8 Heat Stroke Symptoms You Should Look Out For

As summer begins to rise, it’s critical to take precautions to avoid heat related illness. Generally, there are three primary reactions that our bodies may have to intense temperatures and heat waves. These include heat exhaustion, heat cramps, and heat stroke. When the condition becomes severe, it can result in a medical emergency that requires immediate care, support, and management. So, what are the signs you’re having a stroke? This article will walk you through the most common heat stroke symptoms that you should be on the lookout for.

Overview

Heat stroke is a medical emergency that can cause organ damage or, in worst cases, even death. Heat stroke is often the result of a series of increasing heat related illnesses. Although, it can also occur without any preceding signs or symptoms of heat illness. Learn the most frequent indications of heat stroke so you or a loved one can receive treatment as soon as possible.

What is Heat Stroke?

Heat stroke, often known as sunstroke, is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical assistance. This is the most severe type of heat related illness in which the body’s temperature rises rapidly. It appears as a result of excessive heat overwhelming the body’s heat-regulating mechanism.

Heat stroke occurs when your body is unable to regulate its temperature. Your body generates perspiration to maintain coolness when the temperature rises. However, the added moisture in the air slows down this process on hot, humid days. People often become affected by the sun becoming active and burning scorching heat blows throughout the day.

How Does Heat Stroke Happen?

Heat stroke occurs when a person experiences high exposure to the sun over an extended period, especially when the weather is highly humid and hot. The condition will develop as the body’s cooling system start to fail and becomes overwhelmed by high heat.

In numerous circumstances, dehydration from significant water loss does the most harm. This usually happens because of perspiration. When the body’s demand for fluid is not met promptly, dehydration symptoms will appear. As a result, the central nervous system becomes unable to operate correctly. This condition will lead to severe consequences. It could progress from brain injury to organ failure and, if not treated, death.

How To Identify Heat Stroke?

Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are often confused with one another because they have comparable symptoms. So, it is essential to have prior knowledge of their differences. Here’s how you can identify heat stroke and what you should do in the event of an emergency.

1. A body temperature that is relatively high

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, if your body temperature reaches one-hundred-three degrees Fahrenheit or above, you may be suffering from heat stroke. However, someone can experience average temperature but still show other heat stroke symptoms. If you sense something is wrong, you need to do all you can to cool down your body temperature and seek medical attention.

2. Skin that is red, damp, dry, or hot

As a means of cooling down, the body sends blood flow toward the skin in conventional and exertional heat strokes, causing it to turn red. Depending on the sort of heat stroke you’re having, your skin may also feel abnormally clammy or very dry.

3. The pulse is strong and fast

When you experience your body overheating, your heart is put under a great deal of strain. Why? It must pump harder and quicker to ensure that your body’s natural cooling systems are operating to maintain a comfortable temperature. This might cause breathing problems or hyperventilation.

4. Headache

Another symptom of heat stroke is a throbbing and pounding headache. Aside from dehydration, the overall impact of heat on our central nervous system causes the development of this symptom.

5. Nausea, Dizziness, Vomiting

Your body will get progressively dehydrated as you remain to perspire. The heat will begin to damage numerous organs, which might worsen any of the heat stroke symptoms listed below, including fainting, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting.

6. Confusion

Heat exhaustion throws your overall bodily systems out of sync. You can directly associate confusion with: lack of coordination, disorientation, aggressiveness, or inability to move.

7. Lacking or too much sweat

When you are exposed to high heat for an extended period, your body quits attempting to maintain its average internal temperature. As a result, you may really cease sweating during conventional heat stroke.

8. Muscle Cramps

This is one of the first signs of heat sickness during activity, also known as heat cramps. When you sweat it out in severe temperatures, you may suffer painful spasms, especially in your legs, arms, and belly. Muscle cramps are more prevalent when your body hasn’t adapted to higher temperatures, even if they aren’t triggered by the heat alone.

Other frequent causes of cramping include overuse and dehydration, but if you experience this sort of discomfort combined with other heat stroke symptoms, don’t dismiss it.

What To Do in Case of Heat Stroke?

If you observe someone who appears to be suffering from heat stroke, contact your local healthcare provider or take them to the nearest emergency facility as soon as possible. While you seek professional medical attention, you can help by providing first aid treatment. You can use the below techniques to lower the person’s body temperature.

• Be sure to move to a much cooler place. Look for nearby shady areas and take the person there.
• Remove unnecessary clothing that generates additional heat.
• Avoid giving the person anything to drink as this may spike up the body’s response.
• Wet the person’s skin with water to increase consciousness.
• If possible, place a fan in front of the person to encourage breathing.
• Gently apply cold packs or ice near the person’s armpits, groin, neck, and back.
• Immerse the person in a pool or tub of cool water.

How Do I Prevent Heat Stroke?

When the heat index surpasses ninety degrees, the risk of heat-related health issues increases dramatically. Luckily, there are many ways to keep yourself safe from heat stroke and heat exhaustion.

• It is best to stay inside during these times to decrease your risk of heat stroke. If you must go outside, be sure to keep hydrated by drinking lots of water or sports drinks.
• You can take advantage of outdoor activities when the weather is much cooler. It is better to start early in the morning or in the evening when the sun is setting.
• When you’re outside, you should try to get as much shade as possible. You could do this, especially if you’re pausing for a rest or a drink of water. Take regular water breaks to stay cool and prevent being dehydrated.
• Moreover, instead of using heavy cotton, you can choose light-colored, loose-fitting, and moisture-absorbent clothing.
• Finally, you should also check with your doctor to see if any of your existing drugs put you at risk of heat stroke.

References:

Heatstroke.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heat-stroke/symptoms-causes/syc-20353581

Heat Stroke (Hyperthermia).
https://www.health.harvard.edu/a_to_z/heat-stroke-hyperthermia-a-to-z

Dehydration and Heat Stroke.
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/dehydration-and-heat-stroke

Infographic: Avoid Spot Treat: Heat Stroke & Heat Exhaustion
https://www.cdc.gov/cpr/infographics/ast-heat.htm