Heat Stroke

What is heat stroke? — Heat stroke is a condition that can happen when a person’s body gets too hot. Most often, heat stroke happens when people exercise in very hot and humid weather without drinking enough fluids. But heat stroke can also happen in people who are not exercising. It is especially likely to affect older people and people who have health problems, so they need to be extra careful in hot conditions.

Heat stroke is a medical emergency that needs to be treated quickly. That’s because heat stroke can lead to death if it is not treated quickly.

When people get too hot, they can also get “heat cramps” and “heat exhaustion.” These conditions are not as serious as heat stroke, but they can lead to heat stroke if they aren’t treated.

What are the symptoms of heat stroke? — People with heat stroke have:

• A body temperature of 104°F (40°C) or higher
• Brain symptoms – These can include:
  • Confusion or trouble thinking clearly
  • Seeing or hearing things that aren’t real (called “hallucinating”)
  • Trouble walking
  • Seizures
  • Passing out

Heat stroke can also cause:

• Fast breathing or a fast heartbeat
• Skin redness and warmth
• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Muscle cramps or weakness
• Headaches

Should I see a doctor or nurse? — Yes. If you or someone you are with has heat stroke, get medical help right away. You should call 9-1-1 for an ambulance.

How is heat stroke treated? — The main treatment involves cooling your body down. Your doctor can do this in the hospital in different ways.

Your doctor will also treat any other problems the heat stroke has caused.

Can heat stroke be prevented? — Yes. When it is hot or humid out, you can do the following things to prevent heat stroke:

• Try not to be too active, and take breaks when you exercise.
• Drink plenty of fluids, especially water or sports drinks.
• Do any exercise early in the day, before it gets too hot out.
• Wear loose, light-weight clothes. Don’t wear too many layers.
• Avoid being in a hot car.

You should also watch for symptoms of heat cramps or heat exhaustion. Heat cramps cause painful muscle cramps. Heat exhaustion can cause headaches, dizziness, nausea, or vomiting. It can also make you thirsty or tired.

If you have symptoms of heat cramps or heat exhaustion, you should cool your body down right away to avoid getting heat stroke.
To cool your body down, you can:

• Spray yourself with cool water and then sit in front of a fan.
• Move into the shade, or go into an air-conditioned building or car.
• Take a cool shower or bath.
• Drink water or a sports drink. Do NOT have a drink with alcohol or caffeine.
• Take off any extra clothing you are wearing.
• Put a cold pack or cool cloth on your neck or armpit.

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