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