Hot weather and strong winds can easily cause heat stroke and exhaustion: Doctors advise on how to prevent it.

The heat makes traveling and working outdoors - especially for motorbike drivers, delivery drivers, and technology drivers - not only more tiring but also poses a risk of heatstroke. This is a dangerous medical emergency that can be life-threatening if not detected and treated promptly.

Nắng nóng, gió táp vào mặt dễ gây mất nước, kiệt sức, bác sĩ chỉ cách phòng - Ảnh 1. — Traveling or working for long periods of time outdoors in hot weather can increase the risk of heat stroke.

Why is it easy to get heat stroke when driving outdoors regularly?

Dr. Chu Thi Dung, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City - Branch 3, said that when the ambient temperature increases, the body will try to regulate heat by sweating to cool down. However, if exposed to the heat for too long in an environment with large heat radiation from the road surface, vehicle exhaust and surrounding concrete surfaces, the body's ability to dissipate heat will be overloaded.

Motorcyclists are not well protected from direct sunlight and are exposed to hot winds on their faces and bodies, which can lead to dehydration, exhaustion, and increased risk of thermoregulation disorders. Delivery drivers often have little time to rest and little access to shade or air conditioning, further increasing the risk of heat stroke.

Accordingly, doctors point out the initial signs of heat stroke as follows:

Unusual fatigue, feeling lightheaded, headache.
Dry mouth, thirst, hot dry skin but no sweating.
Rapid heartbeat, rapid breathing.
Nausea, impaired consciousness, slurred speech, confusion.

“If not treated early, the patient may have convulsions, coma and multiple organ damage. For people who often drive on the road, early detection and timely rest and cooling are vital factors for survival,” added Dr. Dung.

Mistakes that increase the risk of heat stroke

Covering up helps to avoid the sun effectively? Many people believe that covering their bodies with jackets, sun-protective dresses, sunglasses, and multi-layered masks will help to avoid the sun effectively.

Nắng nóng, gió táp vào mặt dễ gây mất nước, kiệt sức, bác sĩ chỉ cách phòng - Ảnh 2. — Covering your face with a scarf or wearing a thick helmet for many hours can cause heat retention in the head area, causing dizziness.

Mr. TTD, 23 years old (in Duc Nhuan ward - ward 4, 5 and 9, old Phu Nhuan district - Ho Chi Minh City), currently a technology driver, shared: “Because I often have to carry passengers during the day, I cover myself very carefully. I wear 3 layers of sun protection gloves, driving gloves, a jacket, a mask and a full-face scarf before going out. I think that is the best way to avoid sunburn and avoid the sun.”

In fact, according to Dr. Dung, wearing too many layers of thick, non-breathable fabric, especially dark-colored fabric, will hinder the heat dissipation process, causing more and more heat to accumulate in the body. This not only does not help cool the body but also increases the risk of heat stroke.

Helmets with thick foam linings and multi-layered masks. In hot weather, wearing a helmet with thick foam linings, combined with a full-face mask - especially one with multiple layers or made of thick fabric - can cause suffocation and heat retention in the head area. This is an important area for regulating body temperature. This leads to a feeling of suffocation, dizziness, and fatigue when traveling outdoors in hot weather for long periods of time.

Carry ice water. “Although drinking enough water is necessary, many people have the habit of carrying ice water, or drinking ice water right after coming home from the sun. This action can cause blood vessels to suddenly constrict, causing stomach pain, digestive disorders, and even danger for people with cardiovascular disease,” Dr. Dung emphasized.

Instead, when working outdoors, lukewarm or room temperature water is the safe choice. People should drink small sips, divided into several times throughout the day.

Nắng nóng, gió táp vào mặt dễ gây mất nước, kiệt sức, bác sĩ chỉ cách phòng - Ảnh 3. — The habit of drinking ice cold water while driving in hot weather can be dangerous for people with cardiovascular disease.

What to do to protect your health when working outdoors in hot weather?

Doctor Chu Thi Dung gives some advice to help people ensure their health in hot weather:

Breathable clothing : Prioritize light-colored, sweat-absorbent fabrics. Use sun-protective jackets made of lightweight, breathable materials. Avoid wearing too many layers or tight-fitting clothing.

Protect your head-face-neck area : Choose a helmet with ventilation holes; use a thin, airy scarf or mask and change it frequently if it gets wet with sweat.

Drink enough water : Don't wait until you're thirsty to drink. Prioritize filtered water and electrolyte water, avoid water that's too cold. If you have to move around a lot, drink small sips every 15-20 minutes.

Take breaks : Go to the shade or a place with a fan/air conditioner every 1-2 hours of working outdoors. Don't try to endure it if you feel tired or dizzy.

Bring support items : A bottle of cool water, wet towels, a handheld fan or a soft gel ice pack are simple but useful items when you need to cool your body quickly.

Save the emergency number in your phone : If you suspect a passerby has signs of heat stroke, immediately take them to a cool place and cool them down (apply a wet towel, fan, spray water). Call 115 immediately if the patient shows signs of unconsciousness.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/nang-nong-gio-tap-rat-da-de-gay-soc-nhiet-kiet-suc-bac-si-chi-cach-phong-185250807214053098.htm