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.