HMC gives tips to prevent heat-related illnesses

As temperatures continue to rise, Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) has advised residents to prioritise heat safety and take important precautions to avoid heat-related illnesses.

“Heat-related ailments can range from a mild, simple condition that can be treated at home to a life-threatening condition that requires emergency medical care. It depends on the length of time you are exposed to heat as well as the temperatures you are exposed to,” said emergency department senior consultant Dr Saad Abdulfattah al-Nuaimi.

The number of patients seeking treatment for heat-related illnesses have reduced this year due to the Ministry of Labour’s ban on working in the open from 11am to 3pm during the peak summer months, he said.

“In May, heat exhaustion cases numbered about 10 per week. From June through September, the expected number is 5-10 cases per day. Cases of heat stroke are rare, at most two cases a month,” Dr al-Nuaimi said, explaining that the official statistics for June would be released in late July.

Meanwhile, he has advised the following precautions:

- Increase fluid intake to stay hydrated and replenish water the body loses due to excessive sweating. Avoid caffeine or alcohol, which can cause loss of more body fluids.

- Eat small snacks throughout the day, avoid heavy meals and hot food as they can increase the body temperature. Salty snacks and fruit juices can help replenish the salts and minerals lost through excessive sweating. Those with a chronic illness and who are already on a low-salt diet will need to consult their doctor regarding the amount of salt they can safely consume.

- Stay indoors in a cool place as much as possible - avoid going out between 10am and 3pm as the temperature is usually at its peak during this time. Schedule outdoor activities such as sports in the early morning or evening hours when it is cooler.

- While outdoors, it is best to stay or rest often in shady areas. Wear a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher, applied about 30 minutes before exposure to the sun.

- Wear lightweight, light-coloured, loose-fitting clothes.

- Buddy system (or having a company) is also advised when you have to stay or work in a hot environment. Heat-related illness can sometimes progress so rapidly that the affected person may suddenly become drowsy or unconscious; so, it is helpful to have someone around who is aware of the situation.

- During exercise, drink two to four glasses of water or other cool, non-alcoholic fluids per hour. If you exercise outdoors, start slowly to allow your body to acclimatise to the hot weather. If you start having a fast or strong heartbeat and are feeling tired, stop exercising for that day, rest in the shade and take plenty of fluids.

- Never leave infants, children or pets unattended in a parked car as temperatures can rapidly rise inside the vehicle.

- Check frequently on people at greater risk of suffering from heat-related illnesses, such as elderly people, children and babies, and those who are obese or with chronic ailments such as diabetes, hypertension or other co-morbidities.