Doctors warn of heatstroke and sunstroke symptoms amid Kyrgyzstan heatwave

Kyrgyzstan's health experts are issuing urgent warnings about the risks of heatstroke and sunstroke as temperatures soar across the country. Specialists at the Bishkek Center for Health Improvement are advising the public to take precautions against overheating, which can lead to serious health consequences.

Heatstroke, a condition arising from the body's inability to cool itself, can occur in stuffy indoor environments, hot outdoor conditions, or even in a car without air conditioning. Sunstroke, a specific type of heatstroke, results from prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, particularly on the head.

The severity of these conditions varies, with the most critical stage potentially leading to delirium, hallucinations, convulsions, loss of consciousness, and in the most extreme cases, death. Common symptoms include elevated body temperature, muscle pain, nosebleeds, nausea, vomiting, shortness of breath, and altered consciousness.

To prevent sunstroke, health officials recommend wearing light-colored clothing made from natural fabrics like linen and cotton, using head coverings, and seeking shade. Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water and avoiding alcohol, which exacerbates dehydration, is crucial. Limiting time spent in direct sunlight, especially between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m., is also advised. Bishkek is expected to reach 32 degrees Celsius (90 degrees Fahrenheit) on June 25, with some southern regions potentially reaching 37 degrees Celsius (99 degrees Fahrenheit).