Medical expert urges Nigerians to stay hydrated, avoid peak afternoon heat and seek urgent medical attention when symptoms of heatstroke occur.
Health educator Aproko Doctor has warned Nigerians about the dangers of heatstroke, describing it as a life-threatening medical emergency that occurs when the body overheats and can no longer regulate its temperature effectively.
Heatstroke, which can cause the body’s core temperature to rise to 40°C (104°F) or higher, can damage vital organs, including the brain, heart and kidneys, if not treated promptly.
The warning comes amid concerns about the health risks associated with extreme heat, particularly during Nigeria’s hot and dry weather conditions.
How Heatstroke Affects the Body
According to the health advisory, extreme heat places additional strain on the heart as it works harder to regulate body temperature by circulating blood towards the skin to release heat.
Severe dehydration can also reduce blood flow to the kidneys, increasing the risk of acute kidney injury. In serious cases, heatstroke can disrupt brain function, leading to dizziness, confusion, seizures or loss of consciousness.
Without urgent treatment, the condition can cause permanent organ damage or death.
What to Do in an Emergency
Members of the public are advised to act quickly if someone develops signs of heatstroke, including confusion, fainting or an unusually high body temperature.
The affected person should immediately be moved to a shaded or air-conditioned location, while efforts are made to cool the body using cold water, wet cloths or ice packs placed around the neck, armpits and groin.
Emergency medical services should be contacted immediately, as heatstroke requires urgent medical treatment.
Health experts also advise against giving fluids to anyone who is confused, unconscious or unable to swallow safely because of the risk of choking.
Tips for Preventing Heatstroke
To reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses, Nigerians are encouraged to drink water regularly, especially when spending extended periods outdoors or engaging in physical activity.
Wearing lightweight, loose-fitting clothing and limiting strenuous activities during the hottest parts of the day can also help the body cope with high temperatures.
Other recommended precautions include staying in shaded or well-ventilated areas, taking cool showers and using fans or air conditioning where available. However, fans alone may not provide adequate protection when temperatures become extremely high.
Parents and caregivers are also warned never to leave children unattended in parked vehicles, as temperatures inside cars can rise rapidly to dangerous levels.
Call for Increased Awareness
As hot weather conditions persist in different parts of the country, greater public awareness of heat-related illnesses remains important.
Nigerians are encouraged to recognise the warning signs of heatstroke, take preventive measures and seek immediate medical assistance when symptoms occur.
While regular hydration and other precautions can help reduce the risk, heatstroke should always be treated as a medical emergency rather than a condition to manage at home.
