Heat Stroke is a form of hyperthermia, where the body's temperature rises and the body can no longer regulate it. The body typically disipates heat through either sweat or radiating it out of the body. There are certain times when the heat can become too intense for the body to properly regulate it, rising to and excess of 106 degrees. Heat stroke should be considered a medical emergency, and emergency services should be sought out immediately.
The symptoms of heat stroke typically occur during a period of intense physical activity under the sun, with dehydration assisting the heat. A dehydrated person is not able to sweat fast enough to keep the body cool.
The symptoms of heat stroke closely mimic that of a heart attack. The symptoms of heat stroke include:
Heat exhaustion
A person stops sweating in extreme heat
Confusion
Fatigue
High Body Temperature
Higher pulse rate
Hallucinations
Seizures
Anyone experiencing these types of symptoms should immediately get out of the sun and drink plenty of fluids. If symptoms do not go away quickly, emergency services should be sought out.
Those Likely To Suffer A Heat Stroke
There are certain individuals who are at a higher risk or experiencing the symptoms of heat stroke than others. They are:
Infants
The elderly
Athletes
Workers who exert themselves in the heat or under the sun.
It should be stated that these are just the groups that are at an elevated risk of suffering the symptoms of a heat stroke, not the only people who can have a heat stroke. Everyone should take caution equally when spending extended periods of time outdoors in the summer.
How To Prevent A Heat Stroke
There are easy ways to prevent heat stroke and the symptoms of heat stroke. Since the body must be dehydrated, drinking plenty of fluids while outside in the heat can help tremendously. The symptoms of heat stroke can be prevented by allowing the body ample amounts of fluid so it can continue to sweat normally and keep the body cool.
It is also a good idea to take frequest breaks and get out of the sun to prevent the symptoms of heat stroke. Allowing the body to cool down periodically will help to regulate body heat.
Heat is one of the most devistating types of disaster, since it is so hard to cope with the body being pushed to these extreme limits. Heat strokes are on of the first signs of the body overheating to a dangerous level, and it should be taken as such. Working to prevent a heat stroke is just a important as treating a heat stroke and recognizing the symptoms.
