Heat stroke is a serious, potentially deadly condition that requires immediate medical attention. It occurs when the body is unable to cool itself, resulting in a dangerous rise in internal body temperature. While heat stroke can happen in any environmental condition, the combination of heat and humidity increases the risk. High humidity prevents sweat from evaporating, making it harder for the body to regulate its temperature and leading to a higher likelihood of heat stroke.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Heat stroke | A dangerous heat-related illness that occurs when your body cannot cool itself |
Heat stroke symptoms | Body temperature above 104°F, rapid pulse/racing heart, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, slurred speech, confusion, inability to be aroused or not acting "normal" |
Heat exhaustion | An illness that can happen when your body gets too hot and can't cool itself |
Heat exhaustion symptoms | Body temperature over 100°F, dizziness or faintness, cool, moist skin with goosebumps, rapid shallow breathing, swollen ankles, feet, or hands (heat edema), a drop in blood pressure when you stand |
Heat stroke prevention | Staying indoors, wearing lightweight and light-coloured clothing, hydrating every 15-20 minutes, drinking water or sports drinks, taking frequent breaks in the shade or air-conditioned areas, using sun protection |
Heat exhaustion prevention | Staying indoors, wearing lightweight and light-coloured clothing, drinking water or sports drinks, taking frequent breaks in the shade or air-conditioned areas, using sun protection |
What You'll Learn
Heat stroke is a medical emergency
The hallmark symptom of heat stroke is an internal body temperature above 104°F. However, fainting may be the first sign, along with other symptoms such as dizziness and light-headedness. Other common symptoms include nausea, seizures, confusion, disorientation, and sometimes loss of consciousness or coma. Heat stroke can also cause behavioural changes, such as confusion, agitation, or aggression, and a notable symptom is the inability to sweat, even in extreme heat.
Heat stroke is considered a medical emergency because it can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention. It can lead to permanent damage, including brain damage and other vital organ damage, and can even be fatal. The faster you get treatment, the better your chances of recovery. Therefore, if you suspect that you or someone else is experiencing heat stroke, it is crucial to call emergency services immediately and provide first aid until help arrives.
To provide first aid to someone experiencing heat stroke, move them to a cooler environment, preferably an air-conditioned room or a shaded area. Remove any unnecessary clothing and try to cool their body temperature using various methods, such as fanning them while wetting their skin with water, applying ice packs to their armpits, groin, neck, and back, or immersing them in a cool shower or bath. It is important to act quickly and seek professional medical help to prevent irreversible damage and save lives.
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Heat exhaustion can turn into heat stroke
Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are both heat-related illnesses caused by the body's inability to cool itself. Heat exhaustion occurs when the body loses excessive amounts of water and salt, usually through sweating. Heat stroke, on the other hand, is a more severe condition where the body's internal temperature control system fails.
Heat exhaustion can quickly turn into heat stroke if left untreated. Prolonged exposure to high temperatures, especially without proper hydration and electrolyte replacement, can lead to heat stroke. The early warning signs of heat exhaustion include nausea, light-headedness, fatigue, muscle cramping, and dizziness. It is important to recognize these signs and take immediate steps to cool down, such as moving to a cooler place, removing extra clothing, and drinking plenty of fluids.
If heat exhaustion progresses to heat stroke, the symptoms become more severe and may include a high body temperature (above 103°F), a rapid pulse, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and altered mental status, such as confusion or disorientation. Heat stroke is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention. While waiting for emergency services, move the person to a cooler place, use cold compresses or wet cloths to lower their temperature, and do not give them any fluids.
To prevent heat exhaustion and heat stroke, it is crucial to stay hydrated, limit time in the sun, and take breaks in cool or shaded areas. Wearing lightweight and light-colored clothing can also help keep you cool. Additionally, avoiding caffeine and alcohol, which can contribute to dehydration, is recommended.
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Heat and humidity impact the body's ability to cool itself
The combination of heat and humidity can increase the risk of heat-related issues, such as dehydration and heat stroke. Heat stroke is a dangerous heat-related illness that occurs when the body cannot cool itself. It is considered a medical emergency and can be life-threatening. The internal body temperature can rise to 104 degrees F or higher, with altered mental status, including slurred speech, confusion, and inability to be aroused. Other symptoms of heat stroke include rapid pulse/racing heart, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of consciousness, vomiting, hot and dry skin, profuse sweating, and a very high body temperature.
The risk of heat stroke is higher for certain groups, including older adults, young children, and people with pre-existing health conditions. It is important to take precautions during hot and humid weather to prevent heat stroke, such as staying hydrated, wearing lightweight and light-colored clothing, and avoiding strenuous activities during the hottest parts of the day.
Heat acclimatization is also an important practice to reduce the risk of heat stroke. This involves gradually getting used to hotter temperatures, allowing the body to make physiological adaptations such as increased sweat efficiency and increased blood flow to the skin. Overall, it is crucial to be mindful of the impact of heat and humidity on the body's ability to cool itself and to take the necessary precautions to prevent heat-related illnesses.
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Warning signs of heat stroke
Heat stroke is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention. It occurs when the body is unable to cool itself down, and hot days, especially with high humidity, make it more difficult for the body to release heat. Humidity slows the rate at which sweat evaporates, which is the body's natural cooling mechanism. Heat stroke can be fatal or cause permanent damage to the brain and other internal organs.
- High body temperature (above 103°F or 39.4°C)
- Rapid pulse or racing heart
- Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhoea
- Slurred speech, confusion, disorientation, or staggering
- Behavioural changes, such as confusion or acting strangely
- Dizziness and light-headedness
- Lack of sweating despite the heat
- Red, hot, and dry skin
- Muscle weakness or cramps
- Rapid, shallow breathing
- Fainting or loss of consciousness
If you or someone you know is experiencing any of these symptoms, it is crucial to act quickly. Move the person to a cooler environment, preferably an air-conditioned room, and remove any unnecessary clothing. Call for emergency medical help immediately. While waiting for paramedics, you can initiate first aid by trying to lower the person's body temperature using cool cloths, a cool bath, or spraying the skin with water.
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How to avoid heat stroke
Heat stroke is a dangerous heat-related illness that occurs when your body cannot cool itself. It is considered a medical emergency and can be fatal. It is therefore important to know how to avoid heat stroke, especially during hot weather. Here are some ways to avoid heat stroke:
Stay Indoors
The simplest option to prevent heat stroke is to stay indoors in an air-conditioned environment. If your home does not have air conditioning, you can spend a few hours in a shopping mall or public library, which can help your body stay cooler when you go back into the heat.
Dress Appropriately
When outdoors, wear lightweight, light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing. A wide-brimmed hat is also recommended to limit sun exposure. Avoid dark clothes made of heavy fabrics that trap heat.
Stay Hydrated
Dehydration is a major risk factor for heat stroke. It is important to drink plenty of fluids, especially water, fruit juice, or vegetable juice. It is generally recommended to drink at least eight glasses of fluid per day. During physical activity, drink 24 ounces of fluid two hours before exercise and consider adding another 8 ounces of water or sports drink before exercise. During exercise, consume another 8 ounces of water every 20 minutes, even if you don't feel thirsty. Avoid fluids containing caffeine or alcohol, as they can worsen heat-related illness.
Monitor Urine Colour
Darker urine is a sign of dehydration. Be sure to drink enough fluids to maintain very light-coloured urine.
Take Breaks and Limit Outdoor Activities
Take frequent breaks by resting in the shade or in air-conditioned areas. Schedule outdoor activities carefully, limiting them to the coolest times of the day, such as the early morning or evening.
Be Cautious with Exercise
If you are not accustomed to exercising in hot environments, start slowly and gradually increase the pace and intensity. If exertion in the heat makes your heart pound and leaves you gasping for breath, stop all activity and get into a cool area or shade to rest.
Use Sun Protection
Use sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15, but ideally 30 or more. Reapply sunscreen according to the package directions. Sunburns impair your body's ability to cool itself and can lead to dehydration.
Replace Salts and Minerals
Heavy sweating removes salt and minerals from the body, which need to be replaced. Sports drinks can help replace these electrolytes. If you are sweating heavily for more than an hour, replenish salt loss with a sports drink.
Be Mindful of High-Risk Factors
Certain factors increase the risk of heat stroke, including age (younger than 15 or older than 65), being overweight or underweight, certain medications, and medical conditions such as cardiac disease, diabetes, or high blood pressure. If you fall into any of these high-risk categories, take extra precautions and consult your healthcare provider.
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Frequently asked questions
Heat and humidity can increase your risk of a heat stroke. Heat stroke is a medical emergency and can be fatal.
Heat stroke is a heat-related illness that occurs when the body cannot cool itself. The internal body temperature rises to 104 degrees F or higher, and symptoms include altered mental status, slurred speech, confusion, and uncharacteristic behaviour.
Warning signs of heat stroke include confusion, loss of consciousness, vomiting, hot and dry skin, profuse sweating, and a very high body temperature.
To prevent heat stroke, it is important to limit exposure to extreme heat by staying indoors during the hottest parts of the day, staying hydrated, and wearing lightweight, light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing.