Heat Stroke in Bangladesh: How to Survive the Summer Heat

Bangladesh's Deadly Summers Are Getting Worse

Bangladesh regularly records temperatures above 40°C in April and May, with humidity that makes it feel even hotter. Climate change is intensifying heat waves. In recent years, dozens of Bangladeshis have died from heat-related illness — most of them outdoor workers, the elderly, and children.

Heat Exhaustion vs Heat Stroke — Know the Difference

Heat Exhaustion (serious but manageable)

• Heavy sweating
• Cool, pale, clammy skin
• Fast but weak pulse
• Nausea or vomiting
• Muscle cramps
• Tiredness and weakness
• Dizziness or fainting

Action: Move to a cool place, apply cool wet cloths, drink cold water or ORS. Should improve within 30 minutes.

Heat Stroke (medical emergency — call for help immediately)

• Body temperature above 40°C
• Hot, dry skin — sweating has stopped (this is the danger sign)
• Rapid strong pulse
• Confusion, slurred speech, aggression, seizures
• Loss of consciousness

Heat stroke is life-threatening. The body's cooling system has failed. Without immediate treatment, brain damage and death can occur within hours.

First Aid for Heat Stroke

While waiting for medical help:

1. Move the person to the coolest available area — shade, air-conditioned room
2. Remove excess clothing
3. Cool the body rapidly — pour cool water over them, fan them, apply ice packs to armpits, groin and neck
4. Do NOT give fluids to an unconscious person
5. Get to hospital as fast as possible

The goal is to get body temperature below 38°C as quickly as possible.

Who Is Most at Risk?

• Outdoor workers: Rickshaw pullers, construction workers, farmers, garment workers
• Children: Their bodies heat up faster and they may not recognise danger signals
• Elderly people: Reduced ability to sweat, often on medications that affect heat regulation
• People with diabetes or heart disease
• Anyone who is dehydrated before the heat exposure begins

How to Stay Safe in Extreme Heat

Hydration:

• Drink 3–4 litres of water daily in summer — do not wait until you feel thirsty
• Avoid tea, coffee and sugary drinks in extreme heat — they dehydrate
• ORS or coconut water replaces electrolytes lost through sweat

Outdoor work:

• Avoid working in direct sun between 11am and 3pm
• Take shade breaks every 30–45 minutes
• Wear loose, light-coloured cotton clothing and a hat

At home:

• Soak a cloth in cool water and drape over neck and forehead
• Use a hand fan or battery fan — even without AC, air circulation helps
• Close curtains on the sunny side of the house to reduce indoor heat

Medication awareness:

• Some common medications increase heat sensitivity: diuretics, antihistamines, blood pressure medications. Ask your doctor about managing this in summer.

Special Warning for Parents

Never leave a child in a parked car in summer — even with windows slightly open, car interior temperatures can reach 60°C within 10 minutes. More children die this way than most parents realise.

If a child stops sweating but still feels hot and becomes confused — this is a heat stroke emergency.