in parts of the country, the Union Health Minister said central teams would be rushed to the affected states to guide the governments. He also asked the Indian Council of Medical Research to develop short-term and long-term plans in coordination with other agencies to prevent such deaths.

What is heat exhaustion?

People feel drained and tired after stepping out on an extremely hot day. This is referred to as heat exhaustion. Heat exhaustion happens when the body sweats excessively to keep the core temperature low.

People with heat exhaustion, however, are unlikely to die. They will recover once they are back in cool areas and take fluids.

What are heat strokes and how do they cause death?

A heat stroke happens when the ambient temperature is so high that the body is unable to sweat to regulate the core temperature. In such cases, the core temperature shoots up to 40 degrees C (or 104 degrees F). In these cases, there is a severe imbalance of salts such as sodium and potassium in the body.

Health impacts of heat strokes: The high core temperature coupled with salt imbalances disrupts organs, leading to a host of symptoms. It can affect the brain, making a person foggy, and drowsy, and in severe cases may also lead to a person going into a coma.

It can lead to kidney and liver damage as well. A cascade of such symptoms leads to death due to heat stroke. A cascade of such symptoms leads to death due to heat stroke.

Ways to bring down core temperature: This can be done by pouring cold water over the person, making them drink cold drinks, and giving them electrolytes to balance salt levels.

Prevention: Heat action plans that predict heat waves and awareness drives by local governments can bring down mortality due to intense heat.

What is the impact of humidity and night-time temperatures on heat strokes?

Humidity: When the humidity levels are high, perceived temperatures are higher than the actual reading for ambient temperature. High humidity levels also mean that sweat does not evaporate effectively to keep the body cool.

Night temperatures: The body finds relief when the night temperatures are low. If night temperatures also remain high, the body doesn’t get time to rest and the body cannot recoup.