Heat stroke is also known as Sun stroke, a most serious condition caused by heat due to overheating of body. Heat stroke is always required emergency treatment or else it can damage brain, heart, kidney and muscles very quickly. Usually heat stroke affects people over age 50 but exceptions are always there.
CAUSES:
Mainly heat stroke occur due to-
Prolonged exposure to a hot weather. This condition is more common in elderly people. Strenuous activity in hot weather also sometimes causes heatstroke.
Dehydration is also one of the reasons of heat stroke. Not taking enough fluid with lots of sweating can cause dehydration and dehydration might cause heat stroke.
HEAT STROKE vs HEAT EXHAUSTION:
Both heat stroke and heat exhaustion are a serious heat related problems with some differences such as-
|
HEAT STROKE |
HEAT EXHAUSTION |
|
Elevated body temperature above 104o F |
General weakness |
|
Rapid and strong pulse or heart rate |
Increased heavy sweating |
|
Loss or change of consciousness |
Weak but fast pulse or heart rate |
|
Hot, red, dry or moist skin |
Nausea, vomiting, dizziness, fainting, pale, cold or clammy skin |
SYMTPOMS OF HEAT STROKE:
· High body temperature
· Throbbing headache
· Change in mental state or behavior
· Dizziness
· Rapid and strong heart rate
· Rapid or shallow breathing.
FIRST AID:
Seek emergency
medical care immediately
Sponge
that person with cold water
Place
ice packs on the neck, armpits and groin area
Wrap
the person in wet and cold cloth.
PREVENTION:
Heat stroke is a life-threatening condition, but it can be prevented by-
Maintain fluid intake and keep yourself hydrated.
Try to drink salt and water frequently.
Avoid being sunburned.
Avoid go outside in mid afternoon if it is not urgent.
Cover head and face while go outside in hot weather.
REFERENCES:
https://www.indushealthplus.com/heat-stroke-causes-symptoms-prevention.html
https://www.healthline.com/health/heat-stroke-vs-heat-exhaustion
https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/heat-stroke-symptoms-and-treatment
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heat-stroke/symptoms-causes/syc-20353581