Ailments and Situations - Heat Stroke

 
Sunstroke

 
Description

The condition is quite different from heat exhaustion, which many people experience on long, hot summer days. In heat exhaustion, excessive sweating and resulting mineral salt depletion leads to fatigue, low blood pressure, and faintness. Heat exhaustion is seldom serious.

Heatstroke, however, is a life-threatening situation and requires immediate medical attention.

 

Symptoms and Signs:

Heatstroke can develop very rapidly and may not be preceded by a headache, vertigo, or signs of fatigue. The person may become confused, combative, delirious, stagger, and may feel faint and lose consciousness or have convulsions.

The skin is hot, dry, and flushed, and sweating usually, but not always, decreases. Heart rate quickly rises to 160 to 180 beats per minute (resting rate ranges from 60 to 100 beats per minute). Breathing rate tends to increase, while blood pressure remains the same and pulse is strong.

Internal body temperature can reach an extremely dangerous high of 104ºF to 106ºF.

 

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