It's Hot, Doc! Dr. Liu on Heatstroke and Surviving the Sun

You’re not imagining it. Beijing’s summer kicked into high gear seemingly overnight and the heat waves are upon us! All of which means, feeling abnormally dehydrated is now just a regular part of the day, as your body tries desperately to keep up with the city’s sweltering heat.

Heat exhaustion and heatstroke are two potentially serious health conditions that can occur if you get too hot. Of course, it’s incredibly important to avoid prolonged sun exposure during heatwaves or in hot climates, and even more so while engaging in strenuous physical exercise. Aside from that, however, we chatted with Dr. Liu Zhenqian, Head of Internal Medicine at Oasis International Hospital, who shared some tips about staying healthy while enjoying all the wonderful summer fun our beloved capital has to offer.

First, a little vocab lesson…

Heat Exhaustion

Heat exhaustion is when your body begins losing water or salt due to excessive heat. Symptoms may include heavy sweating and a rapid pulse. Heat exhaustion is one of three heat-related syndromes, with heat cramps being the mildest and heatstroke the most severe.

Heatstroke

Heatstroke is when the body becomes physically incapable of cooling itself and a person’s body temperature becomes dangerously high. Heatstroke is less common but more serious. It can put a strain on the brain, heart, lungs, liver, and kidneys, and can ultimately be life-threatening. If heat exhaustion isn’t detected and treated early, it could lead to heatstroke.

Sunstroke

Sunstroke, on the other hand, is when someone is exposed to direct sunlight for a prolonged period of time and manifests in the same symptoms and problems as heatstroke.

At-risk groups

Anyone can develop heat exhaustion or succumb to heatstroke during a heatwave or laborious activities in hot weather. However, some groups are at a higher risk when exposed to heat and the sun. People over 65, young children, and infants are all at a greater risk of developing heat exhaustion.

Older folks are more vulnerable as their bodies cannot cope as well as younger people with sudden temperature changes. This, coupled with the possibility of chronic health conditions and certain medications, might also impair the body’s ability to regulate its temperature.

Young children and infants sweat less, thus limiting their ability to cool down. Young children also produce more heat than adults when active, and this puts them at a higher risk of heat-related illnesses while out having fun in the sun.

Impaired health

Heat exposure can put a lot of stress on a person’s body. Those with serious chronic conditions should be extra vigilant on sunnier days, and particularly those suffering from heart or breathing problems.

Illnesses causing dehydration such as a recent bout of gastroenteritis may leave someone vulnerable to further dehydration and they should take care when out and about.

Certain medications can affect your body’s ability to regulate heat. Medications such as diuretics, antihistamines, beta-blockers, and antipsychotics can interfere with the body’s ability to dissipate heat, so take care if you’re taking such medication during those really hot summer days.

But wait, there's more! This blog was originally published on our sister site Jingkids Intertational:

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READ: These Water Parks Are Open To Help You Stay Cool This Summer

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