How does heatstroke in summer cause death? Which organ of the body fails first?

Many states of the country are facing scorching heat this year. Many states of West-North India are experiencing temperatures above 45 degrees. Cases of heat stroke are increasing due to extreme heat. The number of patients in hospitals is also continuously increasing due to heat. Heat stroke is occurring due to rise in temperature. In the last few days, there have been deaths from heat stroke from Rajasthan to Delhi.

Many people have died due to scorching heat in Rajasthan. One patient has died due to heat in the capital Delhi too. Most of the cases of death are due to rise in body temperature. In such a situation, it is important for you to know why the body temperature rises in summer. How dangerous is it and how can it cause death? We spoke to experts to find out the answers to these questions.

Experts say, when the body temperature rises, the body gets hot and fever occurs. But it is important to understand the difference between normal fever and heat-induced fever. A body temperature of 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit is normal. But if it goes up to 100 or 102 degrees Fahrenheit, it is called fever. Usually, whether it is winter or summer, this temperature is called a fever, but if the body temperature rises above 103 degrees during the summer season, it can prove dangerous.

The cooling system fails

Dr. Ajay Agarwal, Director of Fortis Hospital, Noida says that the cooling system works to keep the body cool. When the heat outside starts to rise, the body temperature also starts to rise. During this time the brain tries to regulate the temperature. During this time, the glands present in the body start sweating. By sweating, the skin cools itself from the wind blowing from the outside environment. Due to which the internal organs of the body also start cooling themselves.

But when it is very hot. That is, if the outside temperature rises too much, excessive sweating also occurs. Due to which sodium deficiency occurs in the body. It affects many organs. It first affects the skin and red spots appear on the skin. In some cases, the temperature increase can directly affect the brain, which can be fatal.

How does heat affect the brain?

HOD, Department of Community Medicine, Safdarjung Hospital, Dr. Jugal Kishor, says that when excessive sweating occurs, the brain's signal system starts to deteriorate. This causes dizziness and sudden fainting. When the body temperature increases, sweating increases. This usually happens when the temperature is around 40 degrees Celsius. In this situation there is scarcity of water. Lack of water in the body causes weakness and fatigue. If this condition is not controlled, the temperature rises continuously up to 42 degrees Celsius.

At what temperature does death occur?

According to Dr. Kishore, if the body temperature goes up to 44 degrees Celsius, the brain gets damaged and death occurs after the temperature reaches 44 degrees Celsius. This entire process can also be done very quickly. It may start with excessive sweating. It affects all organs like skin, kidney, heart and brain. Brain failure can also lead to death.

It also affects the heart

Dr. Ankit Kumar of Delhi's RML Hospital says that heat also affects the heart. Heat stroke can also lead to a heart attack. When the outside temperature is high, it causes excessive sweating and dehydration. It also reduces blood volume and puts pressure on the heart and leads to heart attack.