Although many people believe that they can handle warm weather or hot conditions, heat stroke is a serious condition and can strike anyone. Heat stroke occurs when a person spends a long amount of time in heat. Generally, people with heat stroke are also dehydrated. Heat stroke usually affects people over the age of 50, but it can also affect younger people, especially those who are exercising in warm weather or have simply spent too much time exposed to heat.
Heat stroke is a severe condition that can cause damage to the brain and internal organs. If left untreated, it can be fatal. Luckily, the symptoms of heat stroke are relatively easy to spot. Some of the initial signs of heat stroke are a strong, sudden headache or dizziness. People may also feel nauseated, and vomiting can occur in more serious cases.
As the heat stroke progresses, the skin may become red or blotchy. People often stop sweating, as their bodies attempt to conserve water. The skin will be hot to the touch. The person’s heart beat and breathing often become extremely rapid, and the breathing may also become shallow.
Muscle aches are another common symptom. As the muscles seize, people may feel weak or have a hard time standing. The person may stumble when they attempt to move. In serious cases, seizures may occur.
People with heat stroke often feel confused and may begin to display signs of disorientation. Some people lose consciousness all together, and fainting can occur at any stage.
If the symptoms of heat stroke are observed, the affected person must receive first aid as soon as possible. They should be moved to a cooler area, even if it’s just a shady spot. Excess clothing that could be trapping heat should be removed, and damp towels or ice packs can be applied to the skin.
A cool shower, or being misted with cool water, can also help to slow or halt heat stroke. The heat stroke victim should then receive medical treatment as soon as possible.
Images via cogdogblog, Live4Soccer(L4S)
