Heatstroke: You are not safe even in car

Summer is at its peak, so is the use of air conditioner. But the continuous switchovers between Non-AC and AC zone can take a toll on your health, even in your cars.

When temperature is very high, make sure you drive the car only after its cooling is perfect. Otherwise rising temperature inside your car can be dangerous.

Beware, if you are on fast or belong to older adult group as you may be more prone to heatstroke than the younger ones.

According to Dr R.K. Singal, principal consultant and director and coordinator of Medical and Allied Services, BLK Super Speciality Hospital, "Prolonged exposure to high temperatures along with dehydration could lead to a Heat stroke which is failure of the body's temperature control system. Heatstroke is a medical emergency hence immediate first aid to be taken is to cool the body temperature".

List few first aid tips

# Move the person from direct sunlight and take him to a cooler place

# Immediately take off extra clothes and spray cold water to low the body temperature

# Use Ice packs over the body if the temperature doesn't come down

# Do not give any self-medication especially asprin incase the person suffering from severe headache

# Give fluids, cold water is the best

When the body temptation is greater than 104 degrees Fahrenheit, it is termed as Heat Stroke with complications involving the central nervous system that occur after exposure to high temperatures. Other common symptoms include seizures, nausea, confusion, disorientation, and sometimes loss of consciousness or even coma.

Precautions to avoid heat stroke:

1. Stay in-doors and avoid exposure the direct sunlight for long periods

2. Wear comfortable clothes avoid tight fitting & excessive clothes as they don't allow your body to cool easily

3. Drink plenty of fluids throughout the day keeps the electrolyte balance in your body

4. Avoid packaged juices that are high in calories; also avoid caffeine and alcohol which may cause dehydration

5. Avoid too much of travelling and stay in; restrict travelling in peak sun

6. Eat light food and stay from spicy food

7. Do not leave anyone alone in a parked car, specially children

If you are at higher risk, be cautious - Heat stroke is most likely to affect older people who live in homes lacking proper air conditioning or well-balanced airflow. If you are on fluid restricted diets or have any pre-condition like Epilepsy, Kidney, liver or heart disease, consult your doctors before increasing fluid intake.