Heat wave: an emergency doctor from Toulouse explains the damage that heat can do to the body
By Lucie Fraisse
Published on
At the beginning of August 2022, Toulouse is experiencing its third episode of heat wave since mid-June. In July, there were 18 consecutive days over 30°C in the Pink City. And the consumers of Météo France for the first fifteen days of August still announce temperatures above 35°C every day, or almost.
Number of calls related to discomfort on the rise
Temperatures that put the body to the test. At Toulouse University Hospitalthe number of calls for heat-related illnesses has thus increased in recent days.
“The elderly and the youngest are particularly vulnerable, recalls Dr. Charles-Henri Houze-Cerfon, head of emergencies at the University Hospital of Purpan. People with chronic medical conditions should also be vigilant. Thus for some patients, such as diabetics for example, the heat wave can lead to the aggravation of symptoms.
Hyperthermia and dehydration
Regardless of age, excessive sun exposure or intense physical activity outdoors can cause hyperthermia.
“It’s a rise in body temperature that can jeopardize the vital prognosis of the patient, emphasizes Dr. Houze-Cerfon. Dehydration can also lead to kidney problems or significant metabolic changes. »
Watch out for the little beer at the aperitif
Staying well hydrated, spraying water regularly, keeping cool for several hours a day, but also continuing to eat normally allows the body to better cope with the heat. “Be careful, there is no question of just drinking: don’t stop eating and have diversified hydration,” explains Dr. Houze-Cerfon.
And beware of the temptation of an aperitif! “It’s summer, you might want a little drink in a festive context, notes the Toulouse emergency doctor. Or alcohol increases the risk of dehydration, this is especially true for beer. »
Nausea, headaches…
There are several symptoms to watch out for. “Nausea, headaches in particular… If you haven’t urinated for five to six hours as well”, explains Dr Houze-Cerfon. If in doubt, do not hesitate to contact the 15.
And these symptoms are particularly to be monitored in the most fragile populations, not always able to express complaints. Young children and the elderly thus feel less the sensation of thirst. “In addition their sweating mechanism is impaired and the cooling of the skin is less easy. Or sweating serves to cool the body. »
The Toulouse emergency doctor therefore calls for the vigilance of those around him. “We have said it a lot, but we have to insist: relatives must regularly visit the elderly, take news. We also recommend leaving a complete medical file with the telephone numbers of the people to contact in the event of an emergency at the seniors’ home, it helps us a lot in the event of care. »
Note, the Toulouse town hall and the municipal center for social action have set up a register to identify all seniors and disabled people who wish to be contacted regularly during the summer. To register, dial 0800 042 444.
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