Cardiologist shares tips against heat exhaustion, heat stroke as summer begins

As the summer heat intensifies, experts are reminding the public to take necessary precautions against heat-related illnesses, including heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke.

In Mark Salazar's report in "24 Oras" on Tuesday, cardiologist Dr. Lauren Kay M. Evangelista-Galindez shared some precautions that Filipinos must keep in mind.

First, certain groups are particularly vulnerable to heat-related illnesses: people with pre-existing medical conditions such as heart disease, kidney problems, stroke history, and other chronic illnesses, as well as young children and the elderly.

"Ang mga pediatrik, 'yung hindi kayang uminom on their own, like mga less than three-years-old, 'yung very elderly, lalo na 'yung may mga dementia, hindi rin nila masyadong nare-recognize 'yung dehydration," Evangelista-Galindez said.

Aside from making sure that one drinks plenty of water and wears comfortable clothing, it is also important to take care of others who are not able protect themselves.

In the event that one experiences heat cramps or heat exhaustion, Evangelista-Galindez shared some measures to lower the body temperature.

"Puwede rin maglagay ng mga ice packs sa kili-kili, sa singit, dito sa may bandang leeg, para mawala 'yung exhaustion," she said.

Heat stroke, which can be more severe, typically begins with intense thirst. Other warning signs include flushed skin, extremely hot skin that does not quickly return to normal after pinching, very dry lips, and a dry tongue.

In some cases, people may experience seizures or lose consciousness.

"Kung tulog o talagang nag kumbulsyon, huwag i-attempt na painumin kasi baka mabulunan. Yung next na puwedeng gawin, ganun din po, tanggalin 'yung excessive clothing or maglagay ng basang mga towel, ice packs, ganun din. Sa singit, sa kili-kili, o kaya sa leeg," she said.

For commuters and travelers, she emphasized maintaining proper ventilation.

"Kasi ang goal natin magpababa 'yung core temperature. Halimbawa, kung nasa commute o nasa travel, make sure na well-ventilated. Kung hindi man aircon 'yung sinakyan mo, buksan ang bintana," she said.

The  Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has officially declared the start of the summer season, with peak temperatures expected in April and lasting through May.

"Ano ang inasahang temperatura para sa kalakhang Maynila sa buwan ng April at Mayo? Sa April 2026 ang ating mag-forecast ranges for maximum temperature are 35-39°C sa buwan ng April at sa buwan ng Mayo ay 35.5-37.6°C," PAGASA Senior Weather Specialist Dr. Joseph Basconcillo said.

"Samantalang sa minimum temperature natin sa kalakhang Maynila ay posibleng makarana ng 20.8-25.9°C at sa buwan ng Mayo 22.1-26.6°C," he added.

Northern Luzon is expected to experience even more intense heat, with temperatures reaching as high as 40.5 degrees Celsius in April and slightly above 40 degrees in May. —Jade Veronique Yap/MGP, GMA Integrated News