A heat stroke is a condition that develops when the body reaches the temperature of 104 degrees F. The individual can initially suffer from either heat cramps or even heat exhaustion and if these conditions are not properly treated and controlled promptly, they can become severe and lead to a heat stroke.
[youtube url=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JhEIypDhxuk”]Heat stroke causes some organs of the body to swell as a reaction and if the temperature of the body is not reduced immediately, the damage caused by swelling could be permanent.
A complication that can be caused by this condition is the diminished blood flow that can result to severe shock which is evident by the drop in the blood pressure, clammy or cool skin and changes in color or the nail and lips where they have a bluish tint.
Older people are most susceptible to this condition because their immune system is weak, but children whose immunity is not yet fully developed can also be affected by this condition.
Some common symptoms of heatstroke
- A raise in the temperature of the body such as 104 degrees F (40 degrees C) or more.
- Neurological symptoms such as seizures, loss of consciousness, difficulty in speaking, hallucinations and sometimes coma.
- Weakness or cramping of the muscles where the muscles become cramped or tender during the initial stages and eventually become floppy or rigid.
- Severe throbbing headaches caused by high temperature in the body.
- Problems with breathing when there is a rise in the temperature where the breathing becomes rapid and shallow.
- When the temperature of the body rises to a dangerous level, flushing on the skin can be noticed whilc the neck, cheeks, throat and arms turns red in color.
Causes of heat stroke
- Performing physical activities that cause heat stroke that leads to an increased body temperature. It is common among people that are not used to working out in high temperatures.
- Temperature on the environment that is very high and causes the temperature of the body to rise. This happens when performing a mild to moderate activity or just resting.
- Wearing excessive amounts of clothing and the sweat on the skin cannot evaporate properly.
- Dehydration
- Drinking alcohol regularly which affects the regulated temperature of the body.
Treatment and home remedies for heat stroke
- Soak the entire body in cold water or ice water since it helps lower the body temperature. The affected person can sit in a bathtub that is filled with cold water for at least 5-10 minutes.
- Another way is to wrap a cooling blanket around the body such as the neck, groin area, back and chest with ice packs.
- Take the prescribed muscle relaxant to help in minimizing the shivering.
- Rehydrate the body by drinking plenty of water. By drinking extra fluids, it helps minimize the risk of being dehydrated.