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, heat, even when direct, doesn't always affect everyone in the same way; it's not unilateral. Therefore, let's look at the difference between sunstroke and heatstroke . Both are acute and dangerous conditions in which the body's heat regulation system malfunctions.
Heat stroke
Heatstroke occurs when the body is exposed to a high temperature for an extended period. In this case, the body is unable to lose heat properly and cannot restore its normal temperature. Heat exhaustion is a mild condition and may be accompanied by heat cramps, such as sudden, painful muscle spasms in the arms or legs, and occasionally in the abdomen.
To diagnose heatstroke, a person's body temperature must reach 40.6ºC or higher due to the ambient heat and weak, or in the worst cases, nonexistent thermoregulation. It's important not to confuse this with a fever, because at this point, the body isn't raising its temperature to fight an infection; it simply can't lower it. It's also important to consider how heatstroke is related to high temperatures, especially in contexts like the extreme heat we've recently experienced.
The insolation
Sunstroke, or heatstroke, which is easily confused with heat exhaustion, results from prolonged exposure to the sun. It can be preceded by heat exhaustion, which occurs due to excessive loss of fluids and minerals through sweat. This causes severe weakness in the body. It is at this point that heat exhaustion becomes sunstroke, when the body is no longer able to maintain a normal temperature. Understanding the difference between sunstroke and heat exhaustion is crucial for grasping their effects.
Causes of heat stroke or heat stroke
Prolonged exposure to high temperatures . In this case, we're talking about the common heatstroke, which isn't caused by physical exertion. Continuously high temperatures combined with humid environments increase the likelihood of it occurring. It also usually happens over extended periods, starting from two or three days. If you'd like to better understand how the weather affects animals, you can read about how heat affects them.
Due to exertion and physical activity in high temperatures. In a warm environment, where physical activity or work is practiced, we often experience this type of disorder from overexerting the body. Furthermore, if people are not accustomed to high temperatures, they are more likely to suffer the effects. It is also crucial to consider the impacts of heat waves on health and well-being.
Many other causes must also be considered. Non-breathable clothing prevents sweat from evaporating and cooling the body. Alcohol consumption disrupts the body's temperature regulation, preventing it from functioning properly. And dehydration , resulting from insufficient hydration to compensate for fluid loss through sweat, is another factor. For everyone in general, but especially for athletes, hydration is of vital importance. Because fluids are lost very quickly, it's important to drink before feeling thirsty, as the body takes time to absorb fluids. In this regard, it's good practice to know the maximum temperature the human body can withstand.
Factors riesgo
Although it can happen at any age, children, babies, and the elderly are the most vulnerable. Children under 4 and adults over 65 often take longer to adjust to the temperature, and this is where the heat wave can have devastating effects.
Athletes who exercise during peak hours, such as running or cycling, are at higher risk. In these cases, as we've mentioned, hydration is crucial to prevent this from happening. [The text abruptly shifts to a different topic:]
Prolonged periods of high temperatures without air conditioning . Sudden exposure to the sun, such as when going to the beach.
Chronic illnesses , such as lung or heart disease, or obesity, along with certain lifestyles or a history of heatstroke, increase the likelihood of experiencing it. It's also important to remember that exposure to cold weather can have adverse effects.
Finally, it's important to highlight some medications ; be sure to check the package insert or ask your pharmacist. Some cause blood vessel constriction. Others regulate blood pressure by blocking adrenaline. Diuretics help the body eliminate excess sodium and water. And some reduce psychiatric symptoms, such as antidepressants or antipsychotics.
