Medical experts advise citizens to avoid exposure to extreme heat

Doctors warn against dumping waste in residential areas to avoid breeding of parasites

ISLAMABAD: As heatwave becomes more intense, medical experts on Thursday advised people, especially those who are unwell and sensitive to heat, to avoid exposure to sun.

Heatstroke can cause death or permanent organ damage or disability if not properly treated in time, Child Specialist Dr Naeem Solangi said talking to the media.

It is very important that a person's body temperature stays in the range of 36.1, 37.8°C. If one’s body temperature rises above this, a person may develop a heat-related illness, he said.

The best way to prevent heat-related illness is to drink plenty of water, Dr Solangi added.

He suggested staying hydrated, organising outdoor activities during cooler hours of the day, limiting exposure to direct sunlight during the hottest hours and using ultraviolet eyewear and sun lotion.

He said citizens should wear loose light-colored clothing to reduce heat absorption and facilitate sweat evaporation and heat dissipation. Dr Solangi said if the body's regulatory system fails under high temperature coupled with high humidity, it can be fatal.

He stressed increased awareness among people also played a major role in preventing mass casualties as most people avoided direct exposure to the sun, remained indoors and used other precautionary measures.

He warned against indiscriminate dumping of waste around residential areas to control the breeding of infectious parasites. He advised people to maintain good hygiene in order to avoid possible outbreak of the epidemic.

"Those suffering from lung infection, seizure, fever and asthma must take more care and limit their outdoor activities," he added. He explained that the signs of heat related illnesses include muscle cramps due to salt depletion, and heat exhaustion, which is marked by weakness, nausea, dizziness and clammy skin.

When heat exhaustion is not relieved, it can lead to heat strokes, with extremely dangerous consequences, including confusion, agitation and burry or double vision, he added.

"Exercise and activity are crucial to help you stay healthy, but it's important to be careful in the summer to avoid heat stroke, dehydration and other consequences of overexertion," he said.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 14^th, 2019.