A sharp rise in air temperature during the summer season can pose a serious threat to human health. Children, the elderly, and individuals with chronic diseases are particularly more susceptible to the effects of extreme heat. This was reported by the Committee for Sanitary-Epidemiological Welfare and Public Health.
According to Candidate of Medical Sciences Akida Nosirova, on days with high air temperatures, the body primarily cools itself through sweating and increased blood circulation through the skin. However, when the air temperature rises excessively, these mechanisms begin to work inefficiently. As a result, the body may overheat, leading to heat exhaustion or life-threatening heatstroke.
The specialist emphasized that the most dangerous period of the day is from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM and recommended avoiding outdoor exposure as much as possible during this time. It was also noted that wearing light-colored, loose-fitting clothing made of cotton with good air permeability, as well as using a head covering, is important. Children’s physical activities and play should preferably be scheduled before 10:00 AM or in the evening.
According to the doctor, children should be given water regularly without waiting for them to feel thirsty, small amounts of liquid every 20–30 minutes, and sugary carbonated drinks should be limited.
In the elderly, the sensation of thirst decreases, sweating diminishes, and the strain on the heart increases. Therefore, they are advised to drink water regularly throughout the day, maintain room temperature around 24–26 degrees Celsius, use air conditioners or fans, and avoid heavy physical labor.
Regarding nutrition, it is advisable to consume more watermelon, melon, cucumber, tomato, greens, various fruits, yogurt, ayran, and vegetable dishes. Fatty meat, fried foods, very salty products, and sugary carbonated drinks should be limited.
According to the specialist, a healthy adult should consume an average of 2–3 liters of liquid per day. This need increases further during physical labor or in high-temperature conditions. However, patients with kidney or heart failure must determine the amount of liquid according to the recommendation of their treating physician.
Initial symptoms of heatstroke include intense thirst, fatigue, headache, dizziness, nausea, and heavy sweating. In severe cases, body temperature may rise above 40 degrees Celsius, consciousness may be impaired, convulsions may occur, and heart rate may increase. Reddening and excessive heat of the skin are considered life-threatening signs.
In such a situation, it is recommended to immediately move the affected person to shade or a cool room, loosen their clothing, cool their body with a damp cold towel, provide airflow with a fan, and if they are conscious, give them small sips of water. If they have lost consciousness, are experiencing convulsions, or are in a severe condition, call the 103 service immediately.
At the same time, it was emphasized that it is absolutely unacceptable to suddenly immerse a person with heatstroke in ice-cold water, give water to an unconscious person, provide alcoholic beverages, continue heavy physical activity, or leave a child in a closed car.
Experts recommend drinking adequate amounts of water during scorching days, avoiding direct sunlight during the hottest hours of the day, wearing light and light-colored clothing, shifting physical activity to the early morning or evening, and closely monitoring children, the elderly, and individuals with chronic diseases.
