With the scorching and glaring sun, the chances of getting a heat stroke are high. Well, sweating out in the sun for a few minutes is not what is going to get you a heat stroke. But be watchful of what may cause heat stroke and its symptoms. Let us prepare for the year's hottest months by learning more about heat stroke.
What Is Heat Stroke?
Are you out on a scorching summer day, feeling the sun's fiery rays beating down upon you? Your body may be doing its best to keep you cool and comfortable, but after overexposure to hot and humid conditions, your body's cooling system may start to give up.
The human body keeps itself cool by sweating. The body fights the heat by activating the tiny sweat glands all over your body. This magical sweat then evaporates from your skin, removing some heat and leaving you feeling calm and refreshed.
But here comes the twist. Heat stroke occurs when your body's cooling system almost stops and fails to keep up with the excessive heat conditions. The heat overwhelms your body, and can't cool itself down efficiently anymore.
Heat stroke is more than any other heat-related illness as it can be dangerous and potentially life-threatening if not treated promptly. Here are the symptoms of heat stroke that you got to keep a check at:
The biggest sign of heat stroke is a major increase in body temperature, often exceeding 104°F (40°C) within 10 to 15 minutes. At this point, your body's cooling mechanism, sweating, stops and fails to be insufficient to lower your temperature.
Heat stroke can affect brain function, leading to Confusion: During a heat stroke, the individual may have difficulty thinking, organizing their thoughts, or understanding their surroundings.
A. Disorientation: People experiencing heat stroke may become disoriented, appear lost or have trouble navigating their surroundings.
B. Agitation and Irritability: Heat stroke can cause increased restlessness, irritability, and emotional agitation. Anyone experiencing heat stroke may show emotional distress or sudden mood swings.
C. Slurred speech: a common symptom of heat stroke is the inability to speak clearly (the slurred speech after consuming alcohol). Their speech may become slurred or difficult to understand, resembling the speech patterns of someone who has consumed alcohol.
D. Behavioral Changes: some individuals may behave aggressively, restlessly, or impulsively.
E. Hot, Red, Dry Skin: the body's inability to sweat makes it very hot, red, and dry. Unlike other heat-related illnesses like heat exhaustion, where the skin may be sweaty, heat stroke can cause your skin to become hot, dry, and flushed.
F. Rapid Heartbeat and Breathing: When the body is experiencing high heat and cannot sweat it out, it stresses all bodily functions, especially the cardiovascular system. It increases the heart, which leads to irregularities in your breathing. You are about to experience rapid, shallow breathing as your body tries to cool down. Your skin might appear red, too, as your body heats up.
G. Strong Headache: Heat stroke often brings on severe headaches, which may be localized or spread throughout the head.
They happen because the intense heat may cause blood vessels in the brain to expand or dilate, resulting in throbbing or pounding sensations.
You may also feel lightheaded or dizzy, making it difficult to maintain balance or walk steadily.
H. Dizziness and Faintness: a sensation of lightheadedness or feeling unstable on your feet is a heat stroke symptom. When experiencing a heat stroke, an imbalance in the body's fluid and electrolyte balance leads to dehydration. It affects blood volume and can result in low blood pressure, which can cause dizziness.
I. Nausea and Vomiting: one may experience nausea and vomiting as the side effect of a dehydrated body. Due to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances, one is bound to have an upset stomach as well.
J. Muscle Cramps and Weakness: Heat stroke can lead to muscle cramps and general weakness. You may feel fatigued, have difficulty moving, or experience muscle spasms due to the strain on your body.
K. Loss of Consciousness: If it is an extreme case scenario of heat stroke, chances are the person may become unconscious. It is a critical condition that requires instant medical attention.
If you see any person going through any of the following symptoms and you feel the heat is the possible reason, take these steps without any delay:
l. Move the person to a cooler location: Get the individual out of direct sunlight and into a shaded or air-conditioned area. This helps to reduce their exposure to heat and allows their body to begin cooling down.
ll. Call for emergency medical assistance: Dial the emergency services 112 to request immediate medical help. Heat stroke can be life-threatening, and professional medical attention is necessary.
lll. Lower the person's body temperature: While waiting for medical help to arrive, you can assist in cooling down the person's body:
A. Remove excess clothing
B. Fan air over them
C. Wet the person's skin with cool water and gently cool their body with a damp cloth or sponge.
D. Use ice packs or cold compresses to the person's neck, armpits, and groin.
E. Monitor their vital signs such as breathing, pulse, and consciousness level. Stay with them until medical professionals arrive, providing reassurance and support.
Heat stroke is a serious condition, and professional medical intervention is crucial. Before medical help arrives, you take these steps to benefit those suffering from heatstroke.
For this and the coming summer season, we request everybody, especially the following people, to be extra cautious to prevent themselves from heat stroke:
A. Elderly individuals
B. Infants and young children
C. People with chronic illnesses like heart disease, diabetes, obesity, respiratory problems, or high blood pressure have a higher risk of heat stroke.
D. Outdoor worker
E. Athletes and individuals are engaging in strenuous activities.
F. Individuals on certain medications
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29 Jan, 2024
29 Jan, 2024
29 Jan, 2024
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