Signs of Heat Stroke

Heatstroke is a condition that can occur when your body temperature raises above 104 degrees F. Often occurring in the extreme heat or when there is too much physical activity done in the heat, you should know the signs of heatstroke so that you can recognize it in yourself and others. It can be a potentially life threatening disease, and the faster that you treat it, the better your odds are that you'll recover.

High Body Temperature

• A high body temperature over 104 degrees F is the deciding factor on whether you have true heatstroke or not. This is a dangerously high level, and if your temperature goes this high, you should stop what you're doing immediately and find shade and water. Although you may not have a thermometer handy, you may feel nauseous and overheated.

Sweating

• Depending on the type of heatstroke that you have, you may notice a change in the way that you sweat. If your heatstroke was brought on by heat alone, then your skin will be hot and dry, with no sweat at all. If your heatstroke was brought on by physical activity, then your skin will be both hot and moist. You should sweat in the heat, but too much or too little sweat can be a sign of heatstroke.

Rapid Heartbeat

• If you are afraid you might have heatstroke, take a moment to feel your pulse. A pulse of about 130 beats per minute is much too fast for the regular 60 to 100 beats per minute that an adult's rate should be at. The elevated rate means your body is working so much harder to cool off.

Weakness

• Look for signs of weakness, listlessness or unresponsiveness in someone who you think might have heatstroke. Heatstroke can cause a person to lose strength and feel tired. Their muscles might also be sore and cramped.

Neurological Signs

• Those with severe heatstroke might suffer from seizures, fainting, lost consciousness or may become incoherent and unable to understand others when they are speaking. If this is the case, get the patient to a health care facility immediately.