Symptoms and dangers of heat stroke
Knowing the signs and symptoms of a heat stroke can save your life or the life of someone you are with. Seeking immediate medical care for a heat stroke victim is imperative as early treatment is essential for this life threatening illness. The best way to avoid a heat stroke is to know the preventative measures that you can take.
Most people have heard the term heat stroke, but many can not identify the signs, symptoms and treatment needed for heat stroke victims. It is important to recognize that, first and foremost, heat stroke is life threatening and requires immediate medical attention. It can come on without warning, especially for infants, the elderly and people working outdoors for a significant period of time. Certain medications can also contribute to the likelihood of having a heat stroke.
A heat stroke occurs when a person can not produce enough sweat to help cool their body down. High humidity, extreme heat and continuous activity in the sun on a hot day are three things that can elevate the chanced of having a heat stroke. Symptoms of a heat stroke are similar to extreme dehydration because the two often go hand in hand. Symptoms include seizures, unconsciousness, dizziness, headaches, hallucinations, confusion, disorientation, feeling fatigued, a high body temperature, kin that is flushed, dry and hot, but not sweaty, and a fast heart beat.
If you feel like someone you are with is having a heat stroke, it is imperative that you seek medical attention immediately. You should call 911 or take them to the closest emergency room. If you are waiting for an ambulance, take the person inside to get them out of the heat and the sun. Use a cloth to apply cool water to the person’s skin and fan them while they are lying down with their feet slightly raised. Once the person goes to the hospital, they can expect to have an IV for fluids and to be on bed rest.
There are many things that you can do to help prevent a heat stroke. Everyone, but especially the elderly and children, should not stay outside for extended periods of time during hot weather. Keep yourself hydrated with water or sports drinks and avoid alcohol, tea, soda and coffee. A spray bottle of water or hose can help keep your skin moist. Do not exercise outdoors during the hottest time of the day. Spend some time in the shade if you are going to be outside and wear a hat and lightweight, loose clothing. Try not to wear dark colored clothing as it can attract the sun. Remember, if you feel like you are someone you are with is having a heat stroke, it is better to be safe than sorry. Call your hospital’s emergency room if you have questions and seek immediate medical care to avoid long term, serious affects and damage that can be caused by a heat stroke.
A heat stroke occurs when a person can not produce enough sweat to help cool their body down. High humidity, extreme heat and continuous activity in the sun on a hot day are three things that can elevate the chanced of having a heat stroke. Symptoms of a heat stroke are similar to extreme dehydration because the two often go hand in hand. Symptoms include seizures, unconsciousness, dizziness, headaches, hallucinations, confusion, disorientation, feeling fatigued, a high body temperature, kin that is flushed, dry and hot, but not sweaty, and a fast heart beat.
If you feel like someone you are with is having a heat stroke, it is imperative that you seek medical attention immediately. You should call 911 or take them to the closest emergency room. If you are waiting for an ambulance, take the person inside to get them out of the heat and the sun. Use a cloth to apply cool water to the person’s skin and fan them while they are lying down with their feet slightly raised. Once the person goes to the hospital, they can expect to have an IV for fluids and to be on bed rest.
There are many things that you can do to help prevent a heat stroke. Everyone, but especially the elderly and children, should not stay outside for extended periods of time during hot weather. Keep yourself hydrated with water or sports drinks and avoid alcohol, tea, soda and coffee. A spray bottle of water or hose can help keep your skin moist. Do not exercise outdoors during the hottest time of the day. Spend some time in the shade if you are going to be outside and wear a hat and lightweight, loose clothing. Try not to wear dark colored clothing as it can attract the sun. Remember, if you feel like you are someone you are with is having a heat stroke, it is better to be safe than sorry. Call your hospital’s emergency room if you have questions and seek immediate medical care to avoid long term, serious affects and damage that can be caused by a heat stroke.
Use the feedback form below to submit your comments.
Use the form below to email this article to your friends.
- The Heat Of The Matter
- Why Are ‘Good’ Parents Forgetting Their Kids in Hot Cars?
- Baby Left In Hot Car For An Entire Day Is 19th Victim Of Heat Death This Year
- California Heat Wave Leaves More Than 130 Dead
- Death Toll Rises in Southern Europe's Heatwave
- Heatwave Shuts Down Nuclear Power Plants
- French May Give Up Bank Holiday to Fund Elderly Care
- Chirac goes on TV to quell heatwave anger
- French health chief quits as heatwave row continues
- Hundreds Die As Heatwave Lingers in Southern India
- Urinary Tract Infections: Kidney Infection Symptoms and Treatment
- Thyroid Problems - Symptoms of Hypothyroidism and Hyperthyroidism
- Sinusitis: Sinus Infection Symptoms and Treatment
- Renal Failure: Kidney Failure Symptoms