Symptoms of Heat Stroke

Heat stroke is a type of hyperthermia, which is characterized by an abnormally raised body temperature accompanied by some physical and neurological symptoms. It is also termed as sunstroke, siriasis or thermic fever. It results from a failure of body’s mechanism to control the temperature. Normally, the body generates heat from metabolism and dissipates it either by radiation through the skin or by evaporation of sweat. However, in certain conditions such as high humidity, extreme heat or vigorous exertion under the sun, the body is not able to dissipate the heat. As a result, the body temperature elevates up to 106 degree F.

There are two forms of heat stroke such as exertional heat stroke (EHS) and classic nonexertioanl heat stroke (NEHS). EHS is usually seen in young people who perform strenuous physical activities in a hot environment for a prolonged duration. NEHS affects very young individuals, sedentary elderly individuals and people with chronic illness. Classic NEHS is more common in the areas which have not experienced environmental heat waves since a long time.

Causes of Heat Stroke

Exercising or working in excessively hot conditions without having enough fluids is the major cause of heat stroke. If you don’t replace the lost fluids over days or weeks, or if you don’t drink plenty of liquids before exercising strenuously on a hot day, you may suffer from heat stroke. Liquids cool down our body by allowing it to produce sweat. Dehydration is another cause of heat stroke. A dehydrated person doesn’t sweat rapidly, due to which the heat is not dissipated in a proper way. It results in an elevated body temperature. Infants, elderly people with lung disease, heart disease or kidney disease, outdoor workers and athletes are more susceptible to heat stroke. People with alcoholism, obesity, older age, chronic illnesses, uncontrolled diabetes, Parkinson’s disease and using certain medications such as antihistamines and diuretics are more prone to heat stroke.

Symptoms of Heat Stroke

Symptoms of heat stroke are widely variable. Some of the common symptoms of heat stroke are vomiting, nausea, fatigue, headache, dizziness, muscle cramps or muscle pain and dry, red skin. There may be confusion, strange behavior, high body temperature, rapid pulse, difficulty in breathing, hallucinations, agitation, seizure and disorientation. A person suffering from heat stroke loses consciousness. Sweating is stopped due to a failure in the body’s heat control system.

High core temperature can also damage the internal organs, particularly the brain. Due to loss of fluids, blood pressure may be lowered. Most people die by heat stroke due to circulatory failure. People who survive are likely to develop a permanent brain damage. Heatstroke is a severe medical emergency and if left untreated, it can lead to irreversible brain damage, coma and even death.

Treatment for Heat Stroke

Shift the heat stroke sufferer in the shady area or indoors. Lie him/her down with the feet raised. Remove clothing and apply cool water on the skin. Fan the person, which enhances sweating and evaporation. Place the ice packs under the armpits and groin area. Monitor the body temperature using a thermometer and continue the cooling efforts until the body temperature drops to normal. Immediately contact the emergency medical services for further treatment.