As an intense heatwave continues to affect large parts of Pakistan, health experts have issued an urgent warning about the dangers of heatstroke, a serious medical emergency that can become fatal if not treated promptly. Rising temperatures across the country have increased health risks, particularly for people exposed to the sun for extended periods during the hottest hours of the day.
Medical professionals explained that heatstroke occurs when the body can no longer regulate its temperature due to extreme heat exposure. According to experts, the condition carries a mortality rate ranging from 10 to 80 percent, depending largely on how quickly medical treatment is provided. Rapid diagnosis and immediate cooling measures can significantly improve survival chances, while delays may lead to severe complications and death.
Doctors noted that individuals spending long periods outdoors during peak daytime temperatures face the greatest risk. Outdoor laborers, construction workers, delivery personnel, and others working under direct sunlight are particularly vulnerable as temperatures continue to rise across many regions of the country.
Health experts highlighted several warning signs of heatstroke, including an abnormally high body temperature, hot and flushed skin, dizziness, weakness, severe headaches, confusion, hallucinations, and slurred speech. They stressed that anyone exhibiting these symptoms should be taken to the nearest healthcare facility without delay, as early intervention can be lifesaving.
The most vulnerable groups include infants, elderly individuals, athletes, and people with pre-existing health conditions. Experts warned that these populations are less capable of coping with extreme heat and may develop heat-related illnesses more quickly than healthy adults. Families have been urged to closely monitor children and older relatives during the ongoing heatwave.
To reduce the risk of heatstroke, health professionals advised people to avoid direct sun exposure during the hottest parts of the day, drink plenty of water, wear loose-fitting and light-colored clothing, and seek shade whenever possible. They also emphasized that children should never be left unattended inside parked vehicles, where temperatures can rise to dangerous levels within minutes.
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