Recently, high temperatures have persisted in the Jiangsu Zhejiang Shanghai Anhui region, with the highest temperatures in many parts of Zhejiang approaching 40 ℃. Heat stroke is common in hot weather, and the number of heat stroke patients in hospitals across the country has increased, many of whom are elderly people who are unwilling to turn on air conditioning. Experts remind that special attention should be paid to elderly people living alone, and heatstroke prevention and cooling measures should be taken in advance. If the elderly experience discomfort symptoms, they should be sent to the hospital for treatment as soon as possible.
In recent days, the emergency department of Hubin Branch of Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine has been receiving several patients with heat stroke. Xu Hua, Deputy Director of the Emergency Department of Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, introduced that heat stroke is a severe acute heat related disease caused by the imbalance of the body's temperature regulation function due to exposure to high temperature and high humidity environments, with heat production exceeding heat dissipation, resulting in a rapid increase in core temperature, exceeding 40 ℃, accompanied by skin burning, consciousness disorders, and multiple organ dysfunction. It is the most serious type of heat stroke, with a mortality rate of up to 50%.
How should the public distinguish between ordinary heatstroke and heat stroke? Xu Hua stated that the main symptoms of threatened heatstroke and mild heatstroke are thirst, loss of appetite, headache, dizziness, excessive sweating, etc. Severe heatstroke includes heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke, among which the symptoms of heat exhaustion include excessive sweating, extreme thirst, nausea and vomiting, and high body temperature. In addition, there may be obvious dehydration symptoms such as tachycardia, orthostatic hypotension, or fainting. Heat exhaustion is also considered as an intermediate process between heat cramps and heat stroke. If the treatment for heat exhaustion is not timely, it may further develop into heat stroke.
In addition, heat stroke is a fatal emergency in terms of its type of onset. According to the patient's condition and pathogenesis at the time of onset, it can be clinically divided into two types: exertional and non exertional heat stroke.
Xu Sumei, Deputy Chief Physician of the General Practice Department at Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, reminds that special attention should be paid to elderly people living alone in summer. Due to the fact that elderly people do not like to turn on air conditioning, they are more prone to heatstroke when the ambient temperature and humidity are particularly high. Children should try their best to help the elderly prepare for heatstroke prevention and cooling in advance, prepare sufficient cool drinks at home, and prepare some heatstroke prevention and cooling drugs. At the same time, persuade the elderly to reduce outdoor activities. If the elderly experience discomfort symptoms, they should seek medical attention as soon as possible to ensure that they receive better protection and care in hot weather
In addition, as a high-risk group for heat stroke, outdoor workers should also pay attention to avoiding working in high temperatures for long periods of time and promptly replenish water and fluids. If you experience any discomfort, you should move to a cool place and lower your body temperature. In severe cases, seek medical attention immediately.
From the perspective of traditional Chinese medicine, ordinary people should follow the principle of "nourishing yang in spring and summer" for health preservation. In summer, yang energy is prone to leakage, so it is important to maintain "less movement and more stillness" and to have a regular daily routine and balance work and rest. Walking, Tai Chi and other exercises can be done in the early morning or evening. Avoid sweating profusely after exercise, as it can easily deplete energy and damage fluids, and especially avoid exercising under the scorching sun.
The spleen and stomach are the foundation of the human body and the source of qi, blood, and biochemistry. In summer, people can choose to eat ingredients that clear heat, promote diuresis, strengthen the spleen, and dispel dampness, such as lotus leaves, winter melon, bitter melon, mung beans, adzuki beans, white beans, coix seed, and Poria cocos. In addition, one should maintain a relaxed mood, avoid impatience, and if necessary, use meditation to soothe the body and mind and adjust the state.
