Heat stroke, also called heat exhaustion or Heatstroke, is a medical emergency that can occur due to extreme heat. The body temperature of those suffering from heat stroke can reach up to 114 degrees Fahrenheit (46.5 Celsius). Symptoms include confusion, confusion, headache, nausea, cramps, and insensible loss of consciousness. If left untreated, the effects of heat stroke can be serious and even life-threatening. Fortunately, there are ways to prevent and treat the condition before it becomes too late. Read on for more information about how to prevent and treat heat stroke.
What is heat stroke?
Heat stroke, also called heat exhaustion or Heatstroke, is a medical emergency that can occur due to extreme heat. The body temperature of those suffering from heat stroke can reach up to 114 degrees Fahrenheit (46.5 Celsius). Symptoms include confusion, confusion, headache, nausea, cramps, and insensible loss of consciousness.
Heat stroke is often accompanied by a raised core body temperature that is not normal for the individual. Other symptoms include: Redness, burning, and cooling feeling on the skin and areas exposed to the sun Tingling or numbness of the face and hands accelerated breathing decreased levels of consciousness Heat stroke is often caused by an abnormal increase in the body’s core temperature which is caused by a medical condition such as Elevated Cortisol or Excessive Heat Stress.
How to prevent heat stroke?
Unfortunately, there’s not much you can do to prevent heat stroke. The best you can do is keep yourself hydrated, wear appropriate clothing, and stay in a well-ventilated, air-conditioned place when you’re experiencing heat. Stay hydrated. Water temperature above 36 degrees F (2.2 degrees C) can cause heat stroke. Wear appropriate clothing.
There are a variety of clothing materials that can keep you comfortable in hot weather. Stay in the shade. Shade is preferred when you’re outside, as it shades out the sun’s light and keeps you from getting too much heat exposure. Make sure you’re not engaging in strenuous activity. Exercise that temperatures your body higher than your comfortable level can also cause heat stroke.
How to treat heat stroke?
The most important thing you can do to treat heat stroke is to immediately call your doctor if you suspect you have it. Your doctor can run tests to confirm your suspicions and determine the best course of action.
If your doctor suspects heat stroke, he or she will perform a number of tests to rule out other conditions before ordering a temperature check. This can include: Taking your temp in your hands. It’s a quick and simple way to check your core temperature. You can also check this using a rectal thermometer. Taking your temp in your feet. Your doctor will likely recommend this test if you have elevated temp in your feet.
It’s a quick and easy way to check your core temperature. Testing your blood pressure. Your doctor may also order blood pressure tests if you’re on medications that can cause high blood pressure. Measuring your body fluids. Your doctor will likely order a body fluid analysis if you’re on a medication that can cause high body temperatures, like Wear a GPS. GPS units have been developed to track your location and provide alerts when you’re at risk of heat stroke.
What are the symptoms of heat stroke?
The following are the main symptoms of heat stroke: Convulsions. Seizures. Some people describe a seizure-like episode during or after experiencing heat stroke. Changes in consciousness. You may experience drowsiness, nausea, and even sleepiness as your body temperature rises. Cyanosis. Blueish color to the skin and legs. Dry skin. Dry, crackly skin is another common sign of heat stroke. Tremor. Tremors are slow, rhythmic movements that often result from heart rate changes. Upper body and visceral muscle spasms. Upper body and visceral muscle spasms may also occur together with changes in consciousness and seizures.
Heat stroke causes
Elevated body temperature is the main cause of heat stroke. The body produces heat to keep you warm, so when you don’t get enough of it, the temperature in your body rises. Excessive sweating is also a common cause. Sweating is a natural function of the body, and when it’s excessive, it’s referred to as hot flashes. High levels of stress. Chronic stress can cause an individual to produce more heat than they need. Excessive alcohol intake. The combination of heat and alcohol can cause a increased risk for heat stroke. Excessive weight. Being over weight can lead to a higher body temperature.