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Heatstroke

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  • Heat stroke is a form of hyperthermia in which the body temperature is elevated dramatically.
  • Heat stroke is a medical emergency and can be fatal if not promptly and properly treated.
  • The cause of heat stroke is an elevation in body temperature, often accompanied by dehydration [1].

Different people may have different symptoms and signs of heatstroke. Common symptoms and signs of heat stroke include -

  • high body temperature,
  • the absence of sweating, with hot red or flushed dry skin, or damp skin,
  • headache
  • dizziness
  • confusion
  • nausea [2].
  • rapid pulse,
  • strange behaviour,
  • agitation,
  • disorientation,
  • seizure, and/or coma [1].

What to do

  • Call 999/911 right away-heat stroke is a medical emergency.
  • Move the person to a cooler place.
  • Help lower the person's temperature with cool cloths or with whatever means available - sponge with cool water, fan while misting with cool water.
  • Do not give the person anything to drink [2].

Complications

Heatstroke can result in a number of complications, depending on how long the body temperature is high. Severe complications may include -

  • Vital organ damage. Without a quick response to lower body temperature, heatstroke can cause your brain or other vital organs to swell, possibly resulting in permanent damage.
  • Death. Without prompt and adequate treatment, heatstroke can be fatal [3].

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 medicinenet, Heat Stroke, 2018, https://www.medicinenet.com/heat_stroke/article.htm
  2. 2.0 2.1 CDC, Warning Signs and Symptoms of Heat-Related Illness, 2017, https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/warning.html
  3. Mayo Clinic Staff, Heatstroke, 2017, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heat-stroke/symptoms-causes/syc-20353581