Heat Stroke

Articles

Jul 2

Many individuals, particularly those living in Southern Nevada or the southwest US, experience extreme heat each summer. Regions of the US who are not as accustomed to high heat have also experienced extreme temperatures this year. Heat stroke is dangerous and can cause major damage if not addressed quickly. Typically individuals will require emergency intervention once heat stroke occurs. Heat stoke is more serious and dangerous than other forms of heat illness such as heat exhaustion. It is important to learn about the warning signs of heat stroke to address the situation before it becomes worse.

What is Heat Stroke?

When the body becomes very overheated (a temperature of 104 degrees or higher) heat stroke is likely occurring. Usually heat stroke is caused by physical activity in a hot climate or environment. It is not likely someone will experience heat stroke if they are physically exerting themselves in a cool environment. Being in hot or humid weather for long periods of time can cause heat stroke as well, without physical exertion in the mix. The body can slowly rise in temperature until the core of the body reaches an unsafe level. Older adults are more likely to experience heat stroke in high heat settings as well as individuals who have chronic conditions.

Another factor that contributes to heat stroke aside from the hot environment is clothing type. A person wearing clothing which does not allow air to pass through easily or holds in heat will be more likely to experience heat related illness. Sudden exposure, in the cases of heat waves or traveling to a different climate, also is a shock to the body. The best way to endure high heat is to acclimate slowly to the temperature. Alcohol consumption and general dehydration are ways in which your body is inhibited from properly regulating body temperature.

Signs of Heat Stroke

The most obvious sign of heat stroke is a very high temperature of 104 degrees or more. Generally, someone experiencing heat stroke will become confused or delirious. Their mental state will likely be affected and they may slur their words or become overly irritable. Even though heat stroke brings the body temperature to a high level, sweating is often absent. Instead, the skin may feel dry and hot to the touch. The body is affected in other areas as well, and heat stroke may cause nausea and vomiting as well as headache. Sometimes individuals begin to breathe quickly and their heart beat increases as the body works harder to try to adjust its internal temperature back to a safe level. In extreme cases, the high temperature can even cause seizures to occur.

If any of these signs are present in a hot climate or high heat conditions, seek medical treatment immediately. It is very important that there is no delay in receiving medical attention as this condition can cause damage throughout the body if prolonged.

Responding to Heat Stroke

As mentioned, contacting emergency services is the first action to take when someone is experiencing heat stroke. Other things you can do to lessen the effects immediately involve providing any measure of respite from the sun or heat. Moving to a shady area or indoors may be an option, or using a fan and applying water to the skin might be possible.

If the individual is experiencing heat stroke after vigorous exercise and you are near a shower, bath, or pool, submerging the individual into cold water or an ice bath provide relief. Even if an ice bath is not feasible, ice packs or ice can be applied to sensitive areas of the body such as the armpits, neck, groin, and back. These areas of the body have the largest blood vessels and may be able to cool down the body more effectively than other regions. Individuals of advanced age and children require more care, and should not use an ice bath or any ice to cool down.

Who is Affected by Heat Stroke

Dehydration is a common issue for some seniors and many often do not have proper air flow or air conditioning. Seniors are more prone to experiencing heat stroke because the body becomes less capable of regulating body temperature as we age. Just as a very high fever can cause damage to areas of the body such as the brain and organs, heat stroke can have very detrimental effects on the body if left untreated.

Much like individuals in the pacific northwest region of the US experienced during a recent heat wave, suddenly becoming exposed to a hot climate can be shocking to the body. When the body’s regulation systems are not given time to acclimate to the new temperature, it is unprepared to regulate the body properly. Some medications also present an added risk of heat stroke such as medication for blood pressure, for narrowing blood vessels, to reduce sodium levels, or some antidepressants and antipsychotics. Any individual currently taking these types of medication should take warnings of high heat environments very seriously and plan accordingly.

Preventing Heat Stroke

Most cases of heat stroke can be prevented. Paying attention to weather forecasts is important to know when to be more alert and when to better prepare for instances of extreme heat. During the hot months of the year, wearing loose-fitting, lightweight, and lightly colored clothing can help keep you cooler.

One of the most important things you can do for your body is to drink plenty of fluids and keep yourself hydrated. This will keep your body at a more suitable temperature and allow it to cool itself and regulate temperature properly. Another safety precaution to follow very closely is to never leave any person or animal in a car without air conditioning. The heat inside a car can quickly rise to a lethal level in extreme heat, so it is important to never take that risk, even for a short period of time.

Looking for more resources to help you stay safe this summer? Read about our latest awareness efforts in our resources section.