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Published on: 8th April 2023
Medically reviewed by: Medical Director at First Response Healthcare
Medically reviewed by: Medical Director at First Response Healthcare
Heat stroke is a severe heat stroke-related illness. It occurs when the body’s internal temperature reaches dangerous levels, which is often above 104°F (40°C). A heat stroke is a medical emergency that can lead to organ damage, brain dysfunction, and even death if not treated quickly. Thus, it is very important to know about the heat exhaustion symptoms or heat stroke symptoms.
The body normally regulates its temperature through sweat, which helps dissipate heat. However, in the case of heat stroke or heat exhaustion, the body’s cooling mechanism cannot keep up with the heat absorbed from the environment or produced by physical activity. As a result, body temperature rises rapidly, leading to a host of life-threatening complications.
Table of Contents
What Causes Heat Stroke?
1. High Temperature:
Heat stroke is often associated with heat waves and extreme weather conditions, especially during the summer months. When temperatures are high, the risk of heat stroke increases, especially for vulnerable people such as the elderly, young children, and those with pre-existing medical conditions.
2. Humidity:
Wet climates increase the risk of heat stroke symptoms because high humidity hinders the evaporation of sweat. As a result, the body’s natural cooling mechanisms work less efficiently, making it harder to dissipate heat and maintain a normal body temperature. And this can lead to heat exhaustion symptoms or a heat stroke.
3. Exertion:
Engaging in vigorous physical activity or working in hot environments without adequate rest and rehydration can lead to heat stroke. Athletes, people who work outdoors, and people who play sports are especially susceptible.
4. Dehydration:
Not drinking enough water or losing too much water through sweating can lead to dehydration, which weakens the body’s ability to cool itself. People who are dehydrated are at a higher risk of heat-related illnesses, including heat stroke and heat exhaustion symptoms.
5. Chronic diseases:
Certain medical conditions, such as heart disease, obesity, diabetes, and breathing problems, can make individuals more susceptible to heat stroke. These conditions can impair the body’s ability to regulate temperature and manage heat stress.
What Are The Symptoms Of Heat Stroke?
Recognizing the early symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke is important for prompt intervention and effective treatment.The Heat exhaustion symptoms or a heat stroke can range from mild to severe and may include:
- High Body Temperature: If your body temperature is more than 40°C (104°F) or higher, it can be a heat stroke symptom. Measuring body temperature with a thermometer is essential for an accurate diagnosis.
- Severe Headache: Heat stroke can cause severe headaches due to high body temperature and dehydration.
- Dizziness and Lightheadedness: Heat-related conditions often cause dizziness, lightheadedness, and a feeling of fainting as the body struggles to maintain blood circulation and balance.
- Nausea and Vomiting: heat stroke symptoms can cause nausea and vomiting due to the body’s stress.
- Rapid Heart Rate and Shallow Breathing: As the body struggles to cope with the heat, the heart rate increases and breathing becomes shallower.
- Confusion and Disorientation: Confusion and disorientation are the heat exhaustion symptoms or heat stroke symptoms. Heat stroke can affect cognitive function, leading to confusion, irritability, and disorientation.
- Unconsciousness or Coma: In severe cases, heatstroke can lead to unconsciousness or coma.
- Red, Hot, Dry Skin: Heat stroke can make the skin dry and hot because the body is unable to sweat effectively.
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- Keep Yourself Hydrated: You should drink water consistently, even when you don’t feel very thirsty. Avoiding alcoholic and caffeinated beverages can also help, as they can contribute to dehydration. Bring a water bottle when you are outdoors.
- Wear The Right Clothing: Wear loose, light, light-colored clothing to allow better air circulation and reflect sunlight. Avoid dark clothing as they can absorb more heat.
- Limit Your Time Outdoors: Limit outdoor activities during peak heat hours, usually between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the sun’s intensity is at its peak. If possible, schedule outdoor chores, exercise, or leisure activities for cooler times of the day, such as early morning or late evening.
- Take Enough Breaks: For heat stroke prevention, you must take frequent breaks in shady or air-conditioned places if your work leads to exertion outdoors. Resting and letting the body cool down during these breaks can help prevent heat-related illnesses.
- Create a Cool & Comfortable Environment: Use an indoor fan or air conditioner to maintain a comfortable temperature. If you don’t have air conditioning at home, consider spending time in public places like malls, libraries, or community centers, which often offer cooling options during sunny spells.
- Check on Vulnerable People: For heat stroke prevention, you should closely monitor children, the elderly, people with pre-existing medical conditions during hot weather. Offer to help and make sure they stay cool and hydrated, as they are more prone to heatstroke.
- Use Sunscreen: Apply sunscreen with a high SPF to protect skin from harmful UV rays and prevent sunburn, which can limit the body’s ability to regulate temperature.
