UALA LUMPUR, March 26 — 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 said heatstroke occurs after extreme heat, often following heat exhaustion.
He said that in extreme heat, the body tries to lower its temperature, as it functions optimally around 37°C.
“Beyond that, the body’s proteins, enzymes, and hormones stop working properly, putting organs at risk of failure, and potentially becoming fatal.
“When our body temperature rises, we experience what’s known as heat exhaustion… If this continues, the body can’t cope and it may develop into heatstroke,” he said in an interview on Bernama TV’s Ruang Bicara programme, titled ‘Strok Haba: Risiko Nyawa Dalam Diam’.
He said early signs of heatstroke include a body temperature over 40°C, confusion or delirium, fainting, or seizures.
He said if these signs appear, people should loosen clothing, cool the head, neck, and armpits, move to a cool place, and drink cold fluids immediately.
“If first aid isn’t given, the risk of heatstroke rises sharply… the person will grow weaker, and vital organs can gradually fail,” he warned.
Dr Megat Mohamad Amirul explained that during heatstroke, the person stops sweating due to severe dehydration.
“Urine output in people with heat exhaustion or heatstroke also drops or stops due to severe dehydration. Without first aid, this can damage internal organs and may become fatal if not treated promptly.
“If that happens, they should be rushed to the hospital for emergency treatment,” he said.
He said children and older adults with chronic illnesses are at higher risk of heatstroke from prolonged exposure, as their bodies are less resilient than those of healthy adults, and added that daily lifestyle and diet are crucial for staying hydrated in hot weather.
“Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight and limit outdoor activities between 11 am and 4 pm, when the sun is at its peak and the heat can quickly lead to heat exhaustion.
“In terms of diet, avoid taking too much caffeine, alcohol, and salty foods, as they can worsen dehydration,” he said, noting that drinking eight glasses of water a day helps keep the body properly hydrated.
