Summer is drawing near, and the temperature is rising. The hot days of the summer heat can lead to an increased risk for a dangerous condition called heat stroke. When the temperature of the body reaches 104 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, a heat stroke can occur. Heat strokes can be caused by over exertion in hot temperatures, or by exposure, without exertion, to high temperatures.
The effects of heat stroke can include brain damage, organ failure, and even death. It's important, therefore, to know the warning signs. As Dr. Andrew Weil explains, the warning signs to look for include:
- High body temperature. A body temperature of 104 F (40 C) or higher is the main indicator of heatstroke.
- A sudden change in mental status. Seizures, loss of consciousness, confusion, hallucinations or difficulty speaking or understanding what others are saying are signs and symptoms that should alert you to heat stroke.
- A lack of sweating. In passive heatstroke, skin will feel hot and dry with no sweat. (Note that in exertional heatstroke, skin usually feels hot and moist.)
- Red, flushed skin.
- Rapid, shallow breathing.
- Racing heart rate. Pulse may significantly increase as the heart works harder to keep the body cool.
- Headache.
- Muscle cramps or muscle weakness. In the early stages of heatstroke, muscles may feel tender or cramped, and later become rigid or limp.
"If you observe or experience any of these symptoms on a hot day - contact emergency services at once, seek shade immediately and take steps to cool off - remove clothing, pour or spray cool water on the skin, fan the body to help with evaporation, move the arms away from the body to give more surface area to cool and place ice wrapped in plastic or towels in the armpits." - Dr. Andrew Weil
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