Summer in Qatar: How to avoid heat exhaustion

It's summer in Qatar and the temperatures are climbing. It's that time of the year again when people fall ill just because of the heat. You can take a number of precautions to prevent heat exhaustion and other heat-related illnesses.

Drinking plenty of water is the most important summer tip. It is the only natural way our body can stay cool. If you have to work outdoors, take regular water breaks and try to find shade wherever possible. 

Symptoms of heat exhaustion include cramps, fatigue, weakness, headache, dizziness, nausea, and occasionally vomiting, but usually consciousness is retained. 

A person suffering from heat exhaustion should be immediately moved to a cooler area, his clothes should be removed or loosened and should be given a cool shower if possible.

Plenty of cool drinks and some salty snacks should be given as well.

People having mild heat exhaustion are advised to go to a Primary Health Centres, while those with symptoms such as drowsiness or loss of consciousness need to be taken to the Emergency Department.

People who have symptoms of heat exhaustion for more than an hour after first aid, or where the person has illnesses such as diabetes, hypertension or obesity, should also be taken to the Emergency Department.  

HMC has advised people to follow the necessary precautions to ensure they remain unaffected by dust storms during the summer months. 

Infants, children, the elderly, pregnant women and those who have to work outdoors, such as construction or delivery workers, have to be very careful during the harsh summer months.

During duststorms, limit exposure to the dust by using protective covering over the nose and mouth. These masks are available at pharmacies.

Photo by Ameer Abdul Razak