Heat stroke: symptoms, causes, treatment.
When human body gets too much hot, it takes many strategies to cool down. Sweating is a natural process to cool down human body. But when a person spends too much time in the heat without taking rest, the body cooling process can’t work properly. The body becomes dehydrated and the body temperature can raise high to make a person sick. Heat stroke is a condition when body temperature goes high. Overheating is a cause of heat stroke. Heat stroke is a life- threatening form of illness. In this condition the body temperature can rise 105 degrees Fahrenheit or above. Heat stroke is the most serious form of heat injury. If a person suspects heat stroke or sun stroke, call emergency doctor and give him first aid immediately.
Symptoms
Heat stroke symptoms include:
- Fluttering headache
- Nausea and vomiting
- Dizziness
- Shallow breathing
- Lack of sweating
- Red, dry and hot skin
- Unconsciousness
- Weakness
- Muscle Cramps
- High body temperature
- Confusion
- Strange behavior
Causes
Heat stroke can occur as a result of
- Becoming dehydrated by not drinking water
- Wearing excess clothing that prevents sweat from your body
- Exposure of hot environment leads to a rise in body temperature
- Drinking alcohol which can affect your body’s ability to regulate body temperature
Treatment
Heat stroke is a medical emergency. If you suspect that a person has heat stroke call 1122. The most important thing is to remove them from sun and try to cool down their body temperature. If a person starts shivering then slow down the cooling treatment. If you have thermometer handy then take patient’s temperature every 10 minutes. Drink a plenty of water. Avoid heavy outdoor activity in summer during hottest of time (10 am to 3 pm). If possible, stay out of sun. Take 10 to 20 minutes of breaks per hours of activity. Wearing loose fitting and light colored clothes
