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Summer weather is often hot, a leading cause of heatstroke. Every year during this period, a lot of people visit hospitals. For them, too much heat is just a feeling. They do not recognise any signs until it gets very serious. In normal circumstances, our body produces sweat to regulate body temperature. But during a heat stroke, our cooling system just shuts itself off and stops working. Without quick intervention, it can cause organ damage or worse, death. This blog covers all the details related to heatstroke. How to identify it, and how it is treated.
What is Heatstroke
Our body has a natural cooling system that regulates our body temperature. But when the temperature spikes to 40 degrees or above, it cause the system to shut down. There are two types of heatstroke.
Classic Heatstroke
After being exposed to heat for a long time, especially in heatwaves or without air conditioning. This type of heatstroke often occurs in adults or young children. It slowly takes over your body and can make you physiologically impaired.
Exertional Heatstroke
This type of heatstroke often strikes faster than a normal one. It often occurs in the working class, such as labourers and soldiers. People who are more exposed to heat and heat waves. Doing more physical activity in direct sunlight produces a lot of heat from our muscles. This heat makes it difficult to regulate temperature. People receiving physiotherapy or rehabilitation services should also avoid exercising in extreme heat.
Common Symptoms of Heatstroke
Heatstroke is very different from normal heat exhaustion. These symptoms can appear suddenly or slowly, depending on the type mentioned above.
High Body Temperature
A body temperature higher than 40 degrees has very visible symptoms of heatstroke. An accurate thermometer can help you identify your temperature. If you see someone suffering from something similar to heatstroke, and you don’t have a thermometer. Treat it as heatstroke and get them help instantly.
Mental State
Heatstroke not only affects you physically but also disturbs you mentally. Confusion and disturbed speech with strange behaviour portray signs of heatstroke. Loss of consciousness and seizures are also caused when our cognitive function breaks, and our body can’t take more heat. If mental confusion continues after recovery, consider seeking mental health support.
No Sweating
Our body regulates temperature through sweating. Our skin becomes dry and red during heatstroke. This is a sign that the cooling system of our body has shut down by itself. This is a sign of heatstroke, but not required for a diagnosis.
Nausea and Headache
Starting with a headache and followed by vomiting or nausea are early indications of heatstroke. These symptoms are similar to heat exhaustion, but high temperature is a clear sign of heatstroke.
Heart Rate and Breathing
Our body automatically tries to regulate body temperature by circulating blood and breathing. Both of these systems are rapidly working to bring the body back to normal. Visibly they are major signs of heatstroke. People with existing heart health or blood pressure care concerns should be especially careful.
Diagnosis of a Heat Stroke
Doctors don’t run lab results to find out that your body is going through heatstroke. Based on your symptoms and vital signs, they start treating you. Getting treated right away is always their top priority. However, they do need a series of confirmations.
Thermometers are used to get your exact body temperature. A body temperature above 40 degrees with neurological symptoms confirms the diagnosis. To assess organ damage, several lab results are run through. Kidney and liver functions are assessed to check sodium, potassium, and other electrolytes in your body, which are lower because of intense sweating. Dehydration is measured through urine tests; dark-coloured urine shows signs of strain on the kidneys. Learn more about kidney health and how dehydration can affect it.
Treatment for Heatstroke
The first step to treat heatstroke is to regulate body temperature. Every minute counts because as long as your body stays at a high temperature, the more damage it does to the brain. Cooling methods are applied to set the patient’s condition. Cold water immersion works best, as the person is submerged in a tub filled with cold water. Ice packs on the neck and armpits enlarge blood vessels. IV fluids are injected into the patient, not too fast or too slow, to cure dehydration. Fluids also lower internal temperature. If a patient is subconcious or confused, doctors place a breathing tube to help the lungs produce oxygen. There is a huge risk of organ damage; to prevent that, doctors keep a close check on your kidneys and liver. Monitoring your body functions to ensure there is no blood clotting or abnormal liver function. Severe cases may require medicine and critical care services.
Conclusion:
Heatstroke never comes with an announcement. It makes you vulnerable and spreads confusion through your body. Most of the time, when people try to identify what is happening in their body its already halfway to heatstroke. After knowing the signs, cooling the person down and calling an ambulance is the best option. Medicinal help is important, but the first ten minutes can make a huge difference in a person’s life. Staying hydrated and avoiding intense physical activities in the heat can prevent heatstroke. Older adults and people receiving aged care should be especially careful during hot weather. If you need help, you can make an appointment or explore all healthcare services.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How can I tell if I am about to have heatstroke?
Notice general signs like headache, nausea or elevated heart rate. Try to seek help once you feel these symptoms.
Who is most vulnerable to heatstroke?
Adults, young children, athletes or people who usually work in heat. People with chronic illnesses are also more prone to heatstroke. Being indoors and keeping yourself hydrated prevents heatstroke.
Is heatstroke more intense than heat exhaustion?
Yes, in heat exhaustion, you feel dizzy and nauseous, but your body is struggling to deal with the heat. Your brain is working normally without confusion or any disturbance. Heatstroke is when your body fails to do so. Mental confusion and high body temperature are vital signs of heatstroke.
Is sweating a good sign during heatstroke?
Sweating shows that the body is still trying to fight the body temperature, but it doesn’t mean that the person is okay. Sometimes it’s just a first step towards heatstroke.
Can heatstroke disrupt brain activity?
Yes, the human brain is vulnerable to heat. A major sign of heat stroke is mental confusion. Some people suffer from long-lasting cognitive problems.
