Temperatures have risen above 40, and a warning has come from an expert: "Your body's temperature regulation may be disrupted"
In Antalya, where the temperature has risen above 40 degrees Celsius, experts have issued a warning about heatstroke. Dr. Elif Sarıönder Gencer from the Neurology Department emphasized the need to prefer enclosed and cool spaces during the hours when the sun is directly overhead, stating that "your body temperature regulation may be disrupted".
In Antalya, a tourist city where temperatures have risen above 40 degrees Celsius, extreme heat warnings have been issued. Dr. Elif Sarıönder Gencer from the Neurology Department of Memorial Antalya Hospital advised caution in the face of extreme heat.
Gencer highlighted that extreme heat affects the body's thermoregulation system, emphasizing that heatstroke, which can occur in such situations, is a very dangerous medical issue. She noted that prolonged exposure to very hot weather and long periods of work in humid environments can disrupt the body's thermoregulation system. "The body can overheat excessively, leading to life-threatening heart and consciousness issues. Especially elderly patients, those with chronic illnesses, individuals engaging in heavy physical exercise, and those working in hot conditions can disrupt their thermoregulation levels by losing excessive amounts of sweat. When the body temperature rises significantly, it heats the brain enough to impair its function. This leads to confusion, rapid heartbeat, impaired kidney function, and the body experiences a kind of shock. This state of confusion can escalate to coma and cause serious life-threatening issues," she said.
"The adjustment of your body temperature may be disrupted"
Gencer stressed the importance of being cautious between 12:00 and 16:00, when the sun is at its zenith during the summer months. "The problem isn't just exposure to the sun; working in enclosed and hot environments can also lead to heatstroke. If there's no air conditioning and it's very hot, and you're exerting effort and sweating, it can disrupt your body's temperature regulation," she explained.
"You may want to sleep but may not wake up"
Gencer pointed out that the first signs of heatstroke are a feeling of thirst, weakness, followed immediately by palpitations, confusion, dizziness, and lack of concentration. "If you don't cool yourself down in a cool place and drink plenty of fluids, you may lose consciousness. You may want to sleep in that hot environment, but you may not wake up because organ failures begin. When these patients arrive at the hospital, they often have severely impaired laboratory findings," she added.
Gencer emphasized the importance of choosing cooler and enclosed environments when the temperature rises above 40 degrees Celsius and the sun's rays are direct, and the need for adequate fluid intake.
