Heat stroke during fasting in Ramadan

Arab Weather - Direct exposure to the sun for long periods, or physical exertion at high temperatures, leads to sunstroke, as the body loses its ability to regulate its temperature and continues to rise until it reaches 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) or more. Therefore, you should beware of exercising or working at peak times, especially during fasting in Ramadan, because you are not able to replace the lost fluids.

The elderly, aged 65 and over, children, infants, people with mental or chronic illnesses such as: obesity and diabetes, those who take certain medications, alcoholics, athletes and outdoor workers are most likely to suffer from dehydration. And thus heat stroke.

Symptoms of heat stroke

A high body temperature of 40 ° C or more is the main sign of heatstroke symptoms, and some symptoms may also be experienced, such as:

Redness, dryness, decreased or increased skin sweating.

Nausea or vomiting.

Rapid breathing.

Painful muscle cramps in the arms, legs, or abdomen.

Increased heart rate.

Confusion, headache, dizziness, convulsions, delirium, loss of consciousness.

Causes of heat stroke during fasting in Ramadan

Dehydration as a result of not paying enough attention to drinking enough water between Iftar and Suhoor to replenish the lost fluids during the fasting period is one of the most common causes of heat stroke during fasting in Ramadan, and it can also occur due to:

Exposure to hot weather for long periods.

Wearing excess clothing that prevents sweat evaporation and cools the body.

Drinking alcohol that affects the body's ability to regulate its temperature.

Heatstroke complications

Heatstroke complications depend on how high the body temperature is; Therefore, infection with it requires emergency treatment because leaving it untreated leads to permanent damage to vital organs such as: the brain, heart, kidneys, and muscles, and it can be fatal.

How to avoid heat stroke while fasting in Ramadan?

One of the most important tips to avoid heat stroke while fasting in Ramadan is to avoid dehydration, and you can follow some tips such as:

Avoid exercising or physical work at peak times during the day in Ramadan, from 12 noon to 5 in the afternoon, and you can practice it early in the morning or in the evening.

Reducing the time a person spends at work or exercising in the heat, and gradually increasing it until the body gets used to that heat and acclimates to it, take a rest in a cold place, and spray the face with a spray of cold water to avoid the high temperature of the body, in case it is necessary to perform it At peak times during fasting in Ramadan.

Wear light, loose-fitting, loose-fitting cotton clothing when going out during peak times during Ramadan fasting.

Wear a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and use sunscreen with at least SPF 15 to prevent sunburn.

Stay in a cool, air-conditioned place, preferably.

Drink plenty of water from 8-10 cups between Iftar and Suhoor to maintain body moisture for a long period during fasting in Ramadan.

Bathing a lot in cold water during the day in Ramadan.

Avoid crowded places, especially those exposed to direct sunlight.

Eat foods rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals at Iftar and Suhoor to protect against heat stroke while fasting in Ramadan.

Avoid eating salty foods such as: salty fish and pickles, and drinks that contain caffeine such as tea, coffee, and soft drinks at breakfast, especially during the suhoor because they increase the loss of fluid from the body, and thus increase the risk of heat stroke during fasting in Ramadan.

Avoid fried foods and a lot of salt, and replace it with lemon at breakfast and the pre-dawn meal.

Avoid heat if you are taking medications that affect body fluids and increase the risk of heat stroke during fasting in Ramadan, such as: beta-blockers, diuretics, and antidepressants.

Children and sunstroke while fasting in Ramadan

Pay attention to the activity and movement of children during hot days and peak times during the day in Ramadan, especially if he is fasting, by:

Motivation to avoid violent games and those that involve a lot of movement during fasting.

Make sure to eat the suhoor meal late, and it must be healthy and rich in fiber.

Not to go out at peak times during the day in Ramadan.

Asking specialists about the permissibility of breaking the fast in the event that it is necessary to go out at noon times.

Not leaving children in the car, even if the weather is fair, as an increase in temperature inside the closed car could lead to heat stroke.

Avoid exposure to heat if children are taking medications to treat ADHD.

Treatment and methods of dealing with a person suffering from heat stroke during fasting in Ramadan

Heatstroke is a medical emergency. Therefore, immediate medical help must be sought, and during that some methods can be followed to deal with a person suffering from heat stroke during fasting in Ramadan to cool his body to reach a normal temperature to prevent or reduce injury to vital organs:

Get it out of the sun immediately, and move it to the shade.

Remove any excess clothes and any sweaty clothes.

Lay him down and raise his legs if he is unconscious.

Reduce his temperature by any available means by placing him in a basin of cold water, spraying it with cold water, or using a sponge immersed in cold water, or cooling the air using a fan while spraying cold water, or placing ice bags or towels wet with cold water on some places on his body Like the head, armpits, groin and neck, because these areas are rich in blood vessels close to the skin, and cooling them reduces the body temperature.

Give him plenty of fluids if he is conscious, but avoid giving him drinks that contain alcohol or caffeine.

Do not give him anything to drink if he is vomiting or is unconscious.

Foods that reduce the risk of heat stroke during fasting in Ramadan

Eating water-rich foods during diarrhea, especially the pre-dawn meal, keeps the body hydrated for a long period during fasting. Thus, it reduces the risk of heat stroke during fasting in Ramadan, such as:

Watermelon, strawberry, cantaloupe, pineapple, peaches, and tomatoes, in addition to containing water, are rich in fiber, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that enhance hydration and reduce the risk of heat stroke during fasting in Ramadan.

Lettuce, as eating it helps maintain body moisture, and it also contains some elements that strengthen immunity, such as: folic acid, which prevents birth defects of the neural tube; Therefore, it is useful food for pregnant women.

Cauliflower, which contains choline, which strengthens the brain.

Oranges, squash, paprika, and grapefruit contain many elements, especially vitamin C, which boosts immunity, heart health and protects against many diseases such as: kidney stones.

Skimmed milk helps maintain the general hydration of the body, especially after performing exercises after breakfast compared to other sports drinks or water.

Plain yogurt and cottage cheese, in addition to moisturizing the body; It contains protein, vitamins, and important minerals, and it is preferable to eat regular yogurt rather than the flavored one because it contains a high content of unhealthy sugar that promotes diseases such as: obesity, heart disease, and diabetes.

Cucumber, kiwi and celery are rich in vitamin K and potassium and thus protect against heart disease, cancer and osteoporosis.

Coconut water is especially useful after exercise because it contains a large percentage of water in addition to electrolytes such as: potassium, sodium, and chloride.