Causes, Symptoms, Prevention
Agreeing with Ticy City or not, this year’s heatwave has come faster and hotter than last year’s, reaching nearly 40 degrees Celsius almost everyday. Whether sitting or standing still, sweat drenches the body. The erratic weather conditions are largely attributed to human-induced climate change.
Dr. Phongphakon Sorathanarat, Anti-Aging Medicine Specialist, Arun Health Garden Clinic
One major concern during hot weather is the risk of heat-related illnesses, which tend to escalate with rising temperatures. Ticy City had the opportunity to discuss this with Dr. Phongphakorn Sontanarat, Anti-Aging Medicine Specialist, Arun Health Garden Clinic (Integrative Medicine), who outlined the top 5 heat-related hazards to watch out for in this article.
Each of these diseases poses an imminent threat and can occur at any time, sometimes catching us off guard. Let’s take a look at them:
With the Earth’s temperatures soaring over the past 50 years, the global surface temperature has risen by 3-4 degrees Celsius, leading to increasingly severe health problems during hot weather. As a doctor, I’d like to take this opportunity to warn everyone about the 5 heat-related hazards to watch out for:
Food Poisoning
Cause: Consuming contaminated food or water, as hot weather creates favorable conditions for bacteria growth. Spoiled or raw food, especially seafood, is often the culprit.
Symptoms: Diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, occurring within 1-24 hours after consuming contaminated food. Severe cases may include dry mouth, dry throat, dark urine, dizziness upon standing, and in extreme cases, unconsciousness.
Prevention: Opt for freshly cooked and clean food. Avoid raw or seafood. Wash hands before eating. Store leftover food in the refrigerator at temperatures below 4 degrees Celsius. Do not leave cooked food out for more than 2 hours.
Cholera
Cause: Infection by the Vibrio cholerae bacterium, often found in water and food in overcrowded and unsanitary conditions. It’s a highly contagious and rapidly spreading disease.
Symptoms: Severe diarrhea, watery stools, sometimes with no abdominal pain. In severe cases, rapid dehydration and electrolyte imbalance can occur within hours to 5 days. Without prompt treatment, it can lead to shock and death.
Prevention: Drink filtered clean water. Eat freshly cooked food with tightly sealed lids. Wash hands before eating. Maintain hygiene and cleanliness in bathrooms and kitchens.
Dysentery
Cause: Caused by the Shigella bacteria (bacillary dysentery) or the Entamoeba histolytica protozoa (amoebic dysentery), often found in areas with poor sanitation or hot climates.
Symptoms: Bloody diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever, occurring within 1-3 days after consuming contaminated food or water. Severe cases may include headaches, nausea, and vomiting.
Prevention: Maintain hygiene, wash hands frequently, and prevent children from playing in dirty areas. Eat freshly cooked food. Drink clean water. Wash fruits and vegetables before eating.
Skin Diseases
Cause: Exposure to sunlight, dust, and sweat.
Common diseases: Heat rash, sunburn, melasma.
Prevention: Apply sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher every 2 hours when outdoors. Wear tight-fitting clothing, hats, and sunglasses. Opt for breathable clothing to facilitate air circulation and reduce sweating. Shower regularly in the morning and evening, and after exercise. Avoid prolonged sun exposure.
Heat Stroke
Cause: Failure to regulate body temperature, resulting in elevated body temperature above 40 degrees Celsius. Symptoms include confusion, restlessness, dizziness, seizures, or loss of consciousness, accompanied by rapid heart rate and increased respiratory rate. Severe cases may experience headaches, nausea, and vomiting.
Prevention: Stay hydrated, wear light-colored clothing, avoid prolonged sun exposure, get adequate rest, and avoid alcohol and caffeine consumption.
These are the 5 heat-related hazards to be wary of, especially during the Songkran period, when temperatures in Thailand may exceed 40 degrees Celsius. Additionally, with increased travel and festivities, the risk of diseases is higher and more severe. I hope the insights shared by the doctor will raise awareness about these diseases and help everyone stay safe during this hot season.
