HEAT STROKE: WHAT IT IS, CAUSES & SYMPTOMS

What is a heat stroke?

As the summer season arrives, things can get hot quickly, and we mean that literally! Did you know the human body, for instance, can heat up in 15 minutes? Irreversibly? How can that happen? Read on to find out the meaning and symptoms of a heat stroke.

When the body's temperature rises rapidly, and the sweat mechanism fails to respond the body is unable to cool down. It can no longer control its temperature when it rises to 104 °F or 40 °C. Such a heat-related illness is called a heat stroke. Sometimes called hyperthermia, it is a dire situation and can cause permanent disability or even death without prompt treatment.

Signs of a heat stroke

Here are some warning signs of heat stroke:

• Dry skin without sweat, more common in the classic type
• Excessive sweating (in exertional heat stroke), which continues even after the work has been halted
• Difficulty in balance, coordination, and movements.
• Hot, pale skin
• Nausea, vomiting, and weakness
• Lower urination than normal
• Increased heart rate
• Symptoms of a heat stroke
• Here are the symptoms of heat stroke:
• An abrupt rise in body temperature
• A dry, swollen tongue, increased thirst
• Slurred speech
• Problems coordinating movements
• Aggressive or strange behaviour
• Fits
• Confusion, fainting

Causes of a heat stroke 

The hypothalamus in the brain controls the body's temperature and maintains it at 98.6 °F or 37 °C. But when the body is exposed to more heat than it can release the internal temperature rises.

There are 2 kinds of heat strokes:

• Exertional heat stroke 

Exertional heat stroke is a result of physical exhaustion under hot and humid conditions. It occurs within a few hours.

• Non-exertional or classic heat stroke 

Non-exertional or classic heat stroke occurs mainly due to advancing age and underlying health conditions. It may take a few days to develop.

Who can get affected by a heat stroke?

Anyone can experience a heat stroke but infants and the elderly are more susceptible to heat-related illnesses. Athletes, persons in the armed forces, and manual laborers are exposed to direct sunlight and are also vulnerable. Males are more affected than females partly due to the kind of work they are engaged in.

There are a few risk factors that may lead to a heat stroke:

• Fever
• Obesity
• Alcohol consumption
• Medications like drugs for high blood pressure
• Certain medical conditions like kidney disease, heart, or liver disorders.
• Persons who work with heavy protective gear

Young children are particularly affected by hot and humid conditions. When they are exposed to such weather, they often experience excessive sweating. The first sign of heat-related illness in children is a heat rash, commonly called prickly heat. These small, red blisters can be quite painful and are visible on the neck, chest, and creases or folds of skin in the groin.

There is a wide range of specially designed powders available at Wellness Forever that can help to overcome the discomfort of prickly heat.

Complications of a heat stroke

High body temperature can cause potentially serious situations, such as

• Respiratory distress
• Swelling of the brain
• Liver or kidney damage
• Poor blood flow to the heart and other organs

Without prompt medical care, persons suffering from heat stroke may go into shock or coma.

Heat stroke treatment

When a person suffers a heat stroke, immediate medical care at a hospital is needed. Meanwhile, they can be helped by quick actions, such as

• Placing ice packs over their cheeks, palms, and soles of their feet
• Spraying cool water over them if possible, or cover them with wet towels
• Giving them water or salty drinks
• Moving them to a cooler place
• Removing any tight clothing around their neck or waist
• Observing their breathing and removing any blockage, if possible

In the hospital, they will receive intravenous fluids and medications to manage potential fits, and oxygen to assist in breathing.

Can heat strokes be prevented?

Taking a few precautions can go a long way in preventing heat strokes. They include:

• Avoid strenuous activity in hot conditions.
• Wearing loose-fitting clothes when going out in the hot sun.
• Regularly sipping a salty drink, broth, or a sports drink.
• Having a cool shower at the first sign of heat exhaustion
• Slowly acclimatizing to hot weather over a few days if work requires it.
• Not leaving children unsupervised in closed hot environments or locked vehicles

Tips to cope in hot weather

• Wearing a hat and protective sunscreen is recommended if it is important to go out in the hot sun.
• Caffeine, alcohol, or any hot drink should be avoided. Cold beverages should be preferred. It is good to keep taking sips of water even if there is no thirst.
• ORS (Oral Rehydration Solution) sachets are commonly available. They are powders that can be mixed with a glass of water and drunk. ORS is very effective at replacing vital sugar, salts, and other minerals that may be lost due to dehydration.

Summary

The key to avoiding heat-related illnesses like exhaustion and heat strokes is to plan and act wisely. A wide-brimmed hat and a good pair of sunglasses go a long way in offering protection from the sun's rays.

There are a variety of moisturizing lotions and broad-spectrum sunscreen lotions available for people with different skin types. Experts advise choosing sunscreens with an SPF (Sun Protection Factor) of at least 15. They should be generously applied all over exposed body parts. If needed, they should be reapplied every couple of hours.

Having a good energy drink handy and sipping it regularly can keep the body hydrated and cool.

You can find, explore, and order a wide range of products at Wellness Forever, products that will keep you and your loved ones safe and healthy through summer.