Understanding Minor Heat Stroke: Signs And Prevention

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 requires immediate medical attention. Heat stroke is caused by prolonged exposure to high temperatures, often in combination with dehydration, and can lead to organ damage and even death. The hallmark symptom of heat stroke is a core body temperature above 104°F, but other symptoms include fainting, dizziness, nausea, seizures, and confusion. It is important to act quickly if you suspect someone is experiencing heat stroke, as any delay in seeking medical help can be fatal.

Heat stroke symptoms

Heat stroke, also known as sunstroke, is a severe medical emergency that can lead to death or permanent organ damage. 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.

Heat stroke often occurs as a progression from milder heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion, heat cramps, and heat syncope (fainting). However, it can also strike without any previous signs of heat injury.

• A core body temperature of 103°F or higher is considered a key indicator of heat stroke.
• The skin may feel hot, red, and dry to the touch.
• The person may experience nausea, dizziness, and light-headedness.
• They may exhibit behavioral changes such as confusion, disorientation, staggering, or even seizures.
• Their skin may be damp due to excessive sweating, indicating heat exhaustion, which can lead to heat stroke if not treated.
• A rapid and strong pulse, along with rapid, shallow breathing, may be observed.
• The person may experience muscle weakness or cramps.
• In some cases, there may be a loss of consciousness or even a coma.

Heat stroke risk factors

Jobs and Activities

Agricultural workers, construction workers, firefighters, military personnel, and athletes are at an increased risk of heat stroke. Even casual workouts can lead to heat stroke, especially if the individual is not used to physical activity in hot conditions.

Social and Environmental Factors

These include not having access to air conditioning, living in a warm climate, living alone, and feeling pressured to push your body beyond its limits.

Age and Health Conditions

People over the age of 65, pregnant women, those who are dehydrated, individuals with viral or bacterial infections, and those with cardiovascular disease are at a higher risk of heat stroke. Conditions that limit the body's ability to sweat, such as anhidrosis, deep burns, extensive scars, and ectodermal dysplasia, can also increase the risk.

Medications and Substances

Certain medications and substances can interfere with the body's ability to regulate temperature. These may increase the risk of dehydration, reduce sweating, or cause the metabolism to generate more heat. Anticholinergics, antipsychotic medications, calcium channel blockers, lithium, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), and tricyclic antidepressants are some examples.

Additionally, babies and young children are at an increased risk of heat stroke as they are vulnerable to extreme heat, even for short periods.

Heat stroke prevention

Heat stroke is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention. It occurs when the body reaches a temperature of 104°F or higher, and can lead to organ damage and even death if left untreated. Heat exhaustion, which is characterized by heavy sweating, faintness, dizziness, fatigue, rapid pulse, headache, and nausea, often precedes heat stroke. To prevent heat stroke, it is important to take the following precautions:

Stay in a Cool Environment

If possible, stay in an air-conditioned place to keep your body cool. If you don't have access to air conditioning, spend time in a shopping mall or public library, as even a few hours in a cool environment can help. Drawing the curtains, shades, or blinds during the hottest part of the day and opening the windows at night can also help keep your house cool.

Wear Appropriate Clothing

Choose lightweight, loose-fitting clothing made of breathable fabrics such as cotton. Light-colored clothing is also preferable as it reflects sunlight and helps keep you cool. Don't forget to wear a wide-brimmed hat when you go out, and if possible, avoid going out during the hottest parts of the day, usually between 11 am and 5 pm.

Stay Hydrated

Drink plenty of fluids, even if you don't feel thirsty. Water is the best option, but you can also drink fruit or vegetable juice, or an electrolyte-rich sports drink to replace lost salts and minerals. Avoid alcoholic, sugary, and very cold drinks, as they can worsen dehydration. Monitoring the color of your urine is a good way to ensure you're staying hydrated—it should be very light-colored.

Protect Yourself from the Sun

Use sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, and reapply it every two hours or more often if you're swimming or sweating. Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes, and avoid direct sunlight as much as possible.

Be Cautious with Certain Medications

Some medications can affect your body's ability to stay hydrated and regulate its temperature. Talk to your healthcare provider about any medications you are taking and ask if they increase your risk of heat-related illnesses.

Take Extra Precautions with Children and Pets

Never leave children or pets alone in a car, even for a short period. The temperature in a car can rise quickly, even with the windows cracked open, and this is a common cause of heat-related deaths in children. Keep your car locked when not in use to prevent children from accidentally getting inside. Ensure pets have access to plenty of water and shade.

Heat stroke treatment

Heat stroke is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention. While waiting for emergency services to arrive, there are several treatment methods you can employ to help lower the affected person's body temperature.

First, move the person to a cool, shaded area. If possible, bring them into an air-conditioned environment. Remove any unnecessary clothing. If the person is conscious, offer them small amounts of cool water or a rehydration drink. Do not give them aspirin, ibuprofen, or paracetamol.

Try to cool the person down by applying cold, wet cloths or towels to their skin. You can also use ice packs or cold water from a sponge, garden hose, or shower. If the person is young and healthy and suffered heat stroke while exercising vigorously, you can use an ice bath to help cool their body. Place cold packs on their cheeks, palms, and soles. If the person is unconscious, place them on their side, with their mouth down and their chin up. You may need to perform CPR.

If possible, take the person's core body temperature and try to cool it to 101–102 °F (38.3–38.9 °C). Continue cooling methods for 20 minutes, until the person feels better or emergency services arrive.

Heat stroke complications

Heat stroke is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention. If not treated promptly, it can lead to serious complications and even death. Here are some of the potential complications that can arise from heat stroke:

• Organ Damage: Heat stroke can cause damage to internal organs, including the brain, kidneys, liver, and gut. This damage can be permanent, such as brain damage, or even fatal, as in the case of acute kidney injury.
• Central Nervous System Dysfunction: Heat stroke is characterised by a core body temperature above 104°F (40°C) and symptoms of central nervous system dysfunction, such as confusion, ataxia, delirium, seizures, and behavioural changes.
• Cardiovascular Issues: Heat stroke can cause cardiovascular instability, with some patients experiencing sinus tachycardia, widened pulse pressure, and hypotension.
• Respiratory Issues: Complications such as acute respiratory distress syndrome can occur as a result of heat stroke.
• Coagulopathies: There is a range of coagulopathies, or bleeding disorders, associated with heat stroke, from simple activation of the coagulation cascade to fatal haemorrhage or disseminated intravascular coagulation.
• Rhabdomyolysis: This is a syndrome involving the breakdown of skeletal muscle, which can lead to acute renal failure and cardiac conduction abnormalities.
• Hyperkalemia and Hypocalcemia: These electrolyte imbalances can occur due to muscle breakdown or acidosis, and together they can cause cardiac conduction abnormalities and, in rare cases, fatal cardiac arrhythmias.
• Hypoglycemia: Heat stroke can cause a drop in blood sugar levels, leading to potential complications for individuals with diabetes or other blood sugar regulation issues.
• Multi-Organ Dysfunction: Even after successful treatment of heat stroke, patients may continue to experience core temperature disturbances and dysfunction in multiple organ systems.

Frequently asked questions