Heat stroke: a serious risk for the liver
Among the affected organs, the liver is particularly sensitive to increased body temperature
The heat waves of these days, increasingly frequent and intense, risk being very harmful for our body. Besides causing the most well-known headaches, nausea and dizziness, they can have very serious consequences, especially on the liver.
“Heat stroke” lethal for our body
The alarm is raised by the director of the Liver Transplant Centre and new director of the Department for Transplantation at the City of Health in Turin, Renato Romagnoli. “Heat stroke – explains the expert – is a potentially lethal condition that occurs when the body fails to disperse excess heat. In these conditions, vital organs such as the heart, lungs, kidneys, liver and brain can be damaged or even permanently damaged.”
The liver: a particularly vulnerable organ
Among the affected organs, the liver, a vital organ for many life functions, is particularly sensitive to increased body temperature. ” The liver – continues Romagnoli – is a very delicate organ and high temperatures can cause hepatic necrosis, that is the death of liver cells. In severe cases, this condition can lead to acute liver failure, which requires a transplant to save the patient’s life.”
Symptoms not to be underestimated
Recognizing the symptoms of heat stroke is crucial to acting promptly. In addition to the most common symptoms such as headaches, nausea, dizziness and weakness, you may also experience:
- Hot, dry skin: Sweating stops when the body is no longer able to dissipate heat
- Redness and redness of skin: Due to skin vasodilation
- Confusion, disorientation: Due to impaired brain function
- Loss of consciousness: in severe cases.
An emblematic clinical case
To confirm this, Romagnoli cites the case of a young patient from Piedmont who, following a heat stroke, developed fulminant liver failure and had to undergo an urgent liver transplant. ‘ The patient was passed out near a wood-burning – says the doctor – and her liver has suffered irreparable damage.”
How to protect yourself from heat stroke
To prevent heat stroke, it is essential to follow a few simple precautions:
- Drink plenty of water: Keeping your body hydrated is essential to regulate body temperature
- Avoid exposure to the sun during hot hours: Look for shade and wear hats and sunglasses
- Dress lightly: Opt for light-coloured clothes and natural fabrics
- Exercise in moderation: Avoid overexertion during the hottest hours
- Pay attention to body signals: If you feel the first symptoms of malaise, it is important to refresh yourself and seek medical attention.