Heat stroke, also known as sunstroke, is a dangerous heat-related illness that occurs when your body cannot cool itself. Your body gives off heat and produces sweat to cool off. Hot days make it difficult for your body to release heat. This is especially true if humidity levels are high, which causes sweat to evaporate slower. During heat stroke, the internal body temperature can rise to 104 degrees F or higher with altered mental status, including slurred speech, confusion, inability to be aroused or not acting “normal.”
Warning Signs of Heat Stroke
Symptoms of heat stroke to watch for include:
- Confusion
- Dizziness
- Flushed, dry skin
- Headache
- High body temperature (above 103 degrees F)
- Lack of sweating
- Rapid pulse/racing heart
- Unconsciousness
- Nausea/vomiting/diarrhea
Heat Exhaustion: Your First Clue
Heat exhaustion can quickly turn into heat stroke if left untreated. It occurs from staying too long in high temperatures, especially after failing to hydrate and replace salt loss after sweating. Knowing the signs of heat exhaustion may help stop the illness from progressing to heat stroke.
Symptoms of heat exhaustion include:
- Internal body temperature of 100-104 degrees F
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Muscle cramping
- Nausea
- Extreme thirst
- Heavy sweating
- Fatigue
- Low urine volume
- Cold, pale skin
Remove yourself from the heat immediately and replenish fluids if you are becoming overheated. If you are considered “high-risk” due to pre-existing conditions and have symptoms of heat exhaustion, seek medical attention immediately because progression to heat stroke is very fast.
If symptoms worsen and have lasted longer than an hour, heat exhaustion may have turned into heat stroke—call 911 for emergency medical care.
What Qualifies as Extreme Heat?
Hot weather means something different to everyone. The National Weather Service states heat stroke is likely on a day with a heat index of 130 or higher. Both temperature and humidity affect the heat index. The heat index rises over 130 on a 95-degree day with 80% humidity or a 105-degree day with 50% humidity.
You can use a heat index chart or calculator to determine the heat index in your area based on the temperature and humidity. The heat index is a good starting point for determining risk, but it won’t tell the whole story. Full sunshine and strong, hot winds can raise values up to 15 degrees. It would help if you also considered your activity levels, length of time spent outdoors, and individual risk level for heat illness.
Protecting Yourself from Heat Stroke
The simplest option to prevent heat stroke is staying indoors when the temperature outside hits high numbers. But the heat doesn’t have to keep you from your favorite summer activities. Here are precautions to take during hot days to avoid heat illness:
- Don’t leave children in cars. Heat stroke is the primary cause of non-crash vehicle deaths in children. The interior of a car can heat up by as much as 20 degrees F within 10 minutes. Never leave a child alone in a car. Keep your vehicle locked when it’s parked in a garage, carport or driveway to prevent children from wandering into the car unattended.
- Dress appropriately. Your summer wardrobe should be functional first and fashionable second. Lightweight, light-colored clothing is best in hot weather. Avoid dark clothes made of heavy fabrics that trap heat.
- Hydrate every 15 to 20 minutes. Dehydration and lack of sodium and minerals can cause heat-related illness. Planning consistent water breaks can prevent dehydration. Drink plenty of water before, during and after physical activity in the heat. If you are sweating heavily for more than an hour, replenish salt loss with a sports drink.
- Pace yourself. Acclimate slowly to the heat. Workers and athletes especially should give their bodies time to adjust to the heat.
- Skip caffeine. Before heading outside on a hot day, it may be wise to pass on your morning cup of tea or coffee. High caffeine levels strain your body while out in the heat.
- Schedule activities during cooler times of the day. Venture outdoors before 10 a.m. and after 6 p.m., especially if you plan on being active.
- Take frequent breaks. Rest in the shade or air-conditioned areas. Don’t rely on a fan alone to be your only cooling source during severe heat. Fans do not prevent heat illness in high temperatures.
- Try the buddy system. Have a trusted friend or colleague watch you for signs of heat illness while outdoors. Do the same for your friend.
- Use sun protection. Sunburns impair your body’s ability to cool itself. Prevent sunburn by applying (and reapplying) a water-resistant, broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Protect your face and neck with a wide-brim hat.
Treating Heatstroke
Heat stroke is a medical emergency. When your core temperature rises too high, thermal injury causes cells in organs and tissues to die. Heat stroke may cause several vital organs to shut down, but serious complications can be avoided if you treat the illness aggressively and get immediate care.
If You Are Experiencing Heat Stroke
If you become ill from the heat, call 911 or ask someone to do it for you. If someone else is nearby, ask for help moving to a shaded or air-conditioned area until medical personnel arrive.
If You Are Helping Someone Experiencing Heat Stroke
Call 911 immediately. While waiting for emergency medical personnel, you can take steps to help cool down the person.
- Move the person to a shaded or air-conditioned area.
- Do not give the person fluids. Instead, cool them from the outside by placing them in a cool bath or shower or spraying their skin with cool water from a garden hose. If those options aren’t available, apply cold, wet cloths or ice to the person’s head, neck, armpits and groin.
- You can also remove the person’s outer clothing, soak it with cold water, and cover them with wet clothes.
- Keep air circulating in the area to speed cooling. Fan the person vigorously while sprinkling them with water.
High-Risk Individuals
Anyone can get heat stroke. However, some factors may put you at increased risk for the illness. These include:
- Age (younger than 15 or older than 65)
- Being overweight or underweight
- Certain medications, including blood pressure and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) medications
- Medical conditions, such as cardiac disease, diabetes, psoriasis, eczema or congenital disorders
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Taking illegal drugs
Speak with your health care provider about possible medical conditions or medications that may exaggerate your body’s response to heat.
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- Protect Your Skin From The Sun With These 8 Easy Tips
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