Heat Stroke: Face Swelling And Other Unexpected Symptoms

Heat stroke is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the body overheats and can't cool down, causing the body temperature to exceed 40 degrees Celsius. It can be caused by exposure to high environmental temperatures or strenuous physical activity. Heat stroke can lead to serious complications and even death if not treated promptly. While the common symptoms include dizziness, nausea, and confusion, there is a range of other symptoms, including swelling, that can indicate heat stroke.

Heat stroke prevention methods

Heat stroke is a dangerous condition that can lead to brain damage, organ failure, and even death. It is caused by the body overheating due to prolonged exposure to high temperatures, which results in the brain being unable to regulate body temperature. This can be prevented by taking some simple steps:

• Limit physical exertion: Until you have become acclimatised to a new, hotter environment, limit physical activity as this increases heat production. Most travellers will adapt to higher temperatures in about 10 days.
• Stay hydrated: Drink fluids frequently and don't wait until you feel thirsty. To prevent dehydration, it is generally recommended to drink at least eight glasses of water or other fluids per day. If you are exercising or working outdoors, drink 24 ounces of fluid two hours before, and consider adding another 8 ounces of water or sports drink before beginning the activity. During exercise, drink another 8 ounces of water every 20 minutes.
• Monitor urine colour: Dark urine is a sign of dehydration, so be sure to drink enough fluids to maintain very light-coloured urine.
• Wear appropriate clothing: Clothing should be light and airy. Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-coloured clothing that allows your body to cool.
• Stay cool: Take advantage of air conditioning and shade where possible. If you don't have access to air conditioning, spend at least two hours each day in an air-conditioned environment, especially during the hottest part of the day.
• Avoid the sun during the hottest part of the day: Typically between 11 am and 3 pm, avoid heat exposure during this time. Do not sit inside a car during this time, even with the windows open and the car parked in the shade, as vehicles heat up extremely quickly.
• Use sunscreen: When spending time in the sun, use sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or more to protect your skin.
• Be aware of your environment: If you live in an urban area, you may be more prone to heat stroke during a prolonged heatwave due to the "heat island effect". Asphalt and concrete store heat during the day and only gradually release it at night, resulting in higher nighttime temperatures.
• Monitor your weight: Weigh yourself before and after physical activity to monitor lost water weight and determine how much fluid you need to drink.
• Avoid diuretics: Alcohol and caffeine can cause you to lose more fluids and worsen heat-related illness, so avoid these if possible.

Heat stroke risk factors

Heat stroke is a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention. It is caused by the body overheating, impairing the brain's ability to regulate temperature. This can lead to dangerous health complications, including organ failure and death.

There are several risk factors that increase an individual's susceptibility to heat stroke:

Age

Infants, children under 4, and adults over 65 are more vulnerable to heat stroke as they adjust to heat changes more slowly. Older people are at greater risk, especially if they live in accommodations without proper airflow or air conditioning.

Health Conditions

Underlying health issues can increase the risk of heat stroke. These include heart disease, lung disease, kidney disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, mental illness, sickle cell trait, alcoholism, sunburn, and any condition causing fever. Obesity or being underweight are also risk factors.

Medication and Substance Use

The use of certain medications can increase the risk of heat stroke. These include diuretics, psychiatric medications, blood pressure medicines, antihistamines, diet pills, sedatives, tranquilizers, stimulants, seizure medications, beta-blockers, vasoconstrictors, and antidepressants. Illicit drug use, such as opioids, methamphetamine, and cocaine, is also a risk factor.

Sleep Deprivation and Alcohol Consumption

Individuals who do not get sufficient sleep and those who consume excessive alcohol are more susceptible to heat stroke. Alcohol is a diuretic, which can lead to dehydration and electrolyte deficiencies.

Occupational Heat Exposure

People exposed to heat through their jobs, such as athletes, hikers, soldiers, and workers in certain industries, are at higher risk. This is especially true for those who are not yet acclimatized to the heat or who have lower levels of physical fitness.

Dehydration and Lack of Acclimatization

Dehydration is a significant risk factor for heat stroke. It is essential to maintain adequate hydration by consuming enough water or fluids, especially during hot and humid conditions. Additionally, it takes time to acclimatize to new, hotter environments, and physical exertion should be limited until acclimatization occurs.

Clothing and Environment

Wearing tight-fitting or dark-colored clothing can increase the risk of heat stroke. It is recommended to wear light, airy, and light-colored clothing in hot weather. Additionally, seeking shade, using fans, and taking advantage of air conditioning are important measures to prevent overheating.

It is crucial to be aware of these risk factors and take appropriate precautions to prevent heat stroke, especially during hot weather and when engaging in strenuous activities.

Heat stroke symptoms

• Redness in the face and increasing body temperature (above 103°F or 39.4°C)
• Extreme thirst, dizziness and headaches
• Nausea, shallow breathing and vomiting
• Lack of perspiration despite hot temperatures
• Dilated pupils, reduced sensitivity, fainting or a seizure

Heat stroke can be avoided by preventing prolonged exposure to the sun or heat. If you feel like you are beginning to overheat, cool yourself down with a cool shower, sit in front of a fan or turn on the air conditioning if possible. It is also important to stay hydrated by drinking water regularly (at least 2 litres per day).

In addition to the above, heat stroke can also cause swelling. Mild swelling of the feet and hands may occur when first exposed to hot weather. This effect is more common in females. Swelling occurs due to an increased blood supply to the skin, which also radiates heat, causing fluid to move out of the blood vessels and into the surrounding tissues, resulting in swelling.

Heat stroke treatment

Heat stroke is a severe heat-related illness that can be life-threatening and requires immediate attention. It occurs when the body overheats, impairing the brain's ability to regulate body temperature. This can lead to dangerous temperatures of over 40°C. While it is not clear whether heat stroke causes face swelling, heat stroke does present with symptoms such as redness in the face and skin that is hot to the touch.

Move to a Cool Environment

Remove the affected person from direct sunlight and place them in a cool, shaded area. This is crucial to help lower their body temperature.

Cool the Person's Body

Use various methods to cool the person's body, such as spraying the face and body with water, sponging them down, or using cool packs. You can also apply cold, wet cloths or towels to the skin and use ice packs, especially around the neck and armpits. These measures will help draw heat away from the body.

Rehydrate

Encourage the person to drink water and other fluids to rehydrate. It is important to note that rehydration is not just about drinking water; salts often need to be replaced as well. Oral rehydration solutions or rehydration sachets are available, or a simple solution can be made using ingredients like soda, salt, and lime juice.

Remove Clothing

Take off any unnecessary clothing to help the person cool down.

Raise Legs

Elevating the legs can help improve blood circulation and regulate body temperature.

Call for Medical Attention

Heat stroke is a serious condition that requires urgent medical care. Call for emergency services or seek medical attention promptly. They may require additional cooling measures in a hospital setting, such as intravenous fluids and further ice pack applications.

Prevent Heat Stroke

To prevent heat stroke, it is important to avoid prolonged exposure to the sun or heat. Stay hydrated by drinking at least 2 litres of water per day and avoid excessive exercise in hot conditions. Wear loose, light clothing, and protect yourself from direct sunlight, especially during the hottest times of the day.

Heat stroke recovery

Heat stroke is a dangerous condition that requires immediate medical attention. It is caused by the body overheating, impairing the brain's ability to regulate its temperature. This can lead to serious organ damage and even death.

If you suspect that someone is suffering from heat stroke, it is important to call the emergency services right away and provide first aid until paramedics arrive. Move the person to a cool, shaded area and remove any unnecessary clothing. You can also try to cool them down by applying cold compresses to their groin, neck, forehead, and armpits, or immersing them in a cold-water bath if possible.

During recovery from heat stroke, it is normal to experience increased sensitivity to high temperatures. It is recommended to avoid hot weather and strenuous activity until a doctor advises otherwise. The recovery process will depend on the individual's age, overall health, and any underlying conditions.

• Rest and avoid physical exertion: Give your body time to heal and recover by getting plenty of rest. Avoid any strenuous activities or exercises that may increase your body temperature.
• Stay hydrated: Continue to drink plenty of fluids, such as water or sports drinks with electrolytes, to replenish any lost fluids and minerals.
• Monitor your body temperature: Keep an eye on your body temperature for the next few weeks, as it may fluctuate more than usual.
• Prevent heat exposure: Try to stay in cool environments and avoid direct sunlight, especially during the hottest parts of the day.
• Seek medical advice: Consult with your doctor for further guidance and to determine when it is safe to resume normal activities. They may also recommend monitoring tests for kidney and liver function.
• Look out for unusual symptoms: Keep an eye out for any unusual symptoms, such as lowered urine output, confused thinking, or trouble breathing, and discuss them with your doctor.

Frequently asked questions