HEAT STROKE, ITS CAUSE AND PREVENTION

Heatstroke is caused by prolonged exposure to high temperatures or by doing physical activity in hot weather. You are considered to have heatstroke when your body temperature reaches 104 F (40 C) or higher. High humidity, certain health problems and some medications increase your risk of heatstroke. So does being a young child or older adult.

Heatstroke is the progression of two worsening heat-related conditions. When your body overheats, you first may develop heat cramps. If you don't cool down, you may progress to symptoms of heat exhaustion, such as heavy sweating, nausea, lightheadedness and feeling faint.

Heatstroke occurs if your body temperature continues to rise. At this point, emergency treatment is needed. In a period of hours, untreated heatstroke can cause damage to your brain, heart, kidneys and muscles. These injuries get worse the longer treatment is delayed, increasing your risk of serious complications or death.

CAUSES

Heatstroke can occur in these ways:

·         Exposure to a hot environment. In a type of heatstroke called nonexertional heatstroke, your condition is caused by a hot environment that leads to a rise in body temperature, without strenuous physical activity. This type of heatstroke typically occurs in hot, humid weather, especially for prolonged periods. It occurs most often in older adults and in people with chronic illness.

·         Strenuous activity. In a type of heatstroke called exertional heatstroke, your condition is caused by an increase in body temperature brought on by physical activity in hot weather. Anyone exercising or working in hot weather can get exertional heatstroke, but it's most likely to occur if you're not accustomed to high temperatures.

In either type of heatstroke, your condition can be brought on by:

·         Wearing excess clothing that prevents your sweat from evaporating easily and cooling your body

·         Drinking alcohol, which can affect your body's ability to regulate your temperature

·         Becoming dehydrated, because you're not drinking enough water to replenish fluids you lose through perspiration

SYMPTOMS

·         High body temperature. A body temperature of 104 F (40 C) or higher is the main sign of heatstroke.

·         A lack of sweating. In heatstroke brought on by hot weather, your skin will feel hot and dry to the touch. However, in heatstroke brought on by strenuous exercise, your skin may feel moist.

·         Nausea and vomiting. You may feel sick to your stomach or vomit.

·         Flushed skin. Your skin may turn red as your body temperature increases.

·         Rapid breathing. Your breathing may become rapid and shallow.

·         Racing heart rate. Your pulse may significantly increase because heat stress places a tremendous burden on your heart to help cool your body.

·         Headache. You may experience a throbbing headache.

·         Confusion. You may have seizures, hallucinate, or have difficulty speaking or understanding what others are saying.

·         Unconsciousness. You may pass out or fall into a state of deep unconsciousness (coma).

·         Muscle cramps or weakness. Your muscles may feel tender or cramped in the early stages of heatstroke, but may later go rigid or limp.

Heatstroke follows two less serious heat-related conditions:

·         Heat cramps. Heat cramps are caused by initial exposure to high temperatures or physical exertion. Signs and symptoms of heat cramps usually include excess sweating, fatigue, thirst and cramps, usually in the stomach, arms or legs. This condition is common in very hot weather or with moderate to heavy physical activity. You can usually treat heat cramps by drinking water or fluids containing electrolytes (Gatorade or other sports drinks), resting and getting to a cool spot, like a shaded or air-conditioned area.

·         Heat exhaustion. Heat exhaustion occurs when you don't act on the signs and symptoms of heat cramps and your condition worsens. Signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion include a headache, dizziness or lightheadedness, nausea, skin that feels cool and moist, and muscle cramps. Often with heat exhaustion, you can treat the condition yourself by following the same measures used to treat heat cramps, such as drinking cool, nonalcoholic beverages, getting into an air-conditioned area or taking a cool shower. If your symptoms persist, seek medical attention immediately.

When to see a doctor

If you think a person may be experiencing heatstroke, seek immediate medical help. Call 911 or your local emergency services number.

Take immediate action to cool the overheated person while waiting for emergency treatment.

·         Help the person move to a shaded location and remove excess clothing.

·         Place ice packs or cold, wet towels on the person's head, neck, armpits and groin.

·         Mist the person with water while a fan is blowing on him or her.

PREVENTION

If possible, avoid going to places with excessively high temperatures. Watch the weather report before planning any outdoor activities, especially in summer. If you have to go out door, carry a cap or preferably an umbrella.

If you have to go in hot weather, prepare yourself. Wear a long sleeved cotton shirt that can not only protect your skin but also absorbs the sweat while keeping you cool (cotton is the best choice). This article assumes that you will not be in any extreme high temperatures but if you are, bring enough water (this goes for everyone) because people often meet their deaths in the desert with no water. It would also help to bring sunscreen and a pocket sized fan or hand held fan. It is not a bad idea to take a water spray bottle to frequently spray on the body to rejuvenate the cells. Keep in mind that the cells in the skin can dry creating an osmotic imbalance. High salt content can increase the rate of flow of blood creating a chaotic fluid imbalance. Nourish yourself with moderate amount of protein, carb and plenty of water. Do not just drink water and starve, the body needs other nutrients too.

Try to take frequent breaks to rest the body in the in the shade sometimes. Limit your exposure directly to the sun's harmful rays, a little heat isn't such a bad thing, but know your limits. Usually the excitement keeps you going but will exhaust you.

Recognize the symptoms of heatstroke. An oncoming migraine is indications of heatstroke so if you get one, get out of the sun fast and try to get indoors. Once the headache starts no matter how much water you drink it will not go away, you might tend to regurgitate or vomit. Other dangerous symptoms are nausea, dizziness and fainting, which, if left ignored could lead to death. Call a doctor if it gets serious.

The onset of exhaustion is an indication of heatstroke and if you can't get inside the building or at least shady place (under the tree or building shade), try to pour some water on your head and wet you clothes and slow down your activities. Carrying a wet towel is not a bad idea. If you sweat the sweat might cool you down and slowly you will regain your strength. Do not count on regaining it faster. There is tremendous variation in people who can tolerate and who cannot. Especially children and elderly are very much prone to heat stroke which can lead to shortness of breath and sudden heart failure. The foremost thing is you should understand your body. It is always better to prevent than to cure. Or you could sit down for a while to regain your strength.

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