DANGERS OF HEAT STROKE
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Heat stroke
Facts
- Treatable by a medical professional
- Diagnosed by medical professional
- Requires lab test or imaging
- Can last several days or weeks
- May be dangerous or life threatening
- Urgent medical attention recommended in severe cases
Know More
Non exertional or classic heatstroke: Heatstroke resulting from hot weather.
Exertional heatstroke: Heatstroke resulting from a combination of intense physical activity and high environmental temperatures.
Symptoms
The symptoms include:
Body temperature of 104°F or higher obtained using a rectal thermometer
Altered mental state such as confusion, agitation, irritability, disorientation, delirium
Altered behavior such as slurred speech, staggering
Seizures, coma
Alteration in sweat leading to dry skin
Headache
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Nausea and/or vomiting
Flushed or reddened skin
Rapid or fast breathing and heart beat
Muscle weakness or cramps
Causes
Heatstroke results from two main reasons:
Hot weather: Prolonged exposure to heat
Strenuous activity or intense physical activity such as military training or participating in sports in hot weather
- Wearing excess clothing
- Drinking too much alcohol
- Not Drinking adequate amount of water or being dehydrated
- Ageing, as the ability to cope with Hot weather decreases with age
- Lack of proper air conditioning
- Certain medications that lead to dehydration
- Medical conditions such as heart and lung diseases
Diagnosis
Doctors can diagnose heatstroke by looking at the symptoms. Certain tests are recommended to rule out other conditions which can cause similar symptoms.
The core body temperature is assessed by taking the rectal temperature.
To obtain blood cell counts, check for the levels of certain minerals in the body, and to determine the levels of gases in blood.
To check for its color, creatinine level and assess working of the kidneys.
To check for any damage to the muscles.
Treatments
Treatments for heatstroke aim at reducing the body temperature and prevent damage to the internal organs.
Complications
Complications from heatstroke depend on how long the body has been exposed to hot temperature.
Vital organ damage, which in severe cases can be permanent
Death due to multiple organ failure
Prevention
Remain indoors during hot weather
Wear loose fitting, lightweight clothing in high temperatures
Drink plenty of fluids
Protect yourself from sunburn
Do not leave anyone in a parked car, especially during hot weather
Rest adequately during long working hours
Be cautious in hot temperatures if you suffer from any heart or lung diseases
Questions To Ask Your Doctor
Are my symptoms due to overexposure to heat?
How do I manage the changes to my other organs?
How will you treat damages to my internal organs?
How long will I take to recover from heatstroke and the damage it has caused?
What changes do I need to make to my diet and lifestyle?
What precautions do I need to take?
Nutrition
Foods to eat:
Take plenty of fluids
Foods rich in fluid content such as cucumber, watermelon, kiwi fruit and fresh fruit juices
Foods to avoid:
Avoid using sugary or alcoholic beverages for rehydration
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