Preventing Heat Strokes: Understanding Triggers And Symptoms

Heat stroke, also known as sunstroke, is a severe heat illness that results in a body temperature of over 40°C (104°F). It is a life-threatening condition that can lead to organ failure and death. Heat stroke is caused by a combination of high external temperatures and physical exertion, and it can affect anyone, especially those with certain health conditions or genetic predispositions. The early symptoms of heat stroke include behavioural changes, confusion, dizziness, weakness, nausea, and vomiting. If you suspect that someone is experiencing heat stroke, it is important to call emergency services immediately and provide first aid by moving the person to a cool area and trying to lower their body temperature.

Prolonged exposure to high temperatures

Heat stroke is often a progression from milder heat-related illnesses such as heat cramps, fainting, and heat exhaustion. However, it can also occur without any previous signs of heat injury. Risk factors include age, with those over 50 or under 4 being particularly vulnerable, as well as health conditions such as heart, lung, or kidney disease, diabetes, mental illness, and sickle cell trait. Certain medications, such as antihistamines, diuretics, and sedatives, can also increase the risk of heat stroke.

During periods of high temperatures, it is important to take precautions to prevent heat stroke. This includes wearing lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing, using sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or more, and drinking plenty of fluids. It is also recommended to avoid caffeine and alcohol, as these can lead to further fluid loss. If possible, it is best to stay in an air-conditioned environment or at least in a well-ventilated area.

If you suspect that someone is suffering from heat stroke, it is crucial to call for emergency medical help immediately. While waiting for paramedics to arrive, move the person to a cooler environment, remove any unnecessary clothing, and try to cool them down using strategies such as fanning them with wet sponges or applying ice packs to the armpits, groin, neck, and back.

Dehydration

Children and individuals over 60 years of age are particularly susceptible to dehydration. In children, symptoms of dehydration may include a dry mouth and tongue, absence of tears when crying, absence of wet diapers for several hours, a sunken abdomen, eyes, or cheeks, and skin that does not flatten when pinched and released. For infants and young children, solutions like Pedialyte can help maintain electrolyte balance during heat exposure or illness.

In general, symptoms of dehydration include less frequent urination, dry mouth and mucous membranes, increased heart rate and breathing, dizziness, and fainting. As dehydration progresses, it can lead to heat exhaustion and eventually heatstroke. Therefore, it is crucial to treat dehydration promptly and prevent its occurrence by staying hydrated, especially during outdoor activities or when exposed to hot and humid conditions.

To prevent dehydration, it is recommended to drink plenty of fluids, ensure fluid intake exceeds fluid loss, and maintain electrolyte balance by consuming appropriate sports drinks. Scheduling physical outdoor activities during cooler parts of the day and gradually increasing time spent outdoors can also help prevent dehydration and reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses.

Old age

People aged 65 and older are more prone to heat-related illnesses, including heat stroke, than younger people. This is due to a variety of factors that come with old age.

Firstly, the ability to regulate body temperature decreases with age. Older adults produce less sweat because their bodies retain less water, and this results in a reduced ability to cool through evaporation. Age-related changes to the skin, such as poor blood circulation and inefficient sweat glands, can also contribute to this.

Secondly, seniors are more likely to have chronic medical conditions and take prescription medications that affect the body's ability to control its temperature. Conditions such as heart, lung, and kidney diseases can change normal body responses to heat. Additionally, certain medications can have diuretic effects, causing the body to expel water and salt through urination, leading to dehydration.

Thirdly, older adults may not feel the urge to drink and can forget to hydrate, which is crucial for maintaining optimal bodily and cognitive function. Dehydration can lead to cognitive decline and physical weakness, further perpetuating the cycle of insufficient water consumption.

Finally, lifestyle factors can also increase the risk of heat-related illnesses in older adults. These include extremely hot living quarters, lack of transportation, overdressing, and visiting overcrowded places.

To prevent heat-related illnesses, older adults should stay indoors on hot and humid days, drink plenty of fluids, wear light-colored and loose-fitting clothes, and seek out air-conditioned spaces if they do not have access to air conditioning at home. It is also important for them to limit strenuous outdoor activities and get plenty of rest.

Heat stroke is a severe form of heat-related illness that requires immediate medical attention. Symptoms of heat stroke include a body temperature above 103°F or 104°F, red, hot, or dry skin with no sweat, dizziness or confusion, and loss of consciousness. If you suspect that an older adult is experiencing heat stroke, call for emergency medical assistance, move them to a cool area, and apply cold compresses to their body.

Strenuous physical activity

Exertional heat stroke is usually the result of physical overexertion in hot, humid conditions. It can develop in a few hours and is often the progression from milder heat-related illnesses such as heat cramps, heat syncope (fainting), and heat exhaustion.

During strenuous physical activity, the body's core temperature rises due to excessive endogenous heat production or inhibited heat loss. This temperature elevation compromises the body's temperature-control centre in the brain, leading to circulatory failure or endotoxemia.

The early signs and symptoms of exertional heat stroke include clumsiness, stumbling, headache, nausea, and dizziness. These may progress to apathy, confusion, and impaired consciousness.

To prevent exertional heat stroke, it is crucial to avoid strenuous physical activity in hot, humid conditions. Maintaining proper hydration is essential. Athletes should be educated about the risks and encouraged to monitor their hydration status by checking their urine colour and body weight changes.

Additionally, gradual heat acclimatisation is recommended. This involves progressively increasing the intensity and duration of workouts in hot conditions over 10 to 14 days. Well-acclimatised athletes should train for 1 to 2 hours under similar heat conditions as their event.

If exertional heat stroke is suspected, it is a medical emergency, and immediate action is required. Call emergency services and begin first aid by moving the person to a cool area and removing unnecessary clothing. The goal is to reduce their body temperature as quickly as possible. Immersion in a tub or pool of cold water is the fastest way to lower body temperature.

Underlying health conditions

Heat stroke is a severe and potentially life-threatening condition that occurs when the body's core temperature rises above 104°F (40°C). It is usually caused by overexertion in hot and humid conditions, but it can also be caused by underlying health conditions.

Non-exertional heat stroke can occur in people with underlying health issues, particularly those with a diminished ability to regulate body temperature. This includes people with:

• Heart disease
• Lung disease
• Kidney disease
• Liver disease
• Thyroid issues
• Sleep disorders
• Blood vessel problems
• Cystic fibrosis
• Obesity
• Underweight
• High blood pressure
• Diabetes
• Mental illness
• Sickle cell trait
• Alcoholism
• Sunburn
• Fever

Additionally, certain medications can increase the risk of heat stroke by affecting the body's ability to regulate temperature. These include:

• Antihistamines
• Diuretics
• Sedatives
• Tranquilizers
• Heart and blood pressure medications
• Seizure medications
• Beta-blockers
• Vasoconstrictors
• Antidepressants
• Antipsychotics
• Illicit drugs such as cocaine and methamphetamine

People with these underlying health conditions or taking certain medications are at a higher risk of developing heat stroke, especially in hot and humid environments. It is important for individuals with these risk factors to take extra precautions, such as staying hydrated, wearing lightweight clothing, and avoiding strenuous activity in extreme heat.

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