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Signs & Symptoms of a Heatstroke

Heatstroke is one of the most dangerous heat-related illnesses that may result from exercise or strenuous work in hot environments, according to Mayo Clinic. Classic heatstroke restricts a person's ability to produce sweat because of disease or medication and can take two to three days to develop. An exertional heatstroke occurs quickly when the body overheats due to the combination of hot weather, strenuous activity and dehydration.

  1. Physical Symptoms

    • Heatstroke can cause a body temperature of 104 degrees Fahrenheit or greater. Your body will compensate to cool itself, resulting in a fast heartbeat and rapid breathing. Heatstroke causes reduced sweating and a flushed face. You may also experience muscle cramps or begin to feel very weak. Heatstroke patients also complain of headaches and nausea. In more developed cases, you may begin to have seizures or slip into coma or unconsciousness.

    Neurological Symptoms

    • A heatstroke can cause you to be irritable, agitated or confused. You may have difficulty speaking or understanding what is being said to you. You can become disoriented to the point where you begin to have hallucinations.

    Prevention

    • The best way to prevent heatstroke is to avoid overexertion in high temperatures. Plan any vigorous exercise or work for cooler times of the day. The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends drinking plenty of fluids if you have to be outdoors on hot days. You should also wear lightweight, loose clothing so that your sweat will evaporate off your skin. Wearing sunscreen and a hat, or using an umbrella can help protect you from the sun's rays. Your body goes through two heat-related illnesses before progressing to heatstroke. If you experience heat cramps or heat exhaustion, cool yourself down before it gets worse. Cool off by drinking water and going into an air-conditioned environment.

    Treatment

    • Receive treatment immediately. Heatstroke can damage your internal organs or result in death. Your body is returned to a normal temperature to treat heatstroke. One treatment is immersion in a bath of cold water or ice, or doctors may wrap you in a cooling blanket with ice packs. There is also an evaporation technique using cool water and fans.

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