DANGER OF SUMMER HEAT
PART II
Adem Zalihić, MSc, MD

1. Heat exhaustion
It is the most common disorder, and is caused by long-term exposure to high ambient temperatures. It mainly occurs in people who sweat a lot, and due to lack of salt, loss of fluid or a combination of both of these factors. There is a feeling of thirst, fatigue, weakness, nausea, vomiting is possible, dizziness, disorientation, rapid heartbeat, low blood pressure, rapid and shallow breathing, muscle cramps, moist and cold skin, pale to ashy gray, internal body temperature is normal or elevated. It is necessary to prevent further exposure of the body to the influence of high ambient temperature. Lie down, give liquids and salts (beverages, non-alcoholic and non-carbonated). If vomiting occurs, oral fluid should be discontinued and saline infusion should be continued at a healthcare facility.

2. Sunshade
Sunburn is caused by exposing the head, and especially the back of the head, to high temperatures, ie the influence of the sun's heat. By using blood as a coolant, the body primarily protects the most important organs - such as the brain. If you inadvertently expose your head to the sun, the temperature in your skull will increase just like in an espresso pot. The body will try to cool the brain, by sending as much cold blood as possible to the head. The consequence of this is that the veins in the brain swell and the brain simply swells from a relatively sudden increase in volume. The symptoms of sunburn are most often dry skin with a markedly elevated body temperature, and the person complains of headache, dizziness, restlessness, confusion, and visible redness of the face. If you ignore these alarms, you will soon feel tinnitus, vision problems and fatigue - and in severe cases, the person is dizzy, dilated pupils, and may eventually faint. The pulse is accelerated, and breathing is shallow and fast. Sunburn is a very serious condition - which can end in prolonged unconsciousness, and eventually coma and death. Immediately place a person suspected of suffering from sunburn in the shade, in a semi-reclining position and make her clothes comfortable. In case of unconsciousness, lay the person on their side. The casualty should be cooled by lightly pouring water (not a sudden splash from the bucket), and placing cold compresses or ice bags on the back of the head and head. Body temperature should be constantly monitored, cooling can be stopped only when the body temperature returns to normal, ie falls below 38 ° C. Give the patient cold drinks (if conscious) and do not allow drinks that affect blood pressure and blood circulation - especially coffee and alcohol. You can avoid sunburn if you use good head protection. Get a breathable wide-brimmed straw hat that will protect you from direct sunlight. If you stay in the sun for a long time (for example during field work), regularly cool your hair, head and nape with water. Drink plenty of cold fluids to cool your body from the inside out - and get enough rest.

3. Heat cramps
Heat cramps are an acute disorder of the muscles, most commonly the extremities and abdomen. They occur suddenly during or immediately after strenuous physical exertion in conditions of elevated ambient temperature. Heavy sweating causes the loss of water and salt from the body, and by compensating only water, salt is not compensated. Decreased salt levels in the muscles cause painful cramps and spasms. Cramps can also be a sign of heat exhaustion. It is necessary to prevent further exposure to high ambient temperature, to replenish fluids and salt (drinks, non-alcoholic and non-carbonated and those for athletes), not to massage the muscles affected by cramps. Avoid any physical activity for at least 12 hours.

4. Heat stroke
In conditions of elevated ambient temperature and increased humidity in the air, the body is not able to remove excess body temperature through sweating, so the internal body temperature rises sharply. It is a life-threatening condition if it is not recognized and emergency medical care is not provided. There is weakness, weakness, thirst, dizziness, severe headache, cramps, rapid and strong pulse, sudden loss of consciousness. The internal body temperature (measured in the final hose) is higher than 40oC. The skin is warm, dry, and flushed.
The person needs to be protected from the direct influence of elevated ambient temperature, free of excess clothing, quickly cooled with cold compresses, spraying the body with cold or lukewarm water while creating an artificial draft such as a fan. Do not put ice on the skin. If there is a possibility to apply oxygen. Cooling is carried out until the internal body temperature drops to 38oC.

Some health recommendations, especially for the elderly, when exposed to high temperatures
- wear bright clothes, made of linen or cotton, protect yourself from the sun especially the head
- drink more fluids than usual even though there is no feeling of thirst. Lost salt and minerals can be compensated by drinks for athletes, not drinking alcohol, carbonated, very sweet and cold drinks, eating lots of seasonal fruits and vegetables
- avoid effort in the hottest hours
- prepare for physical exertion
- monitor people at increased risk: children, the elderly, the sick
- do not leave children in an overheated vehicle
- Never expose yourself to the sun from 10 am to 5 pm, especially the elderly, heart patients, diabetics
- headaches, nausea, dizziness and dehydration are a sign of alarm for an elderly person and he must call his family doctor immediately
- Physical and mental activities of the elderly are especially necessary, especially movement, but only in the morning and evening.
- stay in nature as much as possible, and if movement is difficult, it is necessary to regularly ventilate the room where the elderly functionally disabled person stays for several hours
TO BE CONTINUED!