Heatstroke
CEBU, Philippines – Heatstroke is a condition caused by the body overheating, usually as a result of prolonged
exposure to or physical exertion in high temperatures. It is a most serious form of heat injury, and can occur if the body temperature rises to 104 F (40 C) or higher.
Symptoms.
Heatstroke symptoms include:
. High body temperature. A body temperature of 104 F (40 C) or higher is the main sign of heatstroke.
. Altered mental state or behavior. Confusion, agitation, slurred speech, irritability, delirium, seizures and coma can all result from heatstroke.
. Alteration in sweating. In heatstroke brought on by hot weather, the skin will feel hot and dry to the touch. However, in heatstroke brought on by strenuous exercise, the skin may feel moist.
. Nausea and vomiting. The patient may feel sick to the stomach or vomit.
. Flushed skin. The skin may turn red as the body temperature increases.
. Rapid, shallow breathing.
. Racing heart rate. The pulse may significantly increase because heat stress places a tremendous burden on the heart to help cool the body.
. Headache. The patient's head may throb.
Causes.
Heatstroke can occur as a result of:
. Exposure to a hot environment. In a type of heatstroke, called non-exertional or classic heatstroke, being in a hot environment leads to a rise in body temperature. This type of heatstroke typically occurs after exposure to hot, humid weather, especially for prolonged periods, such as two or three days. It occurs most often in older adults and in people with chronic illness.
. Strenuous activity. Exertional heatstroke is caused by an increase in body temperature brought on by intense physical activity in hot weather. Anyone exercising or working in hot weather can get exertional heatstroke, but it's most likely to occur in people who are not used to high temperatures.
Either type of heatstroke can be brought on by:
. Wearing excess clothing that prevents sweat from evaporating easily and cooling the body;
. Drinking alcohol, which can affect the body's ability to regulate your temperature;
. Becoming dehydrated by not drinking enough water to replenish fluids lost through sweating.
What to do at once? Action must be taken quickly to cool the overheated person while waiting for emergency treatment:
. Get the person to a shade or indoors;
. Remove excess clothing;
. Cool the person with whatever means available - put in a cool tub of water or a cool shower, spray with a garden hose, sponge with cool water, fan while misting with cool water, or place ice packs or cold, wet towels on the person's head, neck, armpits and groin.
It is important to call a doctor or bring the patient to the nearest hospital immediately. Heatstroke requires emergency treatment. Untreated heatstroke can quickly damage the brain, heart, kidneys and muscles. The damage worsens the longer treatment is delayed, increasing the risk of serious complications or death.
Prevention.
Heatstroke is predictable and preventable. It helps during hot weather to:
. Wear loose-fitting, lightweight clothing. Wearing excess clothing or clothing that fits tightly makes it difficult for the body to cool properly.
. Protect against sunburn. Sunburn affects the body's ability to cool itself, so when outdoors a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF (of at least 15) shall be used. Applying sunscreen generously, and re-applying every two hours - or more often if swimming or sweating - is ideal.
. Drink plenty of fluids. Staying hydrated will help the body sweat and maintain a normal body temperature.
. Take extra precautions with certain medications. It's advisable to be always on the lookout for heat related problems, including when taking medications that can affect the body's ability to stay hydrated and dissipate heat.
. Never leave anyone in a parked car. This is a common cause of heat-related deaths in children. When parked in the sun, the temperature in the car can rise 20 degrees F (more than 6.7 C) in 10 minutes. It's not safe to leave a person in a parked car in warm or hot weather, even if the windows are cracked or the car is in shade. When the car is parked, it must be kept locked to prevent a child from getting inside.
. Take it easy during the hottest parts of the day. If strenuous activity in hot weather can't be avoided, drink fluids and rest frequently in a cool spot. Try to schedule exercise or physical labor for cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or in the evening.
. Get acclimated. Limit time spent working or exercising in heat until you're conditioned to it. People who are not used to hot weather are especially susceptible to heat-related illness. It can take several weeks for the body to adjust to hot weather.
. Be cautious if you're at increased risk. If taking medications or having a condition that increases your risk of heat-related problems, avoid the heat and act quickly if you notice symptoms of overheating. If participating in a strenuous sporting event or activity in hot weather, make sure there are medical services available in case of a heat emergency.
If signs of heat-related illness are noticed, it is necessary to lower the body temperature and prevent the condition from progressing to a heatstroke. In a lesser heat emergency, such as heat cramps or heat exhaustion, the following steps may lower the body temperature:
. Get to a shady or air-conditioned place. If you don't have air-conditioning at home, go someplace with air-conditioning, such as the mall, movie theater or public library.
. Cool off with damp sheets and a fan. If you're with someone who's experiencing heat-related symptoms, cool the person by covering him or her with damp sheets or by spraying with cool water. Direct air onto the person with a fan.
. Take a cool shower or bath. If you're outdoors and not near shelter, soaking in a cool pond or stream can help bring your temperature down.
. Rehydrate. Drink plenty of fluids. Also, because you lose salt through sweating, you can replenish salt and water with some sports drinks. If your doctor has restricted your fluid or salt intake, check with him or her to see how much you should drink and whether you should replace salt.
. Don't drink sugary or alcoholic beverages to rehydrate. These drinks may interfere with your body's ability to control your temperature. Also, very cold drinkscan cause stomach cramps.
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