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Long-Term Effects of Heat Stroke

A heat stroke is an elevation in body temperature from overexposure to the sun or high temperatures. A heat stroke can cause a person to have both physical and neurological problems, unlike heat cramps and heat exhaustion, which are two less severe ailments. The long-term effects of heat stroke can be dire, according to Medicinenet.com.

  1. Significance

    • Heat stroke causes severe dehydration and can ultimately lead to a person's demise. Fifty-eight people were randomly selected out of 3,500 people who had suffered a heat stroke in a July 1995 University of Chicago study. One-fourth of these people died. (See reference 1 below)

    Long-Term Effects

    • Heat stroke can also cause brain damage, kidney problems and even blood disorders over time, according to Sunshinesafetytips.com.

    Other Long-Term Effects

    • According to the University of Chicago study in 1995, 10% of the heat stroke victims sustained lung inflammation.

    Types of Severe Symptoms

    • Heat stroke also causes seizures and in some cases, coma or a comatose state in some individuals.

    Warning

    • People who suffer from heat stroke need to receive immediate attention in order to prevent permanent organ damage (According to Medicinenet.com.) Recommended treatments include taking the victim to a shady area, applying cool water to their skin and placing ice packs to the groin and under the arms.

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