Heatstroke consists of increased body temperature and dehydration from continuous exposure to the sun, also called classic Heatstroke, or from intense physical exercise in hot or poorly ventilated environments. Body temperature can exceed 40ºC when it ranges between 36.5 and 37.5 degrees under normal conditions. In heatstroke situations, the body’s usual mechanisms to regulate temperature, such as sweat, stop working, and many-body fluids, such as water and essential salts, are lost. It can be severe, especially for babies, young children, the elderly, and the sick. In extreme cases, high temperatures exceed 41 degrees and can cause death. Therefore, it is necessary to consult a doctor or a health center for the first symptoms. At FastlyHealwe detail the symptoms, treatment, and how to prevent Heatstroke.
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What are your symptoms?
In the event of Heatstroke, it is essential to pay attention to the following warning symptoms. If any of the following indicators are detected, it is necessary to see a doctor or emergency service as soon as possible:
- Loss of consciousness
- Frequent nausea and vomiting.
- Trouble breathing
- Confused and disoriented state
- Delirium and even coma or seizures.
The following symptoms also characterize Heatstroke:
- More than 39ºC of fever.
- Dry mouth and intense thirst.
- I am suffocating heat sensation.
- Dryness and redness of the skin. It is essential to look for irritated skin on babies’ necks, armpits, chest, and diaper area.
- Confusion and disorientation.
- Dizziness or vertigo
- Exhaustion, tiredness, and weakness.
- Headache.
- Excessive sweating at the beginning and lack of sweating later.
- Muscle cramps.
- Stomach aches, poor appetite, and nausea.
Treatment for heat stroke
The best treatment for Heatstroke is prevention. When we are faced with an episode, it is recommended to call the emergency room immediately and follow the following actions while waiting for the professionals:
- Move the person to a calm and ventilated place. The affected person will have to lie down whenever possible, preferably in a dark room.
- Even with a pinch of salt, offer fresh water to restore mineral salts lost due to dehydration.
- Cool the body with damp cloths. You can also immerse the affected person in warm water directly. You have to watch that the water is not too cold because it can cause chills.
- Do not administer fever-reducing drugs, such as ibuprofen or paracetamol.
- Do not apply alcohol to the skin.
What can we do to prevent Heatstroke?
To avoid an episode of Heatstroke in times of high temperatures, it is recommended to avoid :
- Drinks with caffeine or excess sugar.
- Extremely cold or scorching drinks. Thus we prevent a sudden shock in the temperature of our body.
- Heavy metals.
- Drinks with alcohol, since they increase body temperature and dehydration.
- Avoid high-intensity physical activities.
In case of having children of an early age under our responsibility, it is essential to:
- Hydrate them continuously with liquids, especially water and natural juices. It is better not to wait for them to ask for it.
- Choose fresh clothes, preferably cotton and light colors.
- Avoid being exposed to the sun, especially during midday.
- Use sunscreen of the appropriate intensity.
- Stay in well-ventilated, shady, or air-conditioned areas when temperatures exceed very high levels.
In addition, it is also helpful to know first aid for Heatstroke.
This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.
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I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.