Days like today in which we wake up with many autonomous communities with alerts for high temperatures, it is just when our body is most vulnerable to heat. There are many tips and advice to mitigate the effects that it has. Hydrate ourselves, not expose ourselves in the central hours to exercise or work, etc.
The truth is that heat, although direct, does not always do so in the same way; it is not unilateral. For this reason, let's see what the difference is between heatstroke and heat exhaustion. Both of them are acute and dangerous disorders in which the body's heat regulation system does not work.
Heat stroke
Heatstroke occurs when the body is at a high temperature for a long time. What happens in this case is that the body is unable to lose heat properly, and is unable to restore its normal temperature. Heat exhaustion is a mild disorder and can be accompanied by heat cramps. For example, sudden, painful muscle spasms in the arms or legs and occasionally in the abdomen.
To be able to speak of heat stroke, the person's body temperature must be at 40ºC or higher due to ambient heat and weak or, in the worst cases, nonexistent thermoregulation. It's important not to confuse it with fever, because at this point it's not the body raising its temperature to fight an infection. It simply can't lower it. It's also important to consider how the heatstroke It is related to high temperatures, especially in contexts such as extreme heat we have seen recently.
The insolation
Heatstroke or sun stroke, which is easily confused with heat stroke, It comes from prolonged exposure to the sun. It can be preceded by heat stroke, which is caused by excessive loss of fluids and minerals through sweating. This causes severe weakness in the body. This is when heat stroke becomes heatstroke, when the body is no longer able to maintain a normal temperature. difference between heatstroke and heat exhaustion It is an important issue to point out in order to understand its effects.
Causes of heat stroke or heat stroke
Prolonged exposure to high temperature environmentsIn this case, we're talking about common heat stroke, which isn't induced by physical exertion. Continuously high temperatures combined with humid environments favor its occurrence. It also tends to occur over a long period of time, lasting two or three days. If you'd like to better understand how the weather affects it, you can read about how heat affects animals.
Due to efforts and physical activity in high temperatures. In a hot environment, where physical activity or work is practiced, this type of disorder occurs due to overexertion of the body. Furthermore, if people are not accustomed to high temperatures, they are more likely to suffer its effects. It is also essential to consider the impacts of heat waves in health and well-being.
Many other causes must also be taken into account. A non-breathable clothing that prevents the evaporation of sweat so that the body cools down. He consumption of alcoholic beverages that affect a thermal dysregulation of the body preventing it from working properly. AND by dehydration, due to insufficient hydration due to fluid loss through sweat. For everyone in general, but especially for athletes, hydration is vitally important. When losing fluids at a very rapid rate, it's important to drink before you feel thirsty, as there's a time lag to consider before the body absorbs the fluids. In this sense, it's good practice to drink more before you feel thirsty. know the maximum temperature that humans can withstand.
Factors riesgo
Although it is something that can happen at any age, children, babies and the elderly are the most vulnerable. Under 4 years old or over 65 years old They usually take longer to adapt to the temperature, and this is where the heat wave can have devastating effects.
Athletes who practice sports during peak hours, such as running or cycling. In these cases, to prevent this from happening, as we've mentioned, hydration is very important. It becomes crucial here.
In prolonged periods of time at high temperatures, lack air conditioning. Sudden exposures to the sun like when we go to the beach.
Chronic diseases, such as lung or heart disease, obesity, lifestyle changes, or having suffered heat stroke in the past, increase the risk of suffering from one. It is also important not to forget that exposure to cold weather may have adverse effects.
And to finish, it is important to highlight some drugsIt is important to see the leaflet or ask the pharmacist. There are some that cause constriction of blood vessels. Those that regulate blood pressure by blocking adrenaline. Diuretics that release sodium and water into the body. And some that reduce psychiatric symptoms, such as antidepressants or antipsychotics.
