Hospitals have been reporting dozens of people with heat-related illnesses every day over the past week, given continuous high daytime temperatures, so recognizing the early signs of heatstroke is crucial in preventing serious complications, a Taipei City Hospital emergency physician said.
The Central Weather Administration yesterday issued a heat alert for 19 cities and counties across Taiwan, with temperatures in New Taipei City, Miaoli County and Pingtung County likely to exceed 38°C, and temperatures in 12 cities and counties likely to exceed 36°C for three days straight.
More than a dozen people were taken to hospitals for heat-related illnesses every day from July 2 to Thursday — with the daily number reported by hospitals ranging from 25 to 55 per day, data released by the Ministry of Health and Welfare on Friday showed.
Photo: CNA
Heatstroke is a serious, heat-related illness that occurs when the body is unable to control its rising temperature and can be life-threatening, said Chung Ping-yen (鍾稟彥), an emergency physician at Taipei City Hospital’s Heping Branch.
Climate change has brought about more frequent extreme heat events, so understanding the risk of heatstroke, taking preventive measures, recognizing the symptoms and knowing the immediate proper treatment are becoming ever more important, he said.
Heatstroke is mainly caused by exposure to hot (35°C or higher) and humid weather for prolonged periods, as it is more difficult for sweat to evaporate off the skin and cool the body down, Chung said.
Other physiological factors, such as age and health, and exposure factors, including occupation and the medicines one is taking, might also affect an individual’s vulnerability to heat, he added.
Elderly people, young children, people with underlying health conditions or who are taking certain drugs, and people who need to work or exercise outdoors for long hours have an increased risk of heat stroke, he said.
“Recognizing the symptoms of heat stroke is important,” Chung said, adding that early symptoms include dizziness, a headache, nausea, a fast heartbeat, fast breathing or shortness of breath, and red, hot and dry skin.
If left untreated, the symptoms can worsen rapidly, and high fever (more than 40°C), confusion, seizures and loss of consciousness can occur, he said.
“It’s worth noting that a difference between heatstroke and heat exhaustion is that usually a person suffering a heatstroke has dry skin with no sweat, because their body’s heat-regulating mechanism has completely failed,” Chung said.
If a person is suspected to be having a heatstroke, other people should move them to a cool and shady area, remove their excess clothing and, if possible, put them in a cool shower, or place ice bags or cool wet towels over their body to help them cool down quickly, he said.
If the person is still conscious, they can be given water or sports drinks, but must avoid drinking too much water, he added.
In the case of severe heatstroke symptoms or unconsciousness, people must call for emergency medical help, and continue to monitor the person’s body temperature and consciousness while waiting for assistance, Chung said.
To prevent heatstroke, people should avoid going outside during the hottest hours (usually around noon to 3pm), Chung said, adding that if they must go outdoors in the heat, they should drink water every 15 to 20 minutes, even if they do not feel thirsty, and wear loose, lightly colored and breathable clothing.
Air-conditioning or fans can be used indoors to cool down, while those who need to work in high temperature environments should rest more often, Chung said.
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