Stay hydrated while travelling in hot and hazy weather

PETALING JAYA: Those travelling should stay hydrated in light of the recent hot and hazy weather, say health experts.

They said Malaysians should recognise the early signs and symptoms of dehydration, which could lead to heatstroke and even death.

Malaysian Community Pharmacy Guild president Foon Hwei Foong said people should watch out for dry mouth and lips, dry eyes, thirst, tiredness, headaches or dizziness, and changes in the colour or smell of their urine as early signs of dehydration.

“Heatstroke is a life-threatening condition and may cause neurological disorders such as seizures or confusion as the body temperature rises rapidly to 40ºC and higher.

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“One of the symptoms of heatstroke is that we don’t sweat much and our skin feels hot and dry to the touch. Heatstroke can lead to organ damage, brain failure or death.

“It is important to cool down the person with whatever means are available; put them in a cool tub of water, spray them with cool water, or place ice packs or cold, wet towels on their head, neck, armpits and groin area,” she said.

Foon said travellers should avoid alcoholic and caffeinated drinks because they may cause dehydration.

“People should stay indoors or in a shady area, wear comfortable clothing that is not too tight or thick, drink more water whenever they stop at any open house event, avoid smoking and consume less oily or sugary food.”

She noted that drinking “cooling water” (gypsum fibrosum), which is more commonly known as rhino water or air badak, also helps reduce body temperature.

“Cooling water is traditionally used to reduce body heat. There is no harm in taking it, but not too much,” she said.

Weighing in, Malaysian Chinese Medical Association president Dr Heng Aik Teng urged travellers to pay special attention to their diet and hydration, as heatwave and haze can cause dehydration.

“Although food hunting is an essential part of travel, excessive intake of high-calorie food can make people thirsty and easily lead to dehydration.”

Dr Heng said heatstroke and dehydration, although similar, are two different conditions that require different treatment methods.

“Emergency treatment for heatstroke includes immediately cooling the patient, providing adequate fluids and electrolytes, and seeking medical attention.

“Dehydration requires replenishing the body with enough fluids and electrolytes, which can be achieved through drinking water, sports drinks or oral hydration salts,” he said.

Dr Heng said drinking soup was also effective in maintaining good health, especially during hot and hazy weather.

Citing examples, he said some ingredients or combinations that have proven effective include old cucumber chicken soup and white fungus pear soup.

“It is up to each person’s personal taste and physical condition. It is recommended to control the amount and not overdo it.”

In KOTA KINABALU, the Sabah Health Department said a heatwave occurs when the average daily maximum temperature exceeds 37°C for three consecutive days.

Such a condition usually occurs in March and April.

Among the things the public can practise during the hot season are using umbrellas or caps when outside under the sun, drinking lots of water, refraining from sitting inside a car without the air conditioner or windows down, and turning on fans or air conditioning to keep cool.

It said that during a heatwave, the risk of haze also increases, and the public should stop open burning.

Those affected by long-term haze situations could suffer from itchy and painful throats that lead to coughing, runny noses and sneezing; difficulty breathing; painful and watery eyes; itching on the skin; and chest pains.

During this weather, the public are advised to monitor daily weather conditions and to live their daily lives in accordance with safety and health guidelines.