August 30, 2017
Know the Symptoms of Heat Stroke & Take Precautions to Prevent Them
Heat stroke is a serious medical concern and can happen in any environment or climate. The terms “heat stroke” and “heat exhaustion” are often used interchangeably but they are actually different. Heat exhaustion and heat stroke have some common symptoms but heat exhaustion is typically the precursor to heat stroke if left untreated. Heat stroke happens when the body is exposed to so much heat that it loses its ability to regulate its own temperature. WebMD provides an in depth explanation of what exactly heat stroke is and why it is such a significant concern, “Heat stroke is the most serious form of heat injury and is considered a medical emergency…Heat stroke can kill or cause damage to the brain and other internal organs…Heat stroke results from prolonged exposure to high temperatures — usually in combination with dehydration — which leads to failure of the body’s temperature control system. The medical definition of heat stroke is a core body temperature greater than 104 degrees Fahrenheit, with complications involving the central nervous system that occur after exposure to high temperatures.”
There are tell-tale symptoms of heat stroke that you can watch for. If you see any of the following symptoms begin to take action to cool down immediately and seek medical attention. Symptoms include a body temperature over 104 degrees Fahrenheit, nausea, seizure, confusion, disorientation, headache, absence of sweating, muscle weakness or cramps, nausea and vomiting, hot or red skin, loss of consciousness, rapid and/or shallow breathing, confusion, agitation, dizziness, light-headedness, and coma.
Heat stroke is very preventable when proper precautions are taken. To prevent heatstroke you should protect yourself against prolonged heat or sun exposure. Additionally, it is advisable to wear loosefitting, lightweight clothing, drink plenty of fluids, be aware of medications that can affect a body’s ability to stay hydrated or dissipate heat, protect against sunburn with protective clothing, wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen, do not stay in (or leave someone in) a parked car, avoid strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day or particularly hot weather, avoid alcohol or caffeinated beverages while outside or doing strenuous activities, and take frequent breaks in a cool, air-conditioned climate or in the shade. These prevention tips are important for everyone but even more so for the young and the elderly as they are at an increased risk of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. By taking these precautions and monitoring for symptoms you can avoid heat exhaustion and the health concerns that come with it.
