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.
Causes: Heatstroke is caused by extended and extreme exposure to heat where the dehydrated body cannot produce enough sweat to lower body temperature. Cystic fibrosis and scleroderma (systemic sclerosis) decrease the ability to sweat, creating a greater risk of developing heatstroke.
What to Expect: Heatstroke develops rapidly and is an emergency situation, requiring immediate assistance. See Acute Care, below. At 104ºF to 106ºF, the high internal body temperature is very serious. A temperature of 107ºF -- just one degree higher -- is often fatal. This condition can quickly cause permanent damage to internal organs, particularly the brain, often resulting in death. People dealing with alcoholism or a debilitating disease often fare the worst from heatstroke. Once recovery has occurred, body temperature will fluctuate abnormally for several weeks.
Remedies
Acute Care As previously mentioned, heatstroke is extremely dangerous and requires immediate attention. Timing is a critical factor, as permanent brain damage and/or coma or death can result at high internal temperatures. Transport the person immediately to the hospital. If this is not possible and you must wait, wrap the person in wet bedding or clothing and immerse in a body of water (cool bathtub, lake, stream) or cool with ice until transportation arrives. The person's body temperature will be monitored at the hospital to prevent over-cooling. Once the critical phase has passed, the person should rest for several days.
Prevention Prevention is key when dealing with heatstroke. The following measures should be taken to avoid the possibility of heatstroke. You can avoid heatstroke while still enjoying the benefits of being outdoors. Wear a wide-brimmed hat that covers your head, neck, and ears. Wear loose-fitting, tightly-woven, light-coloured, cotton clothing that protects your arms and legs. Avoid mid-day heat and strenuous physical activity between 11AM and 4PM. Schedule activities before or after this time period. Create shade. Look for trees and buildings to rest and/or stay under. Carry an umbrella or newspaper to create shade. Carriages, strollers, and playpens should all be in shaded areas. Drink plenty of water to keep your body hydrated, regardless of thirst. Actions and Remedy Listings
| Create Shade | Drink Water | Schedule Activity Between Before 11AM & After 4PM | | Wear A Wide-Brimmed Hat | Wear Loose-Fitting Clothing | |
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