Summer and Heat Stroke

Summer is at its peak and humidity is like an icing on the cake. Apart from excessive sweating and heat rash which is prevalent in this weather, in extreme hot conditions there can be a medical emergency which is called as Heat Stroke.

It results from exposure to soaring temperature which if associated with dehydration can lead to failure of body’s temperature regulation mechanism (heat dissipation) leading to rise in body temperature. This can lead to damage to internal organs.

Predominant Symptoms of Heat Stroke are:

• Body temperature greater than 104 degree Fahrenheit.
• Throbbing headache
• Muscle cramps
• Lack of sweating
• Red hot skin
• Rapid heartbeat
• Shallow breathing
• Nausea
• Seizures
• Disorientation
• Sometimes Coma

Who is Prone to Suffer from a Heat Stroke?

• Infants, the elderly, athletes and manual labourer
• It’s a medical emergency. It can be fatal if not treated promptly
• The patient has to be hospitalized but some first aid measures can be provided till the patient is shifted:
  • Move the patient to an air conditioned room or a shady area
  • Bring down the temperature by giving cold compresses using ice packs or cold water.
  • If the patient is conscious, give him small sips of water.
  • Monitor the body temperature if possible

How to Prevent Heat Stroke

• Wear light weight, loose clothes.

• Drink lots of fluids to prevent dehydration and always carry your water bottle with you and keep having sips in between your work even if you are not thirsty.

• Avoid sitting in parked car (a common cause of heat stroke in children)
• Avoid beverages containing caffeine or alcohol.
• Avoid strenuous activity in extreme hot conditions.

If you are experiencing any of the following it is best that you consult a specialist immediately.