Learn what you can do to help in preventing heat stroke, a serious condition that can be deadly. Know what causes a heat stroke, who is at a higher risk of getting it, the difference between heat exhaustion and heat stroke signs, and first aid measures that should be given if one occurs.
What Causes a Heat Stroke?
Unlike heat exhaustion, heat stroke is a medical emergency that can cause permanent organ damage or death if not promptly treated.
The human body has mechanisms that work like thermostats to regulate temperature. When the body becomes cold, it shivers to circulate blood to the tissues to warm them. When the body becomes hot, warm fluids are sent to the pores on the skin's surface and evaporate as sweat.
Heat stroke occurs when the body is unable to rid itself of excess heat during extreme heat and high humidity. When the humidity is high, the body retains heat because sweat can not fully evaporate.
Who is at a High Risk of Getting a Heat Stroke?
Those who are particularly vulnerable of heat stroke include:
- people who are not use to heat exposure
- the young
- the elderly
- the poor
- individuals with chronic and debilitating diseases, including heart, lung, and kidney diseases
- people who are taking certain medications, such as tranquilizers, anticholinergics, diuretics, and propranolol
- sports enthusiasts and outdoor workers (can lose too much fluid through sweating and become dehydrated).
Heat Stroke Signs
Some people may experience signs of heat exhaustion before having a heat stroke while others may develop heat stroke signs suddenly without warning.
Heat exhaustion signs include:
- heavy sweating
- skin flushing
- headache
- fatigue
- weakness
- dizziness
- nausea
- vomiting
- visual disturbances
- anxiety
- rapid heart beat
- muscle cramps.
Heat exhaustion can lead to heat stroke if not treated (cool the body and replenish lost fluids).
Heat stroke signs include:
- high body temperature (105 degrees fahrenheit and above)
- hot, dry skin
- absence of sweating
- severe headache
- confusion
- disorientation
- bizarre behavior
- delirium
- hallucinations
- seizure
- coma.
Preventing Heat Stroke
Limit your time outdoors on hot and humid days. Try to avoid the afternoon hours and perform tasks during the morning or evening hours when the temperatures are cooler. Avoid vigorous activities, especially in the sun. If you must, take frequent breaks.
Keep yourself well hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids. Drink water and, if sweating a lot, sports drinks. Your body loses valuable electrolytes in sweat and needs to be replaced which can be found in sports drinks. Avoid beverages with alcohol, caffeine, and a lot of sugar because they can further dehydrate the body. Very cold drinks can cause stomach cramps and should also be avoided. Even if you don't feel thirsty, it is still important to drink sufficient amounts of fluids to help in preventing heat stroke. If you are doing strenuous activity, drink 2-4 glasses an hour.
Dress appropriately. Wear lightweight, loose-fitting, and light colored clothing. If outside, wear a hat.
If you have no air conditioning, visit a friend, the mall, the library, or some other public place that has air conditioning during the hottest hours of the day.
First Aid for Heat Stroke
If someone is experiencing heat stroke signs, immediately:
- move the person to a cool, shady spot
- call 911
- remove or open constricting clothing
- apply cool water to their body
- fan the person
- massage their limbs
- if the person is able, give them cool water to drink but have them drink slowly.
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