SPOTTING TROUBLE

You’re unlikely to have problems spotting a serious asthma or heart attack and stroke, particularly when you or the affected person develop symptoms quickly and are very unwell.

Most people who are seriously ill look seriously ill and so when you’re concerned that you or someone else is suffering from an acute and severe illness speak to your GP immediately or call for an ambulance. But in many cases, events may not appear quite as dramatic.

For example, asthma can get worse gradually and an asthma attack can sometimes look less severe than it actually is. Heart attacks and strokes may also present in quite a subtle way at times.

Spotting the warning symptoms and signs early allows you to get help quickly when appropriate.

IS GRANDPA HAVING A STROKE?

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If the blood supply to your brain gets interrupted, you suffer a stroke. It may be more apparent to those around you that you are suffering. If blood cannot reach certain areas of your brain, the affected brain cells behind the blockage can die and parts of your brain don’t function properly afterwards.

The two main types of stroke are ischaemic stroke, where a clot narrows or blocks a blood vessel in your brain, and a hemorrhagic stroke, when a blood vessel in your brain bursts causing bleeding into your brain.

A mini-stroke (also known as a transient ischaemic attack or TIA) is very similar to a stroke but does improve by itself within 24 hours.

Sometimes a TIA can be a warning sign that a more serious stroke may be imminent, which is why you need to take it as seriously as a stroke

You are at higher risk of suffering a stroke if you have underlying health conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, raised cholesterol-and an irregular heartbeat known as atrial fibrillation, or if strokes run in your family.

Your lifestyle may also contribute, if you smoke, are obese, or inactive, have a poor diet or drink too much alcohol.

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You can recognise a stroke by any of the following features which may appear alone or in combination:

• The face has fallen to one side and is unable to smile properly. It may look contorted.
• One arm is noticeably weaker than the other and the arms cannot be lifted and held out in front.
• The legs are weak and cannot move properly.
• Speech is slurred.
• Sight is lost in one eye, partially or completely. If you suspect someone has had a stroke, call for an ambulance. The sooner you call for help, the better the chance of a good recovery.

HOW CAN YOU TELL IF YOU’RE HAVING A HEART ATTACK?

In a heart attack, the blood vessels supplying your heart suddenly become blocked and your heart muscle doesn’t get enough oxygen. The result is usually chest pain.

The main danger of a heart attack is that your heart may stop beating, and so you need to treat a possible heart attack as an emergency, even if you still feel relatively well.

Heart attacks aren’t always easy to spot but call for an ambulance if you recognise one or more of the following typical symptoms which can occur alone or in any combination.

• You experience persistent, central chest pain that feels like a tightness or heavy pressure or like someone sitting on your chest.
• You have a pain that spreads to your neck, jaw or down one or both of your arms. Sometimes the pain also spreads to your back or you feel it in your upper abdomen rather than in your chest (a bit like indigestion). Adventure Medical Kits... Check Amazon for Pricing.
• You have pain and in addition feel breathless, nauseous and sweaty, and your skin feels cold to touch. You may even be gasping for breath or vomit.
• You have chest pain and collapse without much warning.
• You develop a pale appearance or blue lips.
• You have chest pain and notice that your heart is suddenly beating unusually fast and your pulse may be irregular. However, if you suffer from pre-existing conditions such as anxiety, a fast heart rate may be normal for you.

MANAGING SHOCK

Shock is a serious medical condition. It means that not enough blood is pumping through your body and your vital organs, such as your brain or your heart, do not get enough oxygen. In more severe shock, people become aggressive, restless and gasp for air. Eventually they become drowsy and lose consciousness.

Finally, the heart stops beating. The skin may become clammy, cold and pale. If shock is severe the lips may appear blue and skin can appear grey or blue in colour. You may also notice excessive sweating. Important causes of shock are:

• Burns: Severe burns can cause shock when fluid evaporates from wounds.
• Heart problems: Suffering from an acute heart problem such as a heart attack can cause shock.
• Losing blood: You can develop shock if you lose large amounts of blood due to an injury.
• Losing fluid: People lose too much fluid due to excessive sweating, severe vomiting or diarrhoea.
• Poisoning: Various poisons can lead to severe problems with your circulation and can also cause shock.

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December 27, 2010

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