INSIDE BEAT THE HEAT

Considered one of the most lifethreatening heat illnesses, heatstroke is caused by prolonged exposure to hot temperatures. While it can affect people of all ages, the National Institutes of Health states that children, the elderly, and people who are obese are more susceptible to heatstroke as they are less able to regulate body temperature.

If left untreated, heatstroke can cause severe health complications including shock, brain damage, organ failure, and even death.

Recognizing the symptoms is the first important step in treating this condition, followed by calling emergency services and administering first aid until medical personnel arrives.

Signs And Symptoms

When the body overheats, it responds with perspiration, or sweat. The sweat then evaporates on the skin, helping the body to cool down. However, as heatstroke progresses, the body loses its ability to produce sweat, leading to red, hot, and dry skin.

The early symptoms of heatstroke include fatigue, thirst, and muscle cramps. Nausea and vomiting, weakness, and a headache may soon follow along with a fever, shallow breathing, extreme confusion, irrational behavior, and seizures.

y symptoms nclude nd a headache low ow usion, d seizures. e e stem, ntreated over ll be shunted to

Heatstroke also places a strain on the heart and circulatory system, possibly causing a fast or irregular pulse. If left untreated over time, blood will be shunted to the body’s core to protect vital organs like the brain, lungs, and heart. This may leave the fingers and toes with a somewhat bluish tinge.

The last and most severe symptom of heatstroke is unconsciousness. Always call 911 for emergency services or transport the person to the hospital to prevent further complications or death.

First Aid

e brain, s d toes with a sh d atstroke is s. ncy to the ent further r death.

If you suspect someone is suffering from heatstroke, immediately move him or her from the heat source to an air-conditioned or shady area away from direct sunlight. Also, remove or loosen the victim’s clothing to help with t someone heatstroke, ve him or her urce an r oosen the o air circulation over the skin and promote cooling. Placing damp, cool towels or ice packs on the groin, neck, and armpits can help in lowering body temperature, as well as fanning or misting the body with cool water.

If the individual is awake and alert, attempt to nurse him or her sips of Gatorade or salted water every 15 minutes. If neither is available, cool, plain drinking water will suffice as long as the victim is able to consume the water without vomiting.

Never attempt to provide fluids to a person who is unconscious as he or she may choke. Emergency personnel will provide the victim fluid intravenously, which is a safer and faster alternative.

Prevention

To prevent heatstroke, consider performing outside activities during the cooler parts of the day. If you need to be outside when it is hot, wear loose-fitting, lightweight clothing to help air circulate over your skin. Dressing in light-colored clothing and wearing wide-brimmed hats can also help keep the body cool. Also, stay away from direct sunlight, take frequent breaks in cool, shady spots, and drink plenty of water during hot weather.

Tight, confined spaces can speed up the effects of heatstroke. Avoid small rooms, buildings, or areas that offer little to no air circulation or air conditioning. Be especially careful sitting inside a stationary vehicle while it is hot outside. Temperatures inside a parked vehicle can be 20 degrees hotter than the outside temperature, or more. Heatstroke is easily preventable in most cases. The key is taking the necessary precautions to avoid this dangerous illness and springing into action at the first sign of any heatrelated symptoms.