[Smart Farmers] It’s hot, hot, hot! Here’s a “heat-proof cooling patch” for you

What is heat stroke

Heatstroke is a general term for the symptoms of temperature regulation disorders, water and electrolyte metabolism disorders and nervous system dysfunction caused by long-term exposure to high temperature and heat radiation.

Heat stroke is the most serious type of heat-induced illness, with a high mortality rate. Heat stroke is an imbalance between heat production and heat dissipation caused by exposure to a hot environment and/or strenuous exercise, characterized by a core temperature increase of >40°C and central nervous system abnormalities, such as mental status changes, convulsions or coma, and a life-threatening clinical syndrome with multiple organ damage. Heat stroke is divided into classic heat stroke (CHS) and exertional heat stroke (EHS) according to the cause of the disease and the susceptible population.

Who is prone to heat stroke?

Classic heat stroke is mainly caused by passive exposure to a hot environment, which causes an imbalance between the body's heat production and heat dissipation. It is commonly caused by high temperature and/or high humidity environmental factors, usually without strenuous physical activity, and individuals with impaired temperature regulation are more likely to develop the disease, such as infants, the elderly, patients with chronic underlying diseases or impaired immune function, long-term bedridden patients, and obese patients.

Exertional heat stroke is mainly caused by an imbalance between heat production and heat dissipation caused by high-intensity physical activity. EHS is common in healthy young people who exercise vigorously in the summer, such as soldiers, athletes, firefighters, and construction workers who participate in summer training. Although EHS is more likely to occur in high temperature and high humidity environments, environmental conditions are not necessary.

Traditional Chinese medicine believes that there are three types of people who are prone to heatstroke: one is those with excess moisture in the body, one is those with heat in the lungs and stomach, and one is those with a yin deficiency constitution.

How to provide first aid for heat stroke

Focus of on-site treatment:

① Rapid, effective and continuous cooling;

② Rapidly replenish fluids and expand volume;

③ Effectively control agitation and convulsions, among which rapid, effective and continuous cooling is the most important.

The principle of "cooling while transporting" is recommended in early on-site disposal. When there is a conflict between cooling and transport, the principle of "cooling first, transport second" should be followed.

How to prevent heat stroke with traditional Chinese medicine

1. Build awareness of heatstroke prevention, learn and prepare heatstroke prevention measures and medicines, such as Shi Di Shui, Huo Xiang Zheng Qi Shui and antipyretic analgesics, etc.;

2. People with weak spleen and stomach should avoid cold drinks in summer and drink more brown sugar ginger water;

3. People with spleen dampness and obesity should drink more water in summer to sweat more and expel moisture from the body. They can also take medicine to regulate spleen dampness under the guidance of a doctor.

4. People with insufficient qi and blood should increase nutrition in their diet and eat more foods that have the effect of replenishing qi and blood, such as red dates, longan, donkey-hide gelatin, etc.

Tips to prevent heat stroke :

Diet therapy

1. Melon peel and mung bean water

Ingredients: 150 grams of watermelon rind, 100 grams of mung beans, 60 grams of rock sugar.

2. Cold watermelon rind

Self-made tea substitute recipe:

Recipe for a tea that clears away heat and replenishes qi: 2g each of American ginseng, dendrobium, lotus stem (lotus leaf), and licorice. Cut the watermelon rind into pieces and boil it in high heat for about 5 minutes. Remove the watermelon rind and use water to make tea.

Bathing method:

Use Ten Drops of Water or Huoxiang Zhengqi Water for sponge bathing or bathing.

Tips on heat stroke

1. In case of high temperature and high humidity weather, ensure sleep, drink plenty of boiled water, mung bean soup and other anti-heat drinks, and eat light food.

2. Try to reduce the time spent outdoors during the day, and take sun protection measures when going out to avoid sunburn.

3. If someone has heat stroke, move the patient to a cool and ventilated place and give the patient anti-heat medicine. If the condition is serious, send the patient to the hospital for diagnosis and treatment immediately.

Author: Fang Xiaolei, Chief Physician, Emergency Department, Oriental Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine

Scientific review: Yan Yan, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine Oriental Hospital