Summer illnesses: how the insidious heat affects the body

Candidate of Medical Sciences, Medical Director of a network of clinics

Heart and vascular problems

In the heat, the pulse quickens, the pressure rises, the vessels dilate, and the risk of blood clots increases. The body is losing fluid, and with it minerals. Chronic diseases are aggravated. Eliminate heavy and fatty foods, salty foods. Avoid physical activity during the day. When working in the garden, take breaks every hour. Do not bend over strongly. Avoid direct sunlight and do not go into cold water – this threatens with vasospasm. For acute chest pain, place a nitroglycerin tablet under your tongue and call an ambulance.

Myositis

Muscle inflammation threatens those who sit or sleep for a long time in front of the air conditioner, drivers who prefer to drive with an open window. With myositis, the pain is localized, the tense muscle can be felt, the discomfort disappears if it is massaged. Take a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug and apply a semi-alcohol compress overnight. You can use a warming patch or ointment. If after three days the pain persists or gets worse, you should go to the doctor.

Intestinal infections

High air temperature promotes the multiplication of pathogenic microorganisms, the level of contamination of water and food with E. coli bacteria increases. You can catch an infection by eating an unwashed apple or swimming in the pool. Symptoms are high fever, diarrhea, nausea. The danger is that the patient can infect others. Drink mineral water to restore water-salt balance, or add a little salt and baking soda to regular water. Do not eat anything during the day. Is the intoxication strongly pronounced, the disorder did not go away after the hunger strike? Time to go to the hospital. For prevention, wash your hands, as well as vegetables and fruits, follow the rules for heat treatment of meat and poultry.

Otitis

Middle ear problems occur in those who take a running dive into the water. The inflammation is accompanied by acute pain and fever. An insect that has got inside can also cause discomfort. Injuries to the skin of the auricle or ear canal lead to otitis externa. If the ear is swollen, apply an antibacterial ointment, after an hour – a decongestant, repeat several times. Shoots in your ears? It is advisable to immediately consult a doctor: if an insect gets in, self-medication will make it worse. There is no possibility – take a pain reliever, moisten a little cotton wool with boric alcohol and leave it in the ear canal for 10-15 minutes.

Skin infections

Walking barefoot on the beach or along the pool, it is easy to pick up fungus, especially if you have sores on your feet. Signs of infection are itching, redness and flaking. Those who ride public transport are also at risk, wash your hands after each trip – bacteria and viruses live on the handrails. On vacation, do not take off your flip-flops. Did you get hurt? Treat the abrasions with hydrogen peroxide, and tape the wounds on the feet. If your heels are cracked, see a dermatologist.

Poisoning

At risk are children who can eat berries, leaves or flowers of poisonous plants. Inexperienced mushroom pickers are also in danger. Self-medication is unacceptable, you need to call the ambulance. Flush your stomach. Do not take activated charcoal and gastric remedies – lavage is enough to inhibit intoxication. Show your doctors the plant or mushroom you eat so they can find a treatment faster.

First aid for heat and sunstroke

Walking in the heat without a headdress threatens with tinnitus, dizziness, vomiting, and often skin burns. Wearing synthetic clothing and drinking insufficient fluids can result in heatstroke. Those who work in greenhouses are also at risk. When overheating, the face first turns red, then turns pale, the person becomes agitated, and later – lethargic. Other symptoms are cold sweats, yawning, and nausea.

Transfer the victim to the shade, lay him on his back, placing a pillow under his head, unbutton the collar of his clothes. Apply a cold compress to your forehead and drink in small portions. If you overheat, it is better to consult a doctor – severe forms of shock develop suddenly. Are there any burns? Lubricate them with dexpanthenol. Do not open the bubbles – you will get an infection.

Rest according to the rules

– do not walk under the scorching sun, the best time for a promenade is before 11:00 and after 16:00;

– wear loose clothes made from natural light-colored fabrics;

– Avoid cold carbonated drinks in favor of room temperature water or tea;

– do not open your eyes while swimming underwater: conjunctivitis may occur;

– spend less time driving, in the heat, attentiveness and composure decrease, and reaction worsens.