The Dangers of Heat stroke

By May 6, 2015Blog

The summer months are rapidly approaching and after so many months cooped up inside because of cold and rain, the warmer days of spring and summer practically beg you to spend some time out in the sun’s rays. Whether you enjoy the beach, team sports at the park or just gardening in the back yard, enjoying the outdoors is one of the best things about the changing of the seasons.

All of that summertime excitement can cause us to forget the most basic ways to take care of ourselves in the heat. Heatstroke is no joke. If you plan on spending a lot of time outdoors this spring and summer, and especially if you intend to be physically active in the hot sun, you need to be aware of how heat stroke and heat exhaustion can turn a 70-and-sunny day into one where you spend most of it at a Coastal Urgent Care of Louisiana center.

What is heat stroke?

Heatstroke is a condition caused by your body overheating, usually as a result of prolonged exposure to or physical exertion in high temperatures. Heat stroke is the most severe form of heat illness because the persons body can not sweat enough to lower the bodies temperature. The elderly, infants, persons who work outdoors, people with mental illness, obesity, poor circulation, and those on certain types of medications or drinking alcohol are most susceptible to heat stroke.

Our bodies produce a tremendous amount of internal heat and we normally cool ourselves by sweating and radiating heat through the skin. However, in certain circumstances, such as extreme heat, high humidity, or vigorous activity in the hot sun, this cooling system may begin to fail, allowing heat to build up to dangerous levels.

If a person becomes dehydrated and cannot sweat enough to cool their body, their internal temperature may rise to dangerously high levels, causing heat stroke.

What are the symptoms of heat stroke?

It is important to know that even if some people may not show some of those symptoms, it does not mean that he or she is not suffering from heat stroke.  For many, the progression of symptoms are sudden and without warning. This is why it is  important to respond quickly.

Some heatstroke symptoms include:

  • High body temperature –  104 F  or higher is the main sign of heatstroke.
  • Confusion, agitation, slurred speech, irritability, delirium, seizures
  • Change in sweating –  Heatstroke because of hot weather, skin will feel hot and dry to the touch. Heatstroke because of strenuous exercise, skin may feel moist.
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Flushed skin
  • Rapid, shallow breathing
  • Racing heart rate
  • Throbbing headache
  • Loss of consciousness

Treatment for heat stoke

It is important for the person to be treated immediately because heat stroke can cause permanent organ damage or death. There are some immediate first-aid measures you can take while waiting for help to arrive, including the following:

  • Get the person to a shaded area. 
  • Remove clothing and gently apply cool water to the skin followed by fanning to stimulate sweating.
  • Apply ice packs to the groin and armpits.
  • Have the person lie down in a cool area with their feet slightly elevated.
  • Cool the person rapidly however you can.
  • Gently massage their skin to encourage circulation
  • If able to take in liquids, have him or her drink cool water or any other cool beverages.

 

Heat stroke prevention

  • Drink plenty of fluids during outdoor activities
  • Avoid caffeinated tea, coffee, soda, and alcohol – These can quickly lead to dehydration
  • Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing in light colors.
  • Schedule vigorous activity and sports for cooler times of the day.
  • Protect yourself from the sun by wearing a hat, sunglasses and using an umbrella.
  • Increase time spent outdoors gradually to get your body used to the heat.
  • During outdoor activities, take frequent drink breaks and mist yourself with a spray bottle to avoid becoming overheated.
  • Try to spend as much time indoors as possible on very hot and humid days.
  • Never leave children or pets in closed cars on warm or sunny days. 

 

While mild heat stroke can be treated without a trip to urgent care, the symptoms aren’t something to be taken lightly. Without proper intervention, severe heatstroke, can damage the brain and other vital organs, and even cause death. If your dehydration or heat exhaustion is severe, you may need a physician to administer IV fluids.

If you experience any of the symptoms listed above, or symptoms that persist greater than 30 minutes after self-treatment, Local Coastal Urgent Care.