“Heat, ma’am! It was so dreadful here that I found there was nothing left for it but to take off my flesh and sit on my bones.” – Sydney Smith
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The intensity of sunlight increases as summer arrives. The Department of Health (DOH) cautions that excessive exposure to the sun can pose serious health risks.
Many Filipinos may not be aware that prolonged exposure to high temperatures can lead to heatstroke, a potentially life-threatening condition. “Heatstroke is a medical emergency,” and stresses the importance of transporting the affected individual to a hospital promptly after taking initial emergency measures,” the DOH emphasizes.
In light of the fluctuating weather patterns and elevated daytime temperatures, the Davao City Health Office (CHO) has advised residents to stay hydrated and utilize sun protection to prevent heat-related illnesses.
Dr. Tomas Miguel Ababon, head of the CHO, was quoted as saying by the City Information Office that special care should be given to vulnerable populations, including the elderly and children.
“We must ensure their safety by minimizing prolonged exposure to direct sunlight. It is advisable for everyone to remain indoors as much as possible,” Dr. Ababon told Madayaw Dabaw. “If you must go outside, please utilize sun protection measures such as umbrellas or any other form of shielding.”
Dr. Ababon added that it is crucial to stay hydrated, as this is essential for managing the heat. He expressed confidence that the residents of Davao will adapt to the weather conditions, noting that such occurrences are typical in tropical regions like the Philippines.
“We are accustomed to this heat, and the community is well-informed on how to cope with it,” he said. He also recommended that those planning to visit the beach should prioritize hydration.
According to The Merck Manual of Medical Information, humans, as warm-blooded creatures, regulate their body temperature within a narrow range, typically one or two degrees around 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit, even when external temperatures vary significantly.
It is crucial to maintain this internal temperature range for the body to operate effectively. Deviations that lead to excessively high or low body temperatures can cause severe organ damage or even result in death. Heatstroke represents the most critical type of heat-related illness.
The Merck Manual clarifies that heatstroke can occur when an individual exerts themselves in extreme heat or is situated in a hot, enclosed space. For instance, heatstroke may arise during extended periods of high temperatures when individuals remain in non-air-conditioned rooms.
“Heatstroke occurs because the body cannot lose heat rapidly enough in extreme heat,” the Merck manual further explains. “Because the body cannot cool itself, body temperature continues to rise rapidly to dangerously high levels. Certain skin disorders and certain drugs increase the risk.”
Heatstroke can temporarily or permanently damage vital organs, such as the heart, lungs, kidneys, liver, and brain. The higher the temperature, especially when higher than 106 degrees Fahrenheit, the more rapid problems develop.
Heatstroke kills, declares Dr. Larry Kenney, an assistant professor of physiology in the Laboratory for Human Performance Research at Pennsylvania State University. A large number of well-documented cases proved fatal, he adds.
Of course, no one goes directly from feeling fine to the brink of death – no matter how hot it is. Rather, heatstroke turns lethal when signs of heat exhaustion, and later, heatstroke itself, are ignored or recognized too late, says Dr. Richard Keller, an emergency room physician at Saint Therese Hospital in Waukegan, Illinois.
Heat exhaustion is excessive loss of salts (electrolytes) and fluids due to heat, leading to decreased blood volume that causes many symptoms, sometimes including vomiting or collapse.
Dr. Keller notes that it can be challenging to differentiate between heat exhaustion and heatstroke. Therefore, if an individual does not show improvement from self-care strategies for heat exhaustion within 30 minutes, it is advisable to seek medical attention.
“In cases of heat exhaustion, confusion is the most severe symptom you may experience,” Dr. Keller explains. “However, if you encounter difficulties walking or lose consciousness, this indicates a progression to heatstroke.”
The symptoms of heatstroke can resemble those of heat exhaustion, including dizziness and nausea. The affected individual may exhibit significant disorientation and agitation. When the body stops regulating its temperature, a person suffering from heatstroke typically will no longer sweat.
Meanwhile, the Davao Light and Power Co. Inc. (Davao Light) urges customers to practice energy efficiency to manage power consumption and avoid high electricity bills, especially during the dry months.
“We encourage our customers to practice efficient use of electricity, especially during the next few months as we experience the warm and dry season,” said Fermin Edillon, Davao Light Marketing and Communications Department Head. “We anticipate high electricity demand as customers use more air-cooling appliances to compensate for the heat. Our historical data shows high power consumption during this time.”
