What is Heat Stroke?
Heat stroke is a condition when your body experiences a dramatic increase in body temperature in a fast time, and you cannot cool your body. Heat stroke usually occurs when a person feels extreme heat due to sunburn exposure over the body’s tolerance limits.
Heat stroke can occur without the initial conditions associated with heat or previous heat.
Heat Stroke Symptoms
Signs and symptoms of heat stroke, including:
- High fever (40º C) or more
- Sweating profusely
- Headaches, lightheadedness, and feeling of discomfort
- The skin is red and dry
- Slow response rate
- Sudden surge in pulse
- Changes in mental or behavioral status, such as confusion, rebellion, slurred speech
- Nausea and vomit
- Fast breathing
- Fainting, as the first sign in advanced adults
Heat Stroke Treatments
When you got heat stroke, try to cool your body temperature, in any way, for example:
- Go to an air-conditioned room
- Soak in cold water or splash with cold water
- Use cold compress throughout the body, especially the neck, armpits and groin
- Wet the blanket with cold water and cover the entire body
- Drink cold, non-caffeine and non-alcoholic water, if body conditions allow it
If the person is still experiencing symptoms of heat stroke after the cooling process. Keep repeating the effort until the body temperature drops.
Heat Stroke Prevention
When the weather is very hot, you should stay in an air-conditioned room. If you are required to move outside, always check the weather. You can avoid heat stroke with these tips below:
- Wear thin, bright, and loose clothes. Use a hat with a wide cover
- Apply sunscreen with a minimum of SPF 30, or more
- Increase body fluids. Try to drink more water or fruit to prevent dehydration. Because all diseases related to hot weather can be caused by a lack of salt in the body, you drink more electrolyte-rich beverages during extreme sun days and stuffy air.
- Wise when doing outdoor activities. If possible, do not go outside during extreme sun days. Change the activity schedule in the morning or after sunset.
If you suspect yourself or someone around you has a heat stroke, immediately contact medical assistance. If heat stroke is left without serious treatment, this condition can be life threatening by causing damage to the brain and other vital organs.
Real also article about sun poisoning on USA Health Articles
