The Effects of Heat Stroke

Heat stroke is a medical emergency requiring immediate care. It is a condition where the body's heat loss mechanism has stopped working properly, resulting in a dangerous increase in internal body temperature.

Causes

• Heat stoke usually occurs in hot and humid weather. It can be precipitated by wearing heavy clothes, strenuous exercise, and the consumption of alcohol in hot weather. Certain medications and dehydration can also be contributing factors of heat stroke.

Symptoms

• During heat stroke the skin becomes hot, dry, and red. The victim may or may not be sweating. The internal body temperature will rise to 103 degrees and more. Other signs include a rapid pulse, dizziness, nausea, headache, visual disturbances, and fainting. Breathing may become uneven or shallow and rapid.

Solution

• If heat stroke is suspected, move the victim to shade or an air-conditioned area. Remove the victim's clothes and cover them with a wet sheet or spray cool water on them until help arrives.

Considerations

• Heat stroke is more common during the first few days of a heat wave.

Warning

• Heat stroke is much more serious than heat exhaustion, and without prompt medical care can cause damage to the brain, organ failure, or even death.