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It's a Wonderful Summer Day, With a Chance of Heat Stroke: A Quick Rundown of Heat Stroke

Written by: Jasnoor Doggar


With global average temperatures on the rise due to global warming, heat stroke is becoming more and more common during the summer. Heat stroke is a condition in which your body overheats (1). Heat stroke occurs when an individual spends extended amounts of time in extreme heat. A heat stroke specifically happens when your body temperature rises to and exceeds 40 degrees Celsius/104 degrees Fahrenheit (1). Heat stroke is known to be the worst heat-related illness or in other words, it is the most severe type of hyperthermia (2).


Two different types of heat stroke can occur. One is due to exertion and one is a normal heat stroke with no exertion. Exertional heat stroke is caused by physical exertion in extremely hot weather and tends to develop over a few hours (2). Non-Exertional has an onset of several days and is caused due to age or is affected by other medical conditions (2). Heat stroke usually starts off as heat exhaustion (2).


Individuals who are more prone to heat stroke are usually male, obese, consume alcohol, are dehydrated, have underlying health problems, are not used to extreme heat, and/or have past history of heatstroke (2).



Symptoms of heat stroke include (1,2):

  • High body temperature

  • Altered mental state and/or behaviour

  • Anhidrosis (i.e., the inability to sweat), only in non-exertional heat stroke

  • Excess sweat when unnecessary, only in exertional heat stroke

  • Flushed skin

  • Nausea

  • Vomiting

  • Fast heartbeat and breathing

  • Lung crackles

  • Low output of urine

  • Seizures

  • Fainting

  • Headache



It is important to treat heat stroke in a timely manner because if it is left alone, it can lead to coma or in more severe cases death (1,2). The effect of high body temperature associated with heat stroke can cause medical complications such as brain swelling, kidney failure, and liver failure to name a few (2).


To prevent heat stroke, it is suggested that (1):

  • Individuals wear light and loose clothing

  • Prevent sunburns as they affect your body's ability to cool down

  • Hydrate

  • Be aware if your medications or health problems put you at a higher risk of heat stroke


If someone is diagnosed with heat stroke or is showing symptoms, it is strongly advised that you seek medical attention.

While you wait for medical attention, it is advised that (2):

  • An ice pack is applied to the affected individuals' neck, groin, and armpits

  • Tight and heavy clothing should be removed

  • Affected individuals are given drinks filled with electrolytes or salt such as sports drinks or salty water

  • Affected individuals should be moved to a cool and shady area

  • Mist affected individuals with water or fan them to cool them down.



References

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