How to Prevent Heat Stroke While in Qatar

The weather in Qatar is dry and hot for most of the year, and peaks at May to September for hottest months. However, during the winter months, it can be really cold.

The generally hot weather of Qatar can be attributed to the fact that it is mostly a desert country. In fact, for most of the day, the temperature sits at a whopping 42 degrees Celsius.

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Tips for Dealing with Qatar’s Heat

A. Symptoms of Heat Stroke

You know you have a heat stroke when you have the following symptoms: First, your body temperature is at 40 degrees Celsius or higher. Second, you may exhibit changes in behavior. These behavioral changes include being agitated, confused, delirious, irritable or having slurred speech. Third, your skin will feel so dry and hot and will be reddish. Fourth, you may vomit and feel dizzy, accompanied with a headache. Fifth, you may experience rapid and shallow breathing, coupled with a rapid pulse and heart beat.

B. Causes of Heat Stroke

Being overly exposed to the hot weather of Qatar can lead to the classic heatstroke caused by non-exertion. There is another type of heat stroke, called exertional, which is caused by strong physical activity, especially when it’s done in the hot weather conditions of Qatar.

C. How to Prevent Heat Stroke

It is important that you don’t wear thick clothing. A cotton t-shirt is a good example of what you can wear in Qatar, as it allows perspiration to evaporate easily so your body can cool down. Heat stroke can also be caused if you don’t drink enough water, especially if you work or exercise regularly. One should wear sunscreens with SPF 15 or better as well; this helps prevent sunburn which prevents skin from properly cooling the body.

Another thing to remember is that it’s dangerous to leave your children in parked cars. It is lethal even, and there are many cases of deaths due to this. You must always park your care in a shaded area. Furthermore, during hot days, one shouldn’t exert too much physical activity and just take it easy.

D. What to do When a Person has Heat Stroke

If you or someone else is having a heat stroke, the first thing you need to do is get out of the heat and go to a cooler area. The patient should lie down and raise their legs so that blood will flow to the heart. Loosen up tight clothing or remove any excess clothing. Drink water, and use a cool towel or take a cold bath to lower the patient’s body temperature.

Qatar is a really hot country; in fact, on average, it only rains about 5 days in a year. That’s why you need to be wary of heat stroke. Try to stay in air conditioned offices, malls and homes, and even when you’re in the car.