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Heat Related Ailments

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    • 9 posts
    March 8, 2017 8:10 AM CET
    HEAT RELATED AILMENTS.
    Hello there, this is Goke Akingbade( your Safety Guide) bringing you another juicy discussion on health and safety. Last time we were considering heat and heat related health problems. We considered Heat Stress and Heat Exhaustion. We will continue with other heat related ailments. We are going to dwell on the following: 1. Heat Rash 2.Heat Heat Syncope. 3. Heat Cramps. 4. Heat Stroke
    Heat Rash: It is the first sign of Heat stress. Hot, humid conditions can cause clothing to remain damp with sweat. Heat Rash can affect a small area of skin of the entire body. If the whole body is affected, sweat production is also affected and the body will not be able to cool itself.
    Heat Syncope: This is caused by pooling of blood in the skin and lower part of the body, this then leads to lack of blood flow to the brain. What actually occurs is that the affected person becomes dizzy or faints while standing still in the heat for long periods of time.
    Heat Cramps: Heat cramps are caused by an imbalance of fluid and salt during physical activity in a hot environment.
    CHARACTERISTICS OF HEAT CRAMPS
    Heavy Sweating.
    Painful muscle spasms in the legs, stomach and arms.
    Spasms may occur during or after physical activity.
    Heat Stroke: Heat Stroke occurs when the bodys temperature regulatory system fails.
    It is the most serious of any health problems connected with working in a hot environment. It is a life threatening condition and thus must be treated as an emergency.

    SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF HEAT STROKE

    Hot and dry skin.
    Red or Spotted Skin.
    Body Temperature of 105 degrees or higher.
    Pupils of eyes small and constricted
    Extreme weakness or loss of consciousness.
    Coma or near coma
    Pulse strong and rapid
    Confusion ,Delirium or Convulsions.
    If heat Stroke is not treated, the victim may suffer convulsions, brain damage or in severe cases, the victim might die.
    FIRST AID IN TREATING HEAT STROKE
    Move the victim to a cool area
    Cool the victim with cool packs or a fan
    If possible, soak the victim in a cool bath.
    Keep the victim calm and laying down with their feet elevated.
    Call for help, administer First Aid, and get the victim to a hospital.
    This is where we are going to conclude on for now, till I come your way again, Have a great week ahead and a Prosperous day.