“Heat Stroke” – Silent Threat in Summer; Chulalongkorn Doctor Suggests Ways to Reduce Risk 

With temperatures rising over 40 degrees Celsius in summer in Thailand, the silent threat of hot weather is heat stroke, which poses a risk to those who engage in outdoor activities or exercise in high-temperature areas. As temperatures rise continuously every year, the number of deaths from heat stroke is expected to increase steadily.  

Dr. Atthasit Komindr, from King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital’s ER Unit, explained that heat stroke is a condition caused by the body’s rising temperature, resulting in abnormal nervous system function. Most patients’ heat stroke symptoms are induced by working, laboring, or exercising intensely in high-temperature environments. The condition usually occurs when the body temperature reaches 40 degrees Celsius or higher. If not treated promptly and properly, there is a risk of serious complications that can lead to disability and death. 

Causes and Risk factors of Heat Stroke  

The main cause of heat stroke is heat—being in an open space or an excessively hot place for an extended period, being in a place with bad circulation, wearing clothes made from thick and unbreathable fabric, not drinking enough water or drinking beverages that increase body heat, and exercising intensely and continuously. You can also get heat stroke if your body cannot adapt to the sudden changes in temperatures. 

Warning Signs and Heat Stroke Symptoms  

Dr. Atthasit revealed that those experiencing heat stroke usually display warning signs. The symptoms can range from mild to severe, and in some cases, there may not be any symptoms.  The person may not even realize it until they suddenly lose consciousness. Common symptoms include feeling extremely hot, dizziness, nausea and vomiting, abnormal sweating, excessive sweating or no sweating at all, muscle cramps, and fainting. People at high risk of easily getting heat stroke are those who work outdoors for extended periods while wearing clothing that doesn’t allow good air circulation, such as soldiers, police officers, security guards, cleaners, athletes, etc. 

Heat Stroke Treatment   

If the patient has mild symptoms and is still conscious, they should be moved to a shaded area and have their clothing removed. Any cooling methods should be used to lower the patient’s body temperature, such as using fans, placing ice packs or cold towels on their head, neck, armpits, and groin, putting them in a cold water bath or a shower, and spraying them with water while waiting for an ambulance. If the temperature cannot be lowered, the patient may need gastric lavage or cold saline enemas.  

Ways to Avoid Heat Stroke  

Dr. Atthasit advised people to keep themselves safe from heat stroke by avoiding working or doing activities outdoors in hot weather for a long time, wearing loose or thin clothing when exposed to heat or in a place with poor ventilation, sipping water frequently and sufficiently, and keeping the body temperature at a normal level. For those who exercise, if they experience something wrong with the body, they should stop immediately. In addition, alcoholic beverages, tea, coffee, and sugary drinks should be avoided.  

“If you encounter someone showing physical symptoms of heat stroke while still conscious, you can provide first aid by moving them to a shaded area, removing their clothing to allow heat dissipation, and calling 1669 for an emergency ambulance to get the patient immediate medical help,” said Dr. Atthasit.  

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