What to Do for a Mild Heat Stroke?

Heat stroke, a more serious case of heat exhaustion, can occur suddenly. Heat stroke is a medical emergency and should be treated immediately. There are some steps that can be taken to treat mild heat stroke until medical help arrives.

Causes

• Heat stroke is caused by exposure to high temperatures for extended periods of time, particularly in high humidity. Dehydration contributes to heat stroke. Heat stroke may develop gradually, but often the symptoms are not recognized until it is a medical emergency.

Mild Heat Stroke

• Heat stroke, a form of hyperthermia, results from an abnormally elevated body temperature. Heat stroke, even mild cases, should be treated by a medical professional, as it can be fatal.

Treatment

• Rest in a cool, shaded area until help arrives. It is important to rehydrate the body by giving plenty of fluids (such as water or sports drinks) that can help to replace some of the electrolytes and salt lost through sweating. Drinks that contain alcohol or caffeine are not recommended for heat stroke victims. It may be helpful to remove or loosen clothing for comfort. If possible, sponge the body with lukewarm water. Moving the person to a cooler environment helps, as well as using a fan to keep fresh air moving across the skin.

Symptoms

• Symptoms of mild heat stroke are vomiting, nausea, fatigue, weakness, muscle cramps and dizziness. More severe heat stroke causes high body temperature, the absence of sweating, rash, confusion, strange behavior, rapid pulse, difficulty breathing, hallucinations, disorientation, agitation, seizure and coma.

Most at risk

• Heat stroke is most likely for infants, the elderly, athletes and those doing heavy labor outside