Kuala lumpur: The public has been advised to watch for early signs of heatstroke, especially those most vulnerable, including children, the elderly, and people with chronic illnesses. University Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC) family medicine specialist Dr. Megat Mohamad Amirul Amzar Megat Hashim emphasized the importance of recognizing these signs during extreme heat periods, which often follow heat exhaustion.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Dr. Megat Mohamad Amirul explained that the human body functions optimally around 37°C. When exposed to extreme heat, the body's proteins, enzymes, and hormones may cease to function correctly, risking organ failure and potentially leading to fatal outcomes. He noted that heat exhaustion can progress to heatstroke if the body temperature rises above 40°C, leading to symptoms such as confusion, delirium, fainting, or seizures.

Dr. Megat Mohamad Amirul advised that if these signs appear, immediate first aid is crucial. This includes loosening clothing, cooling the head, neck, and armpits, moving to a cooler environment, and consuming cold fluids. Without prompt intervention, the individual may grow weaker, and vital organs can be compromised, leading to severe health consequences.

He further explained that during heatstroke, severe dehydration causes the person to stop sweating, and urine output may significantly decrease or cease altogether. This severe dehydration can result in internal organ damage if not addressed promptly. He stressed the importance of rushing affected individuals to the hospital for emergency treatment if these conditions arise.

Children and older adults with chronic illnesses are particularly susceptible to heatstroke due to their bodies' reduced resilience. Dr. Megat Mohamad Amirul highlighted the importance of maintaining a proper lifestyle and diet to ensure adequate hydration during hot weather. He recommended avoiding prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, especially between 11 am and 4 pm when the sun is most intense.

In terms of dietary precautions, he advised against excessive caffeine, alcohol, and salty foods, as they can exacerbate dehydration. He emphasized the importance of drinking at least eight glasses of water daily to maintain proper hydration levels.