Mainit na panahon + mataas na humidity = mas mataas ang risk ng heat stroke
Ngayong patuloy ang init ng panahon, lalo na kapag mataas ang humidity, mas nahihirapan ang katawan nating magpalamig. Kapag humid, hindi agad natutuyo ang pawis sa balat, kaya mas mabagal bumaba ang body temperature. This can lead to dehydration, heat exhaustion, and in severe cases, heat stroke.
For areas like Lipa City, Sto. Tomas, Batangas, and San Pablo, Laguna, many people are exposed to heat while commuting, working outdoors, attending school, exercising, or doing daily errands. Current forecasts for Lipa show hot conditions reaching around 38°C, with caution advised for people staying outdoors for extended periods.
Heat stroke is not just “napagod sa init.” It is a serious medical emergency that can affect the brain, heart, kidneys, and other organs if not treated quickly.
Ano ang heat stroke?
Heat stroke happens when the body overheats and can no longer cool itself properly. It is considered the most severe form of heat-related illness. A person with heat stroke may have a body temperature of around 40°C or higher, along with changes in behavior, confusion, fainting, or loss of consciousness.
Sa simpleng paliwanag:
Kapag sobra na ang init sa katawan at hindi na kaya ng pawis at hydration na pababain ang temperature, puwedeng mag-collapse ang katawan.
Heat exhaustion vs. heat stroke: Ano ang difference?
Before heat stroke happens, some people may experience heat exhaustion first. This is already a warning sign.
Heat exhaustion symptoms may include:
- Sobrang pagpapawis
- Panghihina
- Pagkahilo
- Headache
- Nausea or pagsusuka
- Matinding uhaw
- Muscle cramps
- Pag-ihi nang kaunti or dark-colored urine
The CDC notes that heat exhaustion is often linked to excessive loss of water and salt through sweating.
Heatstroke symptoms are more serious and may include
- Mataas na body temperature
- Confusion or lutang
- Slurred speech
- Fainting or loss of consciousness
- Hot, red, dry or damp skin
- Rapid and strong pulse
- Seizure in severe cases
The National Weather Service lists confusion, slurred speech, fainting, high body temperature, and hot red skin as danger signs of heat stroke.
Sino ang mas prone sa heat stroke?
Mas mataas ang risk sa:
- Senior citizens
- Babies and young children
- Pregnant women
- People with heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, or kidney problems
- Outdoor workers
- Students and athletes
- People who commute or walk under direct sunlight
- People who are dehydrated
- Those taking certain medicines that affect hydration or body temperature
Paalala: Kahit healthy ka, puwede ka pa ring ma-heat stroke kapag matagal kang exposed sa init, kulang sa tubig, or nag-exercise sa sobrang init.
Paano maiwasan ang heat stroke?
1. Uminom ng tubig regularly
Do not wait until you feel very thirsty. Kapag nauuhaw ka na nang sobra, possible na dehydrated ka na.
Mas mabuti ang tubig kaysa soft drinks, coffee, alcoholic drinks, or overly sweet drinks. DOH-linked health guidance also recommends drinking plenty of water and avoiding long direct sun exposure.
2. Iwasan ang direct sunlight during peak hours
Kung maaari, avoid outdoor activities from 10 AM to 4 PM, lalo na kapag sobrang init at maalinsangan.
Kung kailangan lumabas:
- Magdala ng payong or cap
- Humanap ng shade
- Magpahinga often
- Huwag magmadali sa paglalakad
- Bring water
3. Wear light and breathable clothes
Magsuot ng:
- Light-colored clothes
- Loose clothing
- Presko and breathable fabric
- Hat or cap if outdoors
Avoid dark and tight clothing dahil mas nakakulong ang init sa katawan.
4. Keep indoor spaces cool
Sa bahay, clinic, school, or office:
- Gumamit ng electric fan or aircon if available
- Open windows if safe and helpful for airflow
- Take cool showers
- Use cold towels on the neck or arms
- Avoid staying inside parked cars
5. Be extra careful with children and elderly family members
Children and senior citizens may not always express symptoms clearly. Bantayan sila lalo na kung
- Namumutla or namumula
- Nanghihina
- Inaantok unusually
- Nahihilo
- Ayaw uminom
- Mainit ang balat
- Nalilito
Ano ang gagawin kung may heat exhaustion?
If someone shows signs of heat exhaustion:
- Dalhin agad sa mas malamig or shaded area.
- Paupuin or pahigain.
- Painumin ng tubig slowly if conscious and able to swallow.
- Paluwagin ang damit.
- Lagyan ng cool towel ang leeg, kilikili, singit, and forehead.
- Gumamit ng fan or aircon if available.
- Observe closely.
If symptoms do not improve, or if the person becomes confused, faints, vomits repeatedly, or becomes very weak, seek medical help immediately.
Ano ang gagawin kung heat stroke na?
Heat stroke is an emergency. Do not wait.
First aid steps:
- Call emergency help immediately or bring the person to the nearest medical facility.
- Move the person away from heat and bring them to a shaded, cool, or air-conditioned area.
- Remove excess clothing to help the body cool down.
- Cool the body quickly using cold towels, water spray, a fan, or ice packs.
- Place ice packs on the neck, armpits, and groin area if available. These areas help cool the blood faster.
- Do not force the person to drink if they are unconscious, confused, vomiting, or unable to swallow properly.
Doctors advise calling emergency services and moving the person out of heat right away when heat stroke is suspected.
Kailan dapat magpatingin sa clinic or emergency care?
Magpatingin agad if you or someone you know experiences:
- Fainting
- Confusion or unusual behavior
- Severe headache
- Persistent dizziness
- Very high fever or body heat
- Chest pain
- Difficulty breathing
- Seizure
- Repeated vomiting
- Weakness that does not improve after cooling and hydration
For patients with existing conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, kidney disease, or heart disease, mas importanteng magpa-check agad because heat stress can worsen underlying health problems.
AIC Health Hub reminder for families
Ngayong mainit at humid ang panahon, prevention is the best protection. Simple habits like drinking enough water, avoiding long sun exposure, wearing breathable clothes, and checking on children and elderly family members can help prevent heat-related emergencies.
Kung may nararamdamang sintomas ng dehydration, heat exhaustion, or possible heat stroke, huwag balewalain. Magpa-check agad.
AIC Health Hub is here to support your health needs through doctor consultation, diagnostics, laboratory services, rehabilitation, dental care, and other clinic services across our locations.
Stay cool. Stay hydrated. Stay safe.