Air conditioner can pose a threat of heatstroke. Here are some dos and don’ts

Air conditioners create a barrier between the outside warmth and the conditioned indoor house, which prevents the accumulation of heat inside the residing or working setting, lowering the strain on the body and minimising the chance of overheating. They present a managed indoor setting with decrease temperatures, which helps forestall extreme warmth buildup they usually assist keep a snug and protected temperature vary, particularly in areas the place excessive warmth prevails.

However, it is very important use them responsibly and take into account vitality effectivity by setting the temperature at a reasonable degree and making certain correct insulation to assist keep a snug setting with out pointless vitality consumption. Additionally, staying well-hydrated, carrying acceptable clothes and avoiding extended publicity to excessive temperatures are necessary measures to additional cut back the chance of heat-related diseases, even when utilizing air con since some well being consultants declare that your air conditioner can pose a threat of heatstroke.

In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Sudha Desai, Consultant Physician, General Physician and Internal Medicine at Ruby Hall Clinic, defined, “A room with air conditioning will have a temperature that is 15 to 20 degrees higher than the outside air. When someone leaves a place with a lower ambient temperature, their body does not have enough time to acclimatise to the higher temperature outside. Although sweating is the body’s principal mechanism for responding to changing temperatures, prolonged exposure to air conditioning dries up the skin and makes sweating more difficult.”

She elaborated, “Due to impaired sweating mechanisms, the elderly, children, diabetics, and people using diuretics are especially vulnerable to these temperature changes. Because of this, a sudden temperature change from an enclosed, air-conditioned facility to the outside may produce heat exhaustion, heat stroke or worse still, heat hyperpyrexia, which can harm numerous organs.”

Dr Prasad Kuvalekar, Consultant Physician Internal Medicine at DPU Private Super Speciality Hospital in Pune, recommended the next dos and don’ts to keep away from heatstroke:

• Avoid going out within the solar, particularly between 12.00 midday and three.00 p.m.
• Drink ample water and as usually as attainable, even when not thirsty
• Wear light-weight, light-coloured, free, and porous cotton garments. Use protecting goggles, umbrella/hat, sneakers or chappals whereas going out in solar.
• Avoid strenuous actions when the skin temperature is excessive. Avoid working outdoors between 12 midday and three p.m.
• While travelling, carry water with you.
• Avoid alcohol, tea, espresso and carbonated gentle drinks, which dehydrates the physique.
• Avoid high-protein meals and don’t eat stale meals.
• If you’re employed outdoors, use a hat or an umbrella and likewise use a humid fabric in your head, neck, face and limbs
• Do not go away kids or pets in parked autos
• If you are feeling faint or ailing, see a physician instantly.
• Use ORS, selfmade drinks like lassi, torani (rice water), lemon water, buttermilk, and so on. which helps to re-hydrate the physique.
• Keep animals in shade and provides them loads of water to drink.
• Keep your own home cool, use curtains, shutters or sunshade and open home windows at evening.
• Use followers, damp clothes and take tub in chilly water regularly.