Heatstroke is a condition caused by your body overheating. This condition is more common in summers. It requires emergency treatment.

Symptoms

High body temperature

Altered mental state and behavior

Nausea/vomiting

Rapid breathing, increased heart rate

Headache

Flushed skin

Complications

Delayed response to heatstroke can cause your brain or other vital organs to swell, possibly resulting in permanent damage. It can also be fatal.

Prevention

1. Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting cloth and a wide-brimmed hat.

2. Use sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF 30) or more.

3. Drink a lot of fluids to prevent dehydration, around eight glasses of water, fruit juices, vegetable juices a day. You can have aam panna, nimbu soda etc.

4. Avoid outdoor activity. If possible, shift your timings to the coolest times of the day i.e after sunset or before sunrise.

5. While outdoors, keep drinking even if you are not thirsty.

6. Avoid caffeine and alcohol. Avoid fluids containing caffeine or alcohol, because both substances can make you lose more fluids and worsen heat-related illness. The easiest and safest way to replace salt and other electrolytes during heat waves is to drink ORS. ORS solution is easily available in the market. 

7. Never leave anyone in a parked car. When parked in the sun, the temperature in your car can rise 20 degrees F (more than 11 C) in 10 minutes. It's not safe to leave a person in a parked car in warm or hot weather. This is a common cause of heat-related deaths in children. 

8. Consult a doctor before increasing liquid intake, if you are suffering from any health condition or have a problem with fluid retention.

(Disclaimer: The content on this site is for informational purposes only, and should not be taken as professional medical advice.  Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other health professionals for any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition.)