Beware of heatstroke: Don't end up in a coma

Internal Medicine Specialist Asena Serap Yalçınkaya made statements regarding the hot weather affecting all of Turkey.

Serap Yalçınkaya warned citizens that heatstroke can lead to a coma.

Yalçınkaya stated the following:

"Heatstroke is a clinical condition that occurs as a result of fluid loss in the body after the body temperature rises above 40 degrees due to the damage caused by sunlight. In this situation, life-threatening changes occur in internal organs due to fluid loss. Heatstroke presents itself with symptoms such as headache, nausea, vomiting, altered consciousness, and conditions leading to a coma. In addition to this, red, dry, painful skin and sometimes excessive sweating may be seen in patients. Patients over 65, children under 5, pregnant women, and those with chronic conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, chronic kidney failure, and cancer are at risk. We need to explain what we should not do when we encounter heatstroke. If a patient suffering from heatstroke has lost consciousness, we should definitely not feed or give them anything to drink. They should not be made to smell alcohol, and solid foods should be avoided. A patient suffering from heatstroke should first be taken to the nearest healthcare facility. Before reaching the healthcare facility, the patient should be moved to a cool place out of the sun, and their clothing should be loosened. Fluid support should be provided for patients who are conscious. We do not recommend that our patients go out during the hours when the sun's rays are direct, especially between 10:00 and 16:00. In addition to this, we also recommend additional protective measures. Citizens who will go out during these hours should pay attention to their fluid intake, avoid intense physical activities in hot weather, pay attention to mineral intake during hours of heavy sweating, and choose appropriate clothing colors."

News Source: İHA