Management of Heatstroke – Lifestyle and Home Remedies

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Heatstroke-A brief introduction

Heatstroke, or sunstroke as it is also called, is an ‘overheated body’ condition in which the temperature of the body rises above 37 degree Celsius — which is the ‘normal’ body temperature — due to prolonged exposure to the sun or to a hot environment. It is a ‘severe’ condition which usually occurs when lesser heat-related problems like heat cramps or heat exhaustion are not managed in a timely manner. There are several Home Remedies for Heat Stroke which allow the body to cool itself in hot climates so that it does not get ‘overheated.’

The sudden increase in body temperature in case of a heatstroke is generally the result of dehydration as well as excessive exposure to the sun. In addition, some other factors like inappropriate clothing, strenuous physical activity, alcohol consumption, and dysfunction of the sweat gland can also increase the risk of heatstroke.

Some of the common symptoms of heatstroke — other than an increase in body temperature — include dizziness, too much sweating, rapid breathing, throbbing headache, increase in heart rate, nausea and vomiting, change in mental state or behaviour, and sudden redness of the skin, etc.

Heatstroke can lead to health complications and can sometimes be fatal. Hence, it needs to be treated urgently. Since ‘overheating’ of the body to more than 40 degree Celsius can cause damage to the vital organs, certain home remedies for heatstroke can be extremely useful in preventing and controlling the condition.

lifestyle and home remedies fir heatstroke

Lifestyle and Home Remedies for Heat Stroke

  • With the help of a little awareness about heatstroke, and effective lifestyle and home remedies for it, you can prevent and manage this condition by yourself. Some common home remedies have been mentioned below:

Onion

  • The consumption of onions, and the use of its juice to cool the body, is one of the most effective home remedies for heatstroke. Onion can either be consumed in raw form in salads or chutneys, or in juice form, or can be roasted with cumin and honey. Moreover, onion juice can also be applied behind the ears and on the chest to control the overheating of the body.

Coconut water and Buttermilk

  • The intake of coconut water and buttermilk can also help treat heatstroke. Coconut water not only rehydrates the body but also naturally balances the electrolytes in the body. Buttermilk, on the other hand, can replenish the body with vital vitamins and minerals which may be lost because of excessive sweating.

Tamarind

  • A decoction of tamarind and some sugar can also be useful in lowering the body temperature, since tamarind is abundant in minerals, vitamins and electrolytes. This decoction can be prepared by soaking tamarind in boiling water, straining it, and adding a little bit of sugar to it.

Coriander and Mint

  • The juice of coriander and mint leaves is also a useful home remedy for managing heatstroke, especially because both the herbs have the ability to lower the temperature of the body. The consumption of this juice, with some sugar, can have a cooling effect on the body.

Lemon water

  • Mix a half or full lemon juice in a glass of cold water. Add little salt and sugar as per your choice and drink daily, twice. This works wonders and can help to balance electrolyte balance in body.

Along with these home remedies for heatstroke, some lifestyle-related factors also have to be kept in mind for effectively tackling the condition. These have been listed below:

  • Wear light, loose-fitting clothes
  • Avoid exposure to an excessively hot and humid weather
  • Avoid sun exposure in the afternoons
  • Acclimatize yourself to a hot environment gradually
  • Do not park your car in the sun
  • Protect yourself against sunburn by using sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, scarf, or umbrella
  • Do not consume sugary or alcoholic beverages to rehydrate your body
  • Be careful with medications — like diuretics, beta blockers, and antidepressants, etc. — which can adversely affect the body’s ability to remain hydrated and dispel heat.

In addition to the above-mentioned lifestyle and Home Remedies for Heat Stroke, some other things also should be kept in mind to prevent heatstroke and tackle the condition in an emergency situation. Towards that end, you should immediately move to a cool and shady place; drink plenty of water and other fluids; take a cold-water bath; remove excessive clothing; and use ice packs, if required, to cool the body. Finally, to avoid any health complications due to heatstroke, seek medical help without any further delay.

2 Comments

  1. Giselle Stewart August 19, 2017
  2. Shenika Keis August 31, 2017

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