What is Heat Stroke?
Heatstroke is a potentially fatal condition that occurs when your body temperature exceeds 104
degrees Fahrenheit (40 degrees Celsius). Overexertion in hot, humid weather is frequently the
cause. Confusion, convulsions, or loss of consciousness are all symptoms. Heatstroke, if left
untreated, can result in organ failure, a coma, or death.
What causes Heat Stroke?
Heatstroke occurs when your body is unable to cool itself. Your core body temperature is
controlled by your hypothalamus (a part of your brain that regulates many bodily functions). It
usually sets your thermostat to 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit (37 degrees Celsius). However, if your
body absorbs more heat than it emits, your internal temperature rises above this set point.
What are the symptoms of heat stroke
The hallmark symptom of heat stroke is a core body temperature above 104 F. But fainting may
be the first sign.
Other symptoms may include:
Throbbing headache
Dizziness and light-headedness
Lack of sweating despite the heat
Red, hot, and dry skin
Muscle weakness or cramps
Nausea and vomiting
Rapid heartbeat, which may be either strong or weak
Rapid, shallow breathing
Behavioral changes such as confusion, disorientation, or staggering
Seizures
Unconsciousness
What to do if you encounter someone with a heat stroke [first aid]
If you suspect someone is suffering from heat stroke, call 911 or take them to the nearest hospital
right away. Any delay in seeking medical attention can be fatal. While waiting for the
paramedics to arrive, initiate first aid. Move the person to an air-conditioned environment — or
at least a cool, shady area — and remove any unnecessary clothing. If possible, take the person's
core body temperature and begin first aid to bring it down to 101 to 102 degrees Fahrenheit. (If
thermometers are not available, begin first aid immediately.)
Try the following cooling methods:
While wetting the patient's skin with a sponge or garden hose, blow air over them.
Apply ice packs to the patient's armpits, groin, neck, and back. Cooling these areas may
reduce body temperature because they are densely packed with blood vessels close to the
skin.
Place the patient in a cool shower or tub of water.
If the person is young and healthy and suffered heat stroke while vigorously exercising –
a condition known as exertional heat stroke – an ice bath can help cool the body.
Ice should not be applied to elderly patients, young children, patients with chronic
illnesses, or anyone who experienced heat stroke without vigorous exercise. This can be
extremely dangerous.
How to prevent heat stroke?
Heatstroke prevention suggestions include:
Even if you are not thirsty, drink plenty of water or other cool, non-alcoholic fluids
(check with your doctor if you are on limited fluids or fluid pills). Extremely cold liquids
should be avoided as they can cause stomach cramps.
Make a plan. In hot weather, it reduces activity and avoids exercise. If you must be
active, try to schedule it during the cooler part of the day and take frequent breaks. Stay
indoors or in the shade whenever possible.
Keep cool and allow air to circulate around you. Close your blinds or curtains and, if
possible, use an electric fan, a misting fan, or air conditioning. If you do not have air
conditioning, think about going to an air-conditioned shopping mall or public library.
Consume smaller, more frequent meals, such as salads.
Dress in light-colored, loose-fitting clothing made of natural fibers such as cotton and
linen.
Keep cool by using damp towels with ice, immersing your feet in cold water, and taking
cool (not cold) showers.
Check on elderly, sick, or frail family members, friends, and neighbors who may require
assistance in dealing with the heat. On any hot day, call them at least once a day.
Never leave children, the elderly, or pets in cars.
If you absolutely must be outside in the heat:
Outdoor activities should be limited to the coolest parts of the day.
Cover exposed skin, use sunscreen, and wear a hat to protect yourself from the sun and
'slip, slop, slap' when you are outside. 'Seek' out some shade and 'slide' on some
sunglasses.
Rest in the shade regularly, carry a water bottle, and drink plenty of fluids.
