Heat Stroke: 90 Degrees And Its Dangers

Heat stroke is a severe medical emergency that can lead to brain damage, organ failure, coma, or even death. It is caused by prolonged exposure to high temperatures, usually in combination with dehydration, which results in a failure of the body's temperature control system. With global temperatures rising due to climate change, heat waves are becoming more frequent and intense, increasing the risk of heat-related illnesses. So, can you get heat stroke in 90-degree weather? The answer is yes. Even in temperatures as low as 80 degrees Fahrenheit, heat stroke is possible, especially with high humidity levels. Therefore, it is crucial to be aware of the symptoms and take preventive measures to avoid heat stroke and other heat-related illnesses when temperatures rise.

Heat stroke symptoms

Heat stroke can occur when the body is unable to cool itself. This can happen when the body heats too rapidly, or when too much fluid or salt is lost through dehydration or sweating. Heat stroke is a severe medical emergency and can be fatal if not addressed promptly.

• Throbbing headache
• Confusion
• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Body temperature above 103°F (39.4°C)
• Hot red, dry, or damp skin
• Rapid and strong pulse
• Fainting
• Loss of consciousness
• Seizures
• Slurred speech

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 one that is air-conditioned. Work to reduce their body temperature with cool cloths or a bath. Do not use a fan if the heat index temperatures are above the 90s, as this could further increase their body temperature. Do not give them fluids. Call emergency services or get the victim to a hospital immediately.

Risk factors

Heat stroke is a severe medical emergency that can lead to brain damage, organ failure, coma, or even death. It is caused by the body's inability to regulate its temperature in extremely hot and humid weather, often in combination with dehydration. The risk of heat-related illness increases dramatically when the heat index climbs to 90 degrees Fahrenheit or more. Here are some detailed risk factors for heat stroke:

• Age: Infants, young children, and adults over 65 are at higher risk of heat stroke as they adjust to heat more slowly than others. Heat stroke mainly affects people over 50, but it can also take a toll on young, healthy individuals, especially athletes.
• Health Conditions: People with certain health conditions are more susceptible to heat stroke. This includes 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: Certain medications can affect the body's ability to regulate temperature and increase the risk of heat stroke. These include antihistamines, diet pills, diuretics, sedatives, tranquilizers, stimulants, seizure medications (anticonvulsants), heart and blood pressure medications (e.g., beta-blockers and vasoconstrictors), and psychiatric medications (e.g., antidepressants and antipsychotics).
• Substance Use: Excessive alcohol consumption and the use of illegal drugs such as cocaine and methamphetamine are associated with an increased risk of heat stroke.
• Diabetes: People with diabetes may underestimate their risk during heat waves and are more likely to experience emergency room visits, hospitalization, and death from heat-related illness.
• Clothing: Wearing heavy or tight clothing, such as protective gear, can increase the risk of heat stroke. Lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing is recommended to help reflect heat and sunlight and maintain normal body temperatures.
• Physical Activity: Strenuous physical activity or exercise in hot, humid conditions can lead to heat stroke. It is important to stay hydrated, wear appropriate clothing, and avoid peak sun times when the temperature is high.
• Environment: Individuals living in urban areas, particularly with stagnant atmospheric conditions and poor air quality, are more prone to heat stroke during prolonged heat waves due to the "heat island effect." Spending time in air-conditioned places or well-ventilated areas can help mitigate this risk.
• Dehydration: Dehydration is a significant risk factor for heat stroke. It is important to drink plenty of water or non-alcoholic fluids to keep the body cool and maintain normal bodily functions.
• Sun Exposure: Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can increase the risk of heat stroke. Sunburn also makes it more difficult for the body to dissipate heat.
• Acclimatization: Individuals who are not used to hot conditions or have not gradually acclimated to warmer temperatures are at higher risk of heat stroke.
• History of Heat Stroke: A past history of heat stroke increases the likelihood of experiencing it again.

It is important to recognize the symptoms of heat-related illnesses and take preventive measures to reduce the risk of heat stroke, especially in high-risk individuals.

Heat stroke prevention

Heat stroke is a severe medical emergency that can be fatal. It occurs when the body reaches a temperature of 104°F (40°C) or higher. The human body uses sweat as a means of cooling off, but in extreme heat, sweating can't always cool the body down. This is especially true in high humidity, when sweat cannot evaporate and ends up dripping off the body.

• Stay in a cool environment: Stay in an air-conditioned place as much as possible. If your home does not have air conditioning, spend a few hours in a shopping mall or public library to help your body stay cool.
• Wear appropriate clothing: Choose lightweight, loose-fitting clothing in light colours.
• Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Avoid sugary, alcoholic, and very cold drinks.
• Replace salts and minerals: Heavy sweating removes salt and minerals from the body, so consider drinking a sports drink to replace these.
• Avoid hot and heavy meals: These add heat to your body.
• Take cool showers or baths: This will help to cool off your body.
• Limit outdoor activity: Try to schedule outdoor activities during cooler times of the day, such as the morning or evening. Take breaks in shady areas and rest frequently.
• Protect yourself from the sun: When outdoors, wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, and use sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher. Reapply sunscreen regularly.
• Be cautious with medications: Some medications can affect your body's ability to stay hydrated and dissipate heat, so consult your healthcare provider for advice.
• Never leave anyone in a parked car: Cars can quickly heat up to dangerous temperatures, even with the windows open.

Heat stroke treatment

Heat stroke is a severe medical emergency and can be fatal. If you or someone you know is experiencing heat stroke, call 911 or get the victim to a hospital immediately. Move the victim to a cooler environment, preferably one with air conditioning. If the heat index temperature is below the high 90s, use a fan to help cool the victim down. Do NOT give fluids to a victim of heat stroke. Reduce their body temperature with cool cloths or a cool bath.

Heat stroke is caused by the body's inability to cool itself. The human body uses sweat as a means of cooling off, but in extreme heat, sweating can't always cool the body down. This is especially true in times of high humidity. When the humidity is very high, sweat cannot evaporate and drips off the body, making it harder for the body to release heat.

Heat stroke is a serious condition, but it can be prevented. To reduce the risk of heat stroke, wear proper clothing, drink plenty of fluids, and exercise caution in hot weather. If you are working in the sun, wear loose-fitting, light-colored clothing and drink plenty of water. If you are exercising in the heat, hydrate properly and try to work out before 10 a.m. or after 6 p.m.

Heat stroke complications

Heat stroke is a severe medical emergency that can lead to brain damage or even death. Heat stroke is a clinical constellation of symptoms that include a severe elevation in body temperature, typically above 40°C, along with clinical signs of central nervous system dysfunction. The central nervous system (CNS) is especially vulnerable to the damaging effects of hyperthermia, with widespread cell death occurring, particularly in the cerebellum region. As a result, heat stroke complications can be extensive and impact multiple organ systems.

Some of the immediate complications of heat stroke include:

• Neurological complications: These can range from minor irritability to more severe issues such as delirium, confusion, delusions, convulsions, hallucinations, ataxia, tremors, dysarthria, and other cerebellar findings. Seizures and loss of consciousness are also common.
• Cardiovascular complications: Heat stroke patients often exhibit a hyperdynamic state with tachycardia, low systemic vascular resistance, and a high cardiac index. However, a hypodynamic state may also occur, leading to cardiovascular collapse.
• Respiratory complications: Patients with heat stroke commonly experience tachypnea and hyperventilation due to direct CNS stimulation, acidosis, or hypoxia. In severe cases, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) may develop.
• Gastrointestinal complications: Gastrointestinal hemorrhage and intestinal infarction can occur as a result of heat stroke.
• Hepatic complications: Evidence of liver injury, including jaundice and elevated liver enzymes, is commonly seen. In rare cases, fulminant hepatic failure may occur, accompanied by encephalopathy, hypoglycemia, disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), and bleeding.
• Renal complications: Acute kidney injury is a common complication of heat stroke, often due to hypovolemia, low cardiac output, and myoglobinuria (from rhabdomyolysis).
• Musculoskeletal complications: Muscle tenderness, cramping, and rhabdomyolysis are frequent complications of heat stroke.

In addition to the immediate complications, heat stroke can also have long-term sequelae, particularly in the CNS. These may include cerebellar deficits, dementia, hemiplegia, quadriparesis, and personality changes.

It is important to note that even with successful treatment and normalization of body temperature, many patients continue to experience core temperature disturbances and multi-organ dysfunction for extended periods. Therefore, heat stroke is a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention and careful monitoring to prevent potentially life-threatening complications.

Frequently asked questions