"Headache and Nausea in Scorching Heat? ... Must Rest and Prevent Heatstroke"

Professor Oh Han-jin YTN Radio Interview
"Water and Salt Must Be Replenished Together... Caffeine Is Not Allowed"

As heatwave warnings are issued across most regions nationwide and the perceived temperature rises to around 35 degrees Celsius, heat-related illnesses are occurring one after another. Since core body temperature rising above 40 degrees Celsius can impair organ function and even lead to death, it is important to be cautious to avoid heat-related illnesses.

According to Professor Oh Han-jin of the Department of Family Medicine at Daejeon Eulji University Hospital, heat-related illnesses can be broadly divided into heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Heat exhaustion does not raise the core body temperature to 40 degrees, so there is no central nervous system abnormality, and it does not lead to death. Symptoms such as headache and nausea may appear, but recovery can be rapid if fluids and salts are replenished.

The problem is heat stroke. Heat stroke occurs when the core body temperature rises above 40 degrees Celsius, causing problems in the central nervous system.

Professor Oh appeared on YTN Radio's "News King with Park Ji-hoon" on the morning of the 4th and warned, "Enzymes that play very important roles in our body and maintain metabolism are made of proteins, but when the temperature exceeds 40 degrees, the proteins denature. Then all organs come to a complete stop, and organ function deteriorates. The heart, brain, kidneys, and liver all become unable to function, which can lead to death."

On the morning of the 2nd, the 9th day of the heatwave advisory, a worker is resting after completing drainage work to evaporate saltwater at a salt field in Yeomsan-myeon, Yeonggwang-gun, Jeollanam-do.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

Professor Oh added, "Although it varies slightly depending on the study, the fatality rate of heat stroke is reported very broadly, ranging from 25% to 80%."

He continued, "Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are almost the same illness, with the difference being whether it is in the early or late stage," and emphasized, "When heat stroke occurs, the temperature regulation system completely fails, so sweating stops. It must be addressed before it progresses to heat stroke."

Early symptoms of heat-related illness include dizziness and vomiting. If symptoms appear before the core body temperature reaches 40 degrees, rest should be taken in a cool place. Professor Oh said, "Wear loose clothing and go to a shaded, cool place to consume fluids and salts," and stressed, "If you only replenish fluids excessively, osmotic pressure problems can cause water to move to the brain, resulting in cerebral edema and potentially death. It is very important to replenish salts as well."

He added, "Ion drinks containing salts and sugars are very helpful," but noted, "However, caffeine promotes diuresis, so it is not effective when you are already dehydrated."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.