DEATHS DUE TO HEAT STROKE

TAG: GS-3: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY & MISCELLANEOUS

THE CONTEXT: During an airshow in Chennai held at Marina Beach, five people tragically lost their lives, and many others suffered from heat-related symptoms due to prolonged exposure to extreme temperatures.

Explanation:

• How Heat Affects the Human Body: World Health Organization’s (WHO) View
  • Body’s Heat Storage Mechanism:
    • Internal Heat Generation: Heat from metabolic processes inside the body must be dissipated, but environmental factors (high temperatures, humidity) often block this process.
    • External Heat Gain: Clothing and environmental heat create barriers to losing heat, further compounding the body’s inability to cool down.
  • Health Risks:
    • Prolonged exposure to heat without adequate cooling mechanisms can lead to heat exhaustion and, in severe cases, heatstroke, where the body can no longer regulate its internal temperature effectively.
    • Other conditions include dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and hyperthermia, which affect organ function and overall health.
  • Physiological Impact of Heatstroke (Insights by Dr. Rammohan K. R., MGM Healthcare)
    • Definition of Heatstroke: Heatstroke occurs when the core body temperature rises above 40.6°C, which is significantly higher than the normal range of 38-39°C. This often results from constant heat exposure without relief.
    • Physiological Reactions to Heat:
      • Initial Signs: As the body temperature rises, it attempts to cool down through excessive sweating, leading to symptoms like dizziness, headaches, and sweating. However, prolonged sweating results in significant fluid and electrolyte loss, contributing to dehydration.
      • Impact on Blood Circulation: Dehydration thickens the blood, making it difficult for the heart to circulate effectively. This can cause a drop in blood pressure and oxygen saturation levels, leading to fainting, confusion, or unconsciousness.
    • Critical Effects of Heat: When the body’s core temperature exceeds 40°C, enzyme-mediated reactions become disrupted. These enzymes play a vital role in cellular functions, and their disruption can lead to severe consequences such as:
      • Blood Clots: The risk of clot formation increases, which can result in strokes or heart attacks due to blocked blood vessels.
      • Heat Stroke: Unchecked, this condition can cause multi-organ failure and death if emergency intervention is not provided immediately.
    • Health Risks from Dehydration and Electrolyte Imbalance (Explained by Dr. E. Theranirajan, Dean of Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital)
      • Dehydration and Sodium Imbalance:
        • Sweating and Fluid Loss: Prolonged heat exposure leads to excessive sweating, causing fluid loss and altering the body’s sodium concentration. When the body becomes significantly dehydrated, sodium levels increase, a condition known as hypernatremia.
        • Hypernatremia Risks: Elevated sodium levels can have dangerous consequences, including the risk of brain hemorrhage, as the imbalance affects blood pressure and circulation in the brain.
      • Systemic Effects on Body Metabolism:
        • Heat exposure impacts metabolic functions by disturbing the balance of sodium, potassium, and other electrolytes. This can lead to several serious conditions, including encephalopathy, a condition that causes brain dysfunction, and Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (SIRS), where inflammation spreads throughout the body, potentially affecting any organ.
        • Acute Kidney Injury: As dehydration worsens, blood flow to the kidneys can be compromised, leading to acute kidney injury, where the kidneys are unable to filter waste effectively.
      • How to Prevent Heatstroke: Key Recommendations
        • Emergency Measures for Heatstroke:
          • When someone suffers from heatstroke, the immediate priority is to reduce their core body temperature. Methods include infusing cool saline intravenously, using cold blankets, and applying other cooling methods to bring down body temperature to safer levels (around 100-101°F).
          • The sooner medical treatment begins, the better the chances of avoiding long-term damage or death.
        • At-Risk Populations:
          • Older Adults: Elderly people are particularly vulnerable to heatstroke because they often have thinner skin and are more prone to dehydration. Additionally, they may have pre-existing medical conditions that can worsen in high-heat environments.
          • Individuals with Chronic Illnesses: People with chronic conditions like heart disease, kidney disease, or respiratory issues are at higher risk, as heat can exacerbate these conditions. They require careful monitoring during hot weather and should avoid prolonged exposure to extreme temperatures.
          • Hydration and Precautions: To avoid heat-related illnesses, individuals should stay hydrated, seek shade or cooling environments, wear light clothing, and avoid physical exertion during peak heat hours. Special attention should be given to events in hot climates to ensure that attendees have access to shade, hydration, and medical support.