Man in deep coma from heatstroke amid Vietnam's extreme heatwave

Extreme heat in Vietnam has led to multiple cases of heatstroke, with one 69-year-old man in Phu Tho province admitted to the hospital in a critical condition. The patient, identified as L.T.K. from Tho Tang, was brought to the hospital after feeling faint while working in rice paddies under temperatures reaching 40 degrees Celsius.

He received initial first aid at a local medical station, where he had a high fever of 40 degrees Celsius. Upon arrival at Phu Tho Provincial General Hospital, he was in a deep coma with a Glasgow score of 5, a fever of 41-42 degrees Celsius, unstable blood pressure requiring vasopressors, and low urine output. Doctors diagnosed him with heatstroke and multi-organ failure caused by the extreme heat.

The patient is currently undergoing intensive resuscitation measures, including induced hypothermia, mechanical ventilation, vasopressor support, fluid and electrolyte rehydration, and close monitoring in the Intensive Care Unit. His condition remains critical and requires continued intensive treatment.

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Heatstroke is a particularly dangerous internal medical emergency that occurs when the body's temperature regulation mechanism is disrupted due to prolonged exposure to high temperatures or strenuous activity in hot weather.

Another case involved a 50-year-old patient, N.B.K., from Phung Nguyen commune, who experienced symptoms of exhaustion, dizziness, sweating, rapid breathing, and muscle cramps after harvesting rice for about two hours in the intense sun. After approximately one hour of emergency care, including rehydration and cooling, the patient regained consciousness and his condition stabilized. He is expected to be discharged soon.

Dr. Bui Tat Luat from the hospital's Intensive Care Unit warned that heatstroke is a dangerous medical emergency occurring when the body's temperature regulation fails due to prolonged exposure to high temperatures or strenuous activity in hot weather. If not treated promptly, it can lead to multi-organ failure, brain damage, and death. He advised people to limit outdoor work between 10 AM and 4 PM, avoid overexertion, stay hydrated, wear light clothing, and use sun protection. He stressed that the elderly and individuals with cardiovascular conditions or hypertension should be particularly cautious.

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When body temperature rises excessively, the body can quickly fall into multi-organ failure, damage to the brain, cardiovascular system, respiratory system, and death if not treated promptly.