Heat stroke is a condition that can happen when a person’s body gets too hot. Most often, heat stroke happens when people exercise in very hot and humid weather without drinking enough fluids. But heat stroke can also happen in people who are not exercising. It is especially likely to affect older people and people who have health problems, so they need to be extra careful in hot conditions.

Heat stroke is a medical emergency that needs to be treated quickly. That’s because heat stroke can lead to death if it is not treated quickly.

When people get too hot, they can also get “heat cramps” and “heat exhaustion.” These conditions are not as serious as heat stroke, but they can lead to heat stroke if they aren’t treated

What are the symptoms of Heat stroke?

• Fast breathing or a fast heartbeat
• Skin redness and warmth
• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Muscle cramps or weakness
• Headaches
• Confusion or trouble thinking clearly
• Trouble walking
• Seizures
• Passing out

Treatment for heat stroke

It is important for the person to be treated immediately as heat stroke can cause permanent damage or death. There are some immediate first-aid measures you can take while waiting for help to arrive, including the following:

• Get the person to a shaded area.
• Remove clothing and gently apply cool water to the skin followed by fanning to stimulate sweating.
• Apply ice packs to the groin and armpits.
• Have the person lie down in a cool area with their feet slightly elevated.
• Cool the person rapidly however you can.
• Hydrate the person with electrolytes containing drinks

By Dr. Fatemeh Aghanasiri, M.D. (MCC) – Medicentres, Downtown