What is "heat exhaustion"? Why it's 10 times more dangerous than heat stroke - Nutritionist's Column Vol. 122

Japan's long, hot summers have been going on for a while now, and it seems like they're getting tougher with each passing year.
As a result, caution against heatstroke is becoming more prevalent.
However, a more serious problem that is attracting attention is "heat exhaustion," which can occur not only in summer but also during the rainy season and autumn.

You should be especially careful when your body cannot adapt to sudden changes in temperature, such as during the rainy season when the summer heat begins or at the beginning of autumn when the heat still lingers.
Let's take a closer look at the risks of heat exhaustion, which is said to be " 10 times more dangerous than heat stroke."

What is heat exhaustion?

 Heat exhaustion refers to a condition in which the body's thermoregulatory function is weakened due to prolonged exposure to heat, resulting in a lack of water and salt in the body.
As heat exhaustion progresses, the body's temperature cannot be regulated properly, and internal organs become overheated, putting people at risk of developing life-threatening conditions.
Early symptoms of heat exhaustion include fatigue, dizziness, headache, muscle stiffness or cramps, fever, and excessive sweating or a lack of sweating .

Main effects of heat exhaustion

▼ Burden on the circulatory system
When your body tries to lose heat, your heart uses more energy to pump blood to your skin.
If this continues for a long period of time, it puts a great strain on the heart, increasing the risk of developing serious symptoms such as heart failure and myocardial infarction.

▼ Effects on the respiratory system
When your body temperature rises in the heat, your breathing may become shallow and rapid, causing a lack of oxygen.
Heat exhaustion can worsen breathing problems, especially in people with existing respiratory problems.

▼ Effects on the kidneys and other organs
Losing fluids and electrolytes through excessive sweating can impair kidney function.
Furthermore, unstable blood flow can affect the function of other organs, and in the worst case scenario, can lead to organ failure.

Why is it said to be " 10 times more dangerous than heat stroke"?

Symptoms that are hard to notice
In the early stages of heat exhaustion, symptoms include simple tiredness, a heavy head, and mild nausea, so you often don't notice it yourself.
The danger is that even as the symptoms progress, they are difficult to distinguish from everyday fatigue, so they are easily overlooked until they become serious.

▼ Rapid progression
If left untreated, heat exhaustion can quickly progress to heat stroke or heat exhaustion.
Elderly people and those with chronic illnesses in particular can rapidly deteriorate because their ability to regulate their body temperature is reduced.

▼ Risk of loss of consciousness and organ damage
If left untreated, heat exhaustion can damage the brain and other vital organs, and in severe cases can cause loss of consciousness, convulsions, and even organ failure, which can be life-threatening.

Three points to prevent heat exhaustion

So how can you prevent dangerous heat exhaustion?
There are at least three points to pay attention to:

▼ Proper hydration
Protect your internal organs by regularly replenishing your fluids and electrolytes.

▼ Rest in a cool place
It is important to take frequent rest in a cool place to lower your body temperature and reduce the strain on your internal organs.

▼ Thorough health management
It is especially important for people with heart or respiratory problems to consult a doctor as soon as possible if they notice any changes in their health.

Even if heat exhaustion appears mild on the surface, it can have a serious impact on internal organs, so it's important to remember to take appropriate preventative measures, especially during hot seasons and when the seasons change. Be careful not to overlook early symptoms that are difficult to notice.

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