Heat stroke is a serious medical condition that requires immediate attention. It is caused by prolonged exposure to high temperatures, often in combination with dehydration, which leads to a dangerous failure of the body's temperature control system. The hallmark symptom of heat stroke is a core body temperature of 104°F (40°C), but it can also present as fainting, dizziness, disorientation, and behavioural changes. If you suspect that you or someone around you is experiencing heat stroke, it is crucial to act quickly by calling emergency services and initiating first aid to cool down the person's body temperature. This can be done by moving them to a cool area, removing unnecessary clothing, applying ice packs, and providing fluids.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Core body temperature | Above 104°F (40°C) |
Skin | Hot, dry, red, flushed, not sweating |
Heartbeat | Rapid |
Breathing | Rapid, shallow |
Behaviour | Irrational, erratic, confused, disoriented, agitated, aggressive, staggering |
Dehydration | Dry mouth, intense thirst, low urine output, dark urine |
Other | Dizziness, light-headedness, fainting, muscle weakness or cramps, nausea, seizures, loss of consciousness, coma |
What You'll Learn
Heat stroke symptoms
Heat stroke is a severe, life-threatening emergency. It occurs when the body's cooling system is overwhelmed and stops working, which can lead to permanent damage to the brain and other vital organs. If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of heat stroke, call 911 or your local emergency number immediately.
If you notice any of these symptoms in yourself or others, it is important to act quickly. Move the person to a cooler place, preferably an air-conditioned environment, and help lower their body temperature with cool cloths, a cool bath, or an ice bath. Do not give the person anything to drink, as this could make them vomit, which is another symptom of heat stroke.
Heat stroke can be prevented by taking precautions in hot weather, such as staying hydrated, wearing lightweight and light-colored clothing, and avoiding strenuous activity during the hottest parts of the day. It is also important to be aware of the risk factors for heat stroke, such as certain medical conditions, medications, and alcohol use.
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Heat stroke treatment
Heat stroke is a medical emergency and can be life-threatening. If you suspect that someone is having a heat stroke, call emergency services immediately and give first aid until paramedics arrive.
First Aid for Heat Stroke:
- Move the person to an air-conditioned environment, or at least a cool, shady area.
- Remove any unnecessary clothing.
- Try to take the person's core body temperature and initiate cooling to bring it down to 101–102 °F (38.3–38.9 °C).
- Apply cold water to the person's skin using a sponge or garden hose, and fan them.
- Apply ice packs to the person's armpits, groin, neck, and back to help reduce body temperature.
- If possible, immerse the person in a shower or tub of cool water, or use an ice bath for young, healthy individuals who suffered heat stroke while exercising vigorously.
- Rehydration is crucial. Encourage the person to drink water or, if available, an electrolyte-rich sports drink.
Medical Treatment for Heat Stroke:
- Rapidly lower the person's core body temperature to around 39 °C (99-102 °F) to avoid overshooting and rebound hyperthermia.
- Intravenous lines may be used for fluid resuscitation and the infusion of dextrose and thiamine.
- Monitor vital signs such as pulse rate, blood pressure, and urine output.
- Monitor for and treat complications such as rhabdomyolysis, hepatic failure, arrhythmias, and disseminated intravascular coagulation.
- Treat nausea, seizures, confusion, disorientation, and loss of consciousness or coma, which are common symptoms of heat stroke.
- Monitor body temperature continuously until it stabilizes, as thermal instability may persist for a few days after the onset of heat stroke.
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Heat stroke prevention
Heat stroke is a severe form of heat illness and a life-threatening emergency. It occurs when the body is unable to control its internal temperature, which can lead to organ damage and even death. To prevent heat stroke, it is important to take the following precautions:
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially during outdoor activities and on hot days. Aim for two to four cups of water every hour when spending time outside in the heat or direct sunlight. Water and sports drinks are the best options. Avoid caffeine and alcohol, as they can lead to dehydration.
- Wear appropriate clothing: Choose lightweight, light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing. This helps your body stay cool and allows heat to escape. A wide-brimmed hat will protect your face from the sun.
- Avoid extreme heat: If possible, stay indoors in a temperature-controlled or air-conditioned environment during the hottest parts of the day, usually between 11 am and 3 pm. If you must go outside, try to stay in shaded areas and protect yourself with a hat, sunglasses, and an umbrella.
- Gradually increase time outdoors: Give your body time to adjust to the heat by gradually increasing the amount of time you spend outdoors. This is especially important if you are travelling to a warmer climate.
- Take frequent breaks: When working or exercising in the heat, take regular breaks to cool down and rehydrate. Stop any strenuous activities if you feel fatigued or experience muscle cramps.
- Monitor your body: Keep an eye on your body's warning signs. Dizziness, confusion, excessive sweating, and cold, clammy skin can be indicators of heat exhaustion, which can lead to heat stroke if not addressed.
- Cool off: Take cool showers or baths, use cold compresses, and mist yourself with water to help regulate your body temperature.
- Be cautious with children and pets: Never leave children, infants, or pets unattended in closed cars, as the temperature inside can become dangerously hot, even on mild days.
- Know the risk factors: Certain factors increase the risk of heat stroke, including age, weight, exercise, and chronic conditions. People over 65, children under 4, those who are overweight, individuals with heart disease, hypertension, diabetes or mental illness, and those taking certain medications are more susceptible to heat stroke.
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Heat stroke vs heat exhaustion
Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are two very common heat-related illnesses that can be life-threatening if left untreated. Heat exhaustion does not usually require emergency medical help if the person can cool down within 30 minutes. However, if it turns into heat stroke, it is a medical emergency.
Heat exhaustion is characterised by the following signs:
- Feeling sick or vomiting
- Excessive sweating, with skin becoming pale and clammy, or getting a heat rash
- Cramps in the arms, legs, and stomach
- Fast breathing or a rapid heartbeat
If someone is showing signs of heat exhaustion, they should be moved to a cool place, and unnecessary clothing should be removed. They should be given fluids, and their skin should be cooled with cool water and fanning.
Heat stroke, on the other hand, requires immediate medical attention. It is the most severe form of heat illness and can be fatal or cause permanent damage. It is characterised by the following symptoms:
- Headache
- Confusion
- Lack of sweating
- Rapid heart rate
- Nausea or vomiting
- Loss of consciousness
- High body temperature
- Agitation
- Disorientation
If heat stroke is suspected, call emergency services immediately and move the person to a cooler place. Use cold compresses to lower their temperature, but do not give them fluids.
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Risk factors for heat stroke
Heat stroke is a serious and potentially fatal condition that can cause damage to the brain and other vital organs. It is caused by prolonged exposure to high temperatures, usually in combination with dehydration, which leads to a failure of the body's temperature control system.
There are several risk factors that can increase an individual's susceptibility to heat stroke:
Environmental Risk Factors
- Radiant Heat: Exposure to direct sunlight or other sources of radiant heat can increase the risk of heat stroke.
- Conductive Heat Sources: Contact with hot surfaces, such as the ground, can contribute to heat stroke.
- Workload Severity and Duration: Strenuous physical activity or prolonged exposure to high temperatures can increase the risk of heat stroke.
- Clothing: Wearing protective clothing or personal protective equipment (PPE) that limits air circulation and prevents sweating can increase the risk of heat stroke.
- High Heat: When the temperature exceeds 95°F (35°C), the risk of heat stroke increases significantly, especially if there is high humidity.
- Urban Areas: In urban areas, the "heat island effect" can occur, where asphalt and concrete store heat during the day and release it slowly at night, leading to higher nighttime temperatures and reduced opportunities for cooling.
- Stagnant Atmospheric Conditions: Poor air circulation can trap hot air and prevent heat from escaping, increasing the risk of heat stroke.
Personal Risk Factors
- Age: Infants, young children, and adults over 65 are more susceptible to heat stroke as they adjust to heat more slowly.
- Health Conditions: Certain health conditions can increase the risk of heat stroke, including heart, lung, or kidney disease, obesity or being underweight, high blood pressure, diabetes, mental illness, sickle cell trait, alcoholism, sunburn, and any conditions that cause fever.
- Medications: Some medications can affect the body's ability to regulate temperature and increase the risk of heat stroke, including diuretics, sedatives, tranquilizers, stimulants, heart and blood pressure medications, and psychiatric medications.
- Illicit Drug Use: The use of opioids, methamphetamine, or cocaine can impair the body's ability to regulate temperature and increase the risk of heat stroke.
- Dehydration: Not drinking enough water or excessive alcohol consumption can lead to dehydration, which is a major risk factor for heat stroke.
- Caffeine Consumption: Caffeine can cause dehydration and affect the body's ability to regulate temperature.
- Physical Fitness: Individuals with a lower level of physical fitness may be less able to tolerate heat stress and are at a higher risk of heat stroke.
- Acclimatization: Lack of acclimatization to hot or warm conditions can increase the risk of heat stroke.
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Frequently asked questions
You might be having a heat stroke if your body temperature is at or above 103°F or 104°F. Other symptoms include confusion, loss of consciousness, rapid and shallow breathing, rapid and weak pulse, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting. If you experience any of these symptoms, seek immediate medical attention as heat stroke is a medical emergency and can be fatal.
If you think you are having a heat stroke, call 911 or get to a hospital immediately. Move to a cooler place, preferably one with air conditioning, and try to reduce your body temperature with cool cloths, a cool bath, or a cold shower. Do not drink anything.
The signs and symptoms of heat stroke include a body temperature above 103°F, hot, red, dry, or damp skin, rapid and strong pulse, fainting, loss of consciousness, confusion, nausea, dizziness, and vomiting.