Manisa CBÜ Hafsa Sultan Hospital Department of Emergency Medicine Faculty Member Assoc. Dr. Muhammed İkbal Şaşmaz pointed out that extreme heat poses a life-threatening risk, especially for the elderly, children and those with chronic diseases. Şaşmaz stated that heat stroke can progress to coma and said that those who work outdoors should consume plenty of fluids, rest in the shade frequently and not go out during the hours when the sun is most effective.
Assoc. Prof., Manisa Celal Bayar University, Hafsa Sultan Hospital, Department of Emergency Medicine. Dr. Muhammed İkbal Şaşmaz warned citizens by stating that extreme heat, which increases in summer months, can cause serious health problems. Şaşmaz emphasized that heat stroke is a life-threatening situation and said that agricultural, construction and road workers are especially at risk.
Yaz aylarında sıcaklığa bağlı sağlık sorunlarıyla acil servislere başvuruların arttığını ifade eden Doç. Dr. Şaşmaz reminded that there were many deaths due to extreme heat in Europe and stated that similar risks also apply to Türkiye.
Stating that the most common symptom of heat-related illnesses is heat exhaustion, Şaşmaz said, "Sweating, headache, nausea, weakness and fatigue are among the most important symptoms. The most at risk are individuals over the age of 65, children under the age of 5, people with chronic diseases and people in need of care." he said.
Noting that heat stroke can lead to much more severe consequences, Şaşmaz said, "In this case, a change in consciousness, a condition progressing to coma, cessation of the sweating mechanism, and hot and dry skin are observed. This is literally a medical emergency. If left untreated, it can have life-threatening consequences." he said.
Stating that people suffering from heat exhaustion should move to a cool environment and consume plenty of water, Şaşmaz said that those who do not have blood pressure problems can replace fluid and mineral losses with salty ayran and mineral drinks. Şaşmaz emphasized that if the complaints continue, the nearest health institution should be consulted without delay.
Şaşmaz, who listed the precautions that should be taken for citizens, suggested that they should avoid going out as much as possible between 10.00 and 16.00, when the sun's rays are most effective, and if necessary, wear light-coloured and thin clothes, and use hats, sunglasses and sunscreen products. Drawing attention to the importance of consuming at least 2.5-3 liters of water daily, Şaşmaz stated that those who work outdoors should frequently rest in the shade.
Stating that elderly patients mostly apply to the emergency department during the summer period, Şaşmaz said that the risk of serious diseases such as kidney failure, heart attack and stroke increases due to the heat. Noting that heat-related illnesses are common in Manisa, which is an agricultural city, especially among agricultural workers and construction and road workers, Şaşmaz stated that inadequate ventilation in nursing homes and nurseries poses a risk.
Manisa CBU Hafsa Sultan Hospital Chief Physician Prof. Dr. İsmet Topçu pointed out that heat stroke is a life-threatening emergency and said, "Manisa Celal Bayar University Emergency Service is a tertiary health center that serves approximately 200 thousand patients a year. We recommend that our citizens who suspect heat stroke apply to the emergency room without delay." he said. - MANISA