20/06/2023
Heatstroke is a life-threatening condition that happens when your body temperature rises above 104 degrees Fahrenheit (40 degrees Celsius). It’s usually the result of overexertion in hot, humid conditions. Symptoms can include confusion, seizures or loss of consciousness. Untreated, heatstroke can lead to organ failure, a coma or death.
There are two types of heatstroke:
Exertional heatstroke: This form of heatstroke is usually the result of physical overexertion in hot, humid conditions. It can develop in a few hours.
Non-exertional heatstroke: Also called classic heatstroke, this type can occur due to age or underlying health conditions. It tends to develop over several days
Avoiding strenuous physical activity in hot, humid conditions.
Consuming sports drinks, lightly salted water or broth.
Gradually letting your body acclimate to warm temperatures over several weeks if you’ll have to be in hot conditions for work or sports.
Never leaving children (or pets) in closed, hot spaces such as cars.
Staying in air-conditioned or well-ventilated areas during heat waves.
Wearing lightweight, light-colored and loose-fitting clothing
Heatstroke requires immediate medical treatment. If you’re waiting for an ambulance to arrive, try to cool the person as much as possible by:
Applying ice packs to the neck, groin and armpits.
Encouraging them to drink slightly salted fluids, such as sports drinks or salted water.
Having them lay down in a cool, shady, well-ventilated environment.
Immersing them in cool water, if possible.
Misting them with water and blowing air across their bodies (evaporative cooling).
Monitoring their breathing carefully and removing any airway blockages.
Not giving any medications, including aspirin and acetaminophen.
Removing any clothing that is tight or heavy.
At the hospital, the person with heatstroke may receive:
Cooled intravenous fluids through a vein in their arm.
Cooling blanket.
Ice bath.
Medication to prevent seizures.
Supplemental oxygen.