As you perform your Hajj rituals ... Important tips to prevent sunstroke

Weather of Arabia - Sunstroke is classified as a serious medical condition caused by intense heat, and often occurs when long and direct exposure to sunlight, especially in hot and dry areas.

It is one of the cases that requires urgent medical intervention, as it can lead to death.

How does sunstroke occur?

Sunstroke occurs when the body is unable to properly cool itself through sweating. In cases of intense heat and lack of compensation for fluid losses, the body temperature rises faster than its ability to cool, causing damage to the brain and other vital organs in the body.

Also read ( How to protect yourself from sunstroke on the day of Arafa? )

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is characterized by high temperatures during the month of August "which is the month that will witness the rituals of Hajj for this year", as it is in the mid-forties, and in some few days it may reach the end of the forties and perhaps fifty degrees Celsius, which may expose pilgrims to sunstroke.

It may be mixed with symptoms of heat stroke, symptoms of fatigue and regular fatigue; Which increases the severity of the patient's health, and may lead to death sometimes, especially if the patient complains of other diseases such as: heart disease, diabetes and others.

The sun strikes a lot during the tawaf, especially at noon, and in Mina due to the long distance and crowding when throwing stones, in addition to Arafat at noon.

Precautions before sun exposure

1. Consult your doctor to take medical recommendations appropriate to your health condition, if you are taking drugs that constrict blood vessels, blood pressure medications, or antidepressants, or are taking a diuretic.
2. Organizing a schedule for outdoor activities, taking into account taking rest in the shaded areas during the hottest periods of the day.
3. Equipped with a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and a parasol.
4. Apply sunscreen every 2 hours and choose products that contain 30 ( SPF ) or more.
5. Drink enough fluids and water regularly.
6. Avoid hot and heavy meals.

Important medical recommendations and advice for pilgrims in the Sacred House of God

Symptoms of sunstroke

• High body temperature.
• Dry and hot skin.
• Change of behavior and mental state of the injured.
• An acceleration of the heartbeat as the pulse increases significantly; To increase the load on the heart to help cool the body.
• General fatigue.
• a headache.
• Nausea and vomiting
• Dizziness.
• Skin redness and dryness.
• Sweating.
• A loss of consciousness and may reach coma.

First aid when suffering from heat stroke

In the event of a sun stroke:

1. Medical assistance should be requested immediately by calling the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia emergency number 911 or your local emergency services number.
2. While waiting for the emergency treatment, remove the victim from the sun and transfer it to a cool, shaded area urgently
3. Remove excess clothing from the injured person
4. And cool his body with all available means such as: spray it with cold water, put ice packs or wet towels on the head, neck and armpits, or put it in a cold water bath or under a cold water shower.

Writing: The loyalty of Manasir