From the beginning of July, China has been experiencing one of the hottest summers recorded in recent past. Temperatures have risen up to over 40 degrees Celsius in some cities, with Beijing hitting the 38 degrees Celsius mark last week and this has started to take its toil on China’s people. The China Daily previously reported that hundreds of people have already been sent to hospitals due to the heat wave. According to Sohu, on July 28, Hangzhou received this year’s first patient suffering from a heat stroke, who is currently in critical condition. This is a deadly condition with a mortality rate of up to 90 percent within 24 hours of developing the condition, and this could happen to anyone if proper measures are not taken to prevent it.
The patient’s body temperature was at a startling 41.7 degrees Celsius when she was sent to the hospital, her blood pressure was unstable, and her lungs were infected, causing respiratory failure.
A common misconception of heat stroke is that people must be under the scorching blaze of the sun outdoors for it to develop. As it turns out, the woman suffering from the heat stroke wasn’t even outside when she passed out. She had been at home in the 40 degree Celsius temperature in Hangzhou (meaning that temperatures inside would have been around 35 degrees Celsius), sleeping and staying in such sweltering conditions. This condition is unlike other forms of hyperthermia (heat exhaustion, heat cramps etc.): it is a true medical emergency that is often fatal.
According to MedicineNet.com, infants, the elderly, athletes, and those who physically exert themselves outside are the most susceptible to heat strokes. Symptoms of heat stroke include high body temperature, difficulty breathing, absence of sweating, confusion, agitation, seizure, and/or coma.
During this time of such high temperatures, it is advised to have the air conditioning on indoors, even if it’s just a little, and windows should be kept slightly open to ensure a steady flow of fresh air. Stay in cool areas and avoid venturing outside after noon when the day is at its hottest. Wear hats and loose, light weight clothes. Most important of all, drink lots of fluids and remain hydrated. For more tips on how to stay cool in this blistering weather, check out our blog on how to beat the heat.
Photo courtesy of rosipaw of Flickr.
Freda Zhao is a beijingkids intern (of the month) currently studying at the Western Academy of Beijing. She is one year from graduating high school. Outside of school work, she enjoys reading, painting, and mimicking cat sounds in her backyard (to draw strays to her house and feed them).