lämpöhalvaukseksi

Lämpöhalvaus, or heatstroke in English, is a severe medical condition that occurs when the body overheats and cannot regulate its temperature. It is the most serious form of heat illness and can be life-threatening if not treated promptly. The core body temperature rises rapidly, and the body's cooling mechanisms, such as sweating, become overwhelmed.

The primary cause of lämpöhalvaus is prolonged exposure to high temperatures, particularly when combined with high humidity and strenuous physical activity. Dehydration significantly increases the risk. Certain individuals are more susceptible, including infants, the elderly, people with chronic illnesses like heart disease or diabetes, and those taking certain medications that affect the body's ability to regulate temperature or stay hydrated.

Symptoms of lämpöhalvaus can develop quickly and include a high body temperature (103°F or higher), hot, red, dry, or damp skin, a throbbing headache, nausea, vomiting, confusion, dizziness, and loss of consciousness. Unlike milder heat exhaustion, sweating may cease in heatstroke, though this is not always the case.

Immediate medical attention is crucial for suspected lämpöhalvaus. While waiting for professional help, the individual should be moved to a cooler environment, and their body should be cooled using methods like immersion in cool water, fanning, or applying cool, wet cloths. It is important to avoid giving fluids to an unconscious person. Prevention involves staying hydrated, avoiding strenuous activity during the hottest parts of the day, wearing light-colored and loose-fitting clothing, and acclimatizing to hot weather gradually.