Summer might accompany a scorching sun, dripping sweat, and a lot of dizziness. This might look like a normal sunny day in the summer season, however, this condition can lead to a medical emergency known as heat stroke. It occurs when the body’s internal cooling system starts failing and the temperature of the body rises beyond normal levels. Heat Stroke is one of the most severe heat-related health issues, and it can occur and escalate quickly. Problems like dehydration and heat exhaustion are also common during summers, but a heat stroke is on an entirely different level of severity, and is considered a medical emergency. It isn’t just uncomfortable, but it can cause serious damage to the brain, heart, and muscles, and might even lead to death if proper and timely treatment is not provided. As the temperature rises in the summer, the danger of this condition also soars. People who are at a higher risk include those staying under the sun for prolonged periods and those who don’t drink enough water. In this article, we will discuss in detail what a heat stroke actually is, how to identify its early symptoms, and most importantly, how to prevent it from happening in the first place.
What is a heat stroke?
Heat stroke is a condition when the body temperature of a person rises rapidly and it can’t be cooled down by the natural cooling system of the body. This mostly occurs to people who are in a very warm space, or doing intense physical activity that generates a lot of body heat. Heat stroke causes the temperature of the body to soar very high, typically above 104 degrees. Apart from heat stroke, there is also a moderate level of heat-related illness called heat exhaustion. If heat exhaustion is not treated in time, it can lead to heat stroke. However, sometimes a heat stroke might even occur without any prior symptoms. Heat exhaustion also causes symptoms that are similar to heat stroke, like dizziness, nausea, and weakness. The key difference between the symptoms of both these problems, however, is that a heat stroke causes dysfunctioning of the brain, resulting in symptoms like agitation, confusion, aggression, or passing out. Heat stroke is a serious medical condition that requires immediate intervention, since raised body temperature for an extended duration can lead to organ damage and even death.
What are the symptoms of heat stroke?
There is a wide range of symptoms that can help a person detect a heat stroke early so that immediate and life-saving interventions can be made. These include:
- High internal body temperature, typically above 104 degrees.
- Changes in behaviour and blurred vision
- Confusion and dizziness
- A rapid heart rate and fast, shallow breathing
- Fainting, Nausea, and vomiting
- Low blood pressure, seizures, and slurred speech
- Skin changes, dry skin, and Weakness
Heat stroke comes with physical symptoms mentioned above, including nausea and vomiting. However, it might cause more than just physical discomfort. A person having a heat stroke might be confused and might face trouble thinking clearly. People around the patient might notice behavioural changes and feel that the patient is not being their usual self.
Which groups are at a higher risk of having a heat stroke?
- People who are at jobs that require prolonged exposure to the scorching sun, such as construction workers, field workers, agricultural workers, firefighters, army officials, and athletes, face a higher risk of developing heat stroke because of the extreme conditions they face.
- Social and environmental factors might also contribute to an increased risk of heat stroke. These include living in hot conditions, a warm climate, and living alone.
- People over the age of 65 years and pregnant women face a higher risk of getting a heat stroke. People who generally stay dehydrated, have a viral or bacterial infection, or have any cardiovascular disease are also at a higher risk of developing a heat stroke.
How to prevent a heat stroke?
The good news is that a heat stroke can often be prevented. This involves some careful steps that include;
- Keeping the home cool and maintaining a healthy temperature.
- If the home isn’t cool enough, people can plan to go to a community centre or other spaces during the extreme cold days.
- Staying hydrated and drinking plenty of water before, during and after the workout is extremely important to prevent a heat stroke.
- People should avoid or limit excessive heat exposure by avoiding going out and staying under the sun for prolonged periods of time, especially during the hottest hours of the day.
- Giving the body proper time to slowly adjust to the increased temperature, or acclimatisation, can also help to prevent heat strokes.
If you are looking for the best hospital for heat stroke in mohali or the best heat stroke treatment in chandigarh, Sohana Hospital might just be the right option for you. Sohana Hospital Mohali boasts of the world’s most advanced technology and North India’s most trusted and experienced neurologists who provide the most comprehensive emergency care for patients with stroke and all other neurological ailments of the patients in the region. Book your appointment today and take the first step towards a healthier and happier life!