High temperatures, routine changes, and outdoor activities are associated with increased medical emergencies during the summer. From illnesses caused by heat, sports injuries, and even infections, several problems often affect health at this time.
Fortunately, in most cases, it is possible to reduce the risks with some preventive measures. Here’s a rundown of the top 7 summer medical problems and what to do to avoid them. Keep reading!
The most common summer medical emergencies and what to do
For many people, summer is the perfect time to get out of the routine, enjoy outdoor activities and indulge in whims regarding food. However, these changes tend to increase the risk of specific medical emergencies.
It is estimated that emergency consultations can increase between 20% and 50% during this period. Problems associated with dehydration, skin burns, certain infections, and gastrointestinal conditions are the order of the day. Let’s see in detail why they occur and how to deal with them.
1. Heat illnesses
Heat is one of the primary triggers for medical problems during the summer. High temperatures are detrimental to health and can cause dehydration and heat stroke.
These often manifest with dizziness, dry skin, heart rhythm disturbances, excessive feelings of thirst, headaches, and confusion. In addition, it is possible to present skin rashes, extreme exhaustion, and cramps.
What to do to avoid it?
The abundant consumption of water and electrolyte drinks is one of the most important measures to prevent this disease. In addition, it is advisable to wear loose and light clothing, apply sunscreen and avoid being outdoors during the hottest hours, usually between 2 pm and 4 pm.
2. Vaginal and urinary infections
High temperatures, humidity, and clothing such as shorts and bikinis often increase the risk of vaginal infections during the summer. The most frequent are those caused by fungi and bacteria—these manifest with itching in the intimate area and irritation and changes in vaginal discharge.
Meanwhile, due to dehydration and sweating, urinary tract infections are expected. Likewise, hot weather is recognized as a risk factor.
What to do to avoid it?
Ensuring good intimate hygiene is vital in avoiding these infections. Cotton underwear is recommended, which is tight enough. We must also reduce the use of very tight pants or shorts.
After wearing clothes such as bikinis, you have to try to change soon. Keeping these clothes wet for a long time facilitates the proliferation of bacteria and fungi in the vagina.
Other measures that help are the following:
- Urinate before and after sexual activity.
- Drink water, diuretic infusions, and cranberry juice.
- Avoid using scented soaps and intimate products.
- Wipe from front to back after using the bathroom.
3. Swimming and drowning injuries
Swimming and pool activities take center stage throughout the summer. The downside is that there is a constant risk of injury and drowning around it. Blows, tears, and fractures are the main reasons for emergency consultations.
Meanwhile, drowning is a potential risk for children, who are more likely to drown in a swimming pool than anywhere else. It is even the second most common cause of unintentional injury death in children ages 1 to 4, behind motor vehicle accidents.
What to do to avoid it?
One of the most essential measures to avoid these problems is adult supervision. Accidents often happen due to carelessness. It is also recommended to wear a life jacket, fence the pools and enroll children in swimming lessons.
4. Burns
Both burns and heat stroke are recurrent during the summer. The first manifest with redness and burning in the skin at different levels; they are caused by prolonged exposure to the sun without proper preventive measures; They can also occur accidentally during activities such as barbecues and bonfires. Depending on their grade, they also produce blisters.
What to do to avoid them?
Sunburns are relatively easy to prevent; use a broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) and accessories like hats, sunglasses, and clothing covering a large part of the body. This can help prevent heat stroke.
It is advisable to avoid sun exposure between 11 in the morning and 4 in the afternoon. In turn, optimal hydration must be ensured.
5. Food Poisoning and Gastroenteritis
Food poisoning and gastroenteritis are medical emergencies that increase during the summer. The reason is that high temperatures and humid conditions create an environment conducive to bacteria, fungi, and parasites multiplying more easily in food. Excessive alcohol consumption is also a risk factor.
What to do to avoid them?
The most important measure to avoid this type of condition is to monitor personal and food hygiene. It is essential to wash your hands well before handling any food; you must pass the fruits and vegetables well and ensure optimal cooking of the meats.
Other suggestions are as follows:
- Consume food in the shortest possible time after cooking. Avoid leaving them for a long time at room temperature.
- If you keep leftovers, they should remain in the refrigerator at a maximum of 5 °C.
- Be careful with preparations containing eggs, meat, fish, shellfish, and other foods that tend to be more easily contaminated. You must ensure they are in good condition and well-cooked before eating them.
- Avoid contact between raw and cooked food.
6. Skin Irritation and Bites
Outdoor exposure increases the risk of skin rashes and insect bites. In medical emergencies, irritations due to contact with wild plants such as oak and poison ivy are often reported; likewise, they can be the product of an allergy to the sun and bites.
Its most characteristic symptom is a lump or swelling that protrudes from the skin. In addition, it causes redness, a sensation of heat in the area, and itching.
What to do to avoid them?
First, it is convenient to use garments that protect the skin from direct contact with agents that can irritate it. The use of repellent against insects is another helpful measure. If the irritation has already occurred, avoid scratching the area because this action tends to worsen the symptoms.
7. Sports Injuries
Injuries derived from sports practice are quite frequent during the summer season. This is often because people start in sports without prior conditioning. They can also be the product of trauma from falls and sudden movements.
Joint pain, tendonitis, musculoskeletal injuries, and fractures are frequent reasons for emergency room visits.
What to do to avoid them?
Warm-up exercises before starting physical activity are crucial. In addition, you have to adapt the sport to the physical condition. Too strenuous activities should be avoided unless there is prior preparation.
Finding safe environments to practice sports is also an aspect to consider. The same goes for wearing appropriate footwear.
Prevention is the key to medical emergencies in the summer
Most summer medical emergencies can be avoided by taking a few precautions. It is essential to consider that both the climate and the environments usually visited at this time can influence the state of health.
Hence the importance of protecting yourself from the sun, staying hydrated, taking care of food hygiene, and looking for safety in the environments where you spend your free time.
Medical and emergency services usually collapse during this season. Therefore, we must act in prevention.
