Heatstroke
What is heatstroke?
Heatstroke is a life-threatening condition that causes your body to overheat. It’s defined as a body temperature above 104 degrees Fahrenheit (40 degrees Celsius). Heatstroke, also called sunstroke, is the most severe form of hyperthermia, or heat-related illness. Heatstroke can lead to brain damage, organ failure or death.
Are there different types of heatstroke?
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.
Are heat exhaustion and heatstroke the same thing?
Heat exhaustion and heatstroke are both types of hyperthermia. Heat exhaustion can develop into heatstroke if left untreated. But heat exhaustion isn’t as severe as heatstroke, doesn’t cause neurological problems and usually isn’t life-threatening.
Who gets heatstroke?
Anyone can get heatstroke. But infants and the elderly are at especially high risk because their bodies may not be able to regulate temperature effectively. Athletes, soldiers and people with occupations that require physical labor in hot environments are also susceptible to heatstroke.
Other factors that increase your risk of heatstroke include:
- Drinking alcohol.
- Being male.
- Being dehydrated.
- Drugs that affect your body’s ability to regulate temperature, such as diuretics, sedatives, tranquilizers, or heart and blood pressure medications.
- Having certain diseases that affect your ability to sweat, such as cystic fibrosis.
- Having certain medical conditions, such as a sleep disorder or problems with your heart, lungs, kidneys, liver, thyroid or blood vessels.
- Wearing heavy or tight clothing, such as protective gear.
- Having a high fever.
- Having obesity.
- A past history of heatstroke.
- Poor physical conditioning or not being used to hot conditions.
How common is heatstroke?
Studies suggest that heatstroke occurs in about 20 out of 100,000 people each year in the U.S. It’s most common in urban areas during periods of very hot weather. Heatstroke causes between 240 and 833 deaths in the U.S. annually.
What causes heatstroke?
Heatstroke occurs when your body can’t cool itself down. Your hypothalamus (a part of your brain that controls many bodily functions) sets your core body temperature. It typically sets your temperature at about 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit (37 degrees Celsius). But if your body takes in more heat than it releases, your internal temperature rises above this set-point.
What are the signs and symptoms of heatstroke?
Heatstroke is a medical emergency. If you or someone you know exhibits any of the following signs or symptoms, call 911 immediately:
- Anhidrosis (dry skin that doesn’t sweat, which is more common in non-exertional heatstroke).
- Ataxia (problems with movement and coordination).
- Balance problems.
- Delirium (confusion or disorientation).
- Dizziness.
- Excessive sweating that continues after you’ve stopped exercising (more common in exertional heatstroke).
- Hot, flushed skin or very pale skin.
- Low or high blood pressure.
- Lung crackles (bubbling or gurgling sound in the lungs).
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Oliguria (low urine output).
- Rapid breathing or tachycardia (fast heart rate).
- Seizures.
- Syncope (fainting) or loss of consciousness.
- Weakness.
What are the potential complications of heatstroke?
People with heatstroke can develop shock or slip into a coma. High body temperature can lead to:
- Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).
- Brain swelling.
- Kidney failure.
- Liver failure.
- Metabolic dysfunction.
- Nerve damage.
- Reduced blood flow to the heart and other circulatory problems.
How is heatstroke diagnosed?
Healthcare providers typically diagnose heatstroke in the emergency department. They review your symptoms, perform a physical exam and take your temperature. They may also order blood tests or urinalysis. Additional tests might include a chest X-ray or electrocardiogram (EKG) to monitor the electrical activity in your heart.
How is heatstroke treated?
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.
Sometimes cold-water lavage is necessary. This treatment uses catheters (thin, flexible tubes) to fill body cavities with cold water. This helps lower the body temperature overall. The catheter may go into the rectum or down the throat.
Healthcare providers stop cooling treatments once the body reaches about 102 degrees Fahrenheit (38.9 degrees Celsius). The length of time you stay in the hospital depends on the severity of your heatstroke and how well your organs are functioning.
How can I prevent heatstroke?
In most cases, it’s possible to prevent heatstroke by:
- 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 if you’ll be out in the heat.
What’s the prognosis (outlook) for people who’ve had heatstroke?
Your outlook after heatstroke depends on a variety of factors, including:
- Age.
- How high your body temperature spiked.
- How long your body temperature stayed high before you received treatment.
- Overall health.
Between 10 and 65% of people with non-exertional heatstroke die from the illness. The outlook is better for exertional heatstroke, which has a mortality rate of 3 to 5%. Some people experience permanent organ damage or neurological dysfunction.
During your recovery after heatstroke, you can expect changes in your body temperature for several weeks. You should avoid physical activity for at least a week. You will also need periodic tests to monitor your kidney and liver function. Even temporary complications of heatstroke can take several months to go away.
After you’ve had heatstroke once, you’re more likely to get this heat illness again. Take preventive measures any time you plan to be in hot conditions.
When should I contact my doctor?
If you’ve had heatstroke and are recovering, contact your doctor right away if you experience anything abnormal such as:
- Cognitive dysfunction (problems thinking or remembering).
- Difficulty breathing.
- Liver or kidney problems.
- Low urine output.
Heatstroke
ตอบลบWhat is heatstroke?
Heatstroke is a life threatening condition in which your body overheats and can no longer maintain a healthy temperature. You can avoid heatstroke by taking precautions in very hot weather.
Heatstroke occurs when your body temperature rises from about 37°C to above 40°C. It is sometimes called hyperthermia.
Dehydration and heat exhaustion are milder heat-related illnesses. They can lead to heatstroke if they’re not treated.
Why is heatstroke an emergency?
Heatstroke needs immediate first aid to lower your body temperature as quickly as possible. If not, it can lead to organ damage and death.
The risk of death increases the hotter you get and the longer you are overheated.
Why might I get heatstroke?
Heatstroke is caused by prolonged exposure to heat. It can occur when your body absorbs more heat than it can get rid of by sweating. You can get heatstroke indoors or outdoors. It is more likely to occur in hot, humid weather.
You can get heatstroke if you work or exercise in hot conditions without good air flow and if you don’t drink enough water.
You are at higher risk if you are:
over 75 years old, or very young
pregnant or breastfeeding
overweight
not physically fit
homeless or isolated
wearing excess clothing
affected by a chronic health condition or an infection
taking medicines that cause dryness or make you sweat less
What are the symptoms of heatstroke?
If you have heatstroke, you will usually not be sweating. Your skin may be red, hot and dry.
Heat exhaustion is a milder heat-related illness that can lead to heatstroke if not treated, so it’s important to recognise the symptoms early. If you have heat exhaustion, you will usually be sweating a lot, and have pale, cool, damp skin.
Other symptoms of heat exhaustion include:
dizziness and weakness
headache
nausea or vomiting
rapid pulse and fast, shallow breathing
muscle cramps (known as heat cramps)
fainting
feeling restless and anxious
heat rash
If heat exhaustion turns into heatstroke, you may notice these additional symptoms:
sudden rise in body temperature
dry, swollen tongue
intense thirst
slurred speech
problems coordinating movements
aggressive or strange behaviour
seizures
confusion and loss of consciousness
While you are waiting for the ambulance, try to cool them down in any way you can.
ตอบลบGive them sips of cool fluid if they are conscious.
Lay them in a cool shady place.
Remove excess clothing.
Sponge or spray them with cool water or cover them with wet towels or clothing and fan their damp skin.
Put them in cool water or a cool shower.
Place cold packs on their cheeks, palms and soles.
If they are unconscious, place them on their side with their mouth down and their chin up. You may need to do CPR.
Do not give aspirin, ibuprofen or paracetamol to someone with heatstroke.
What should I do if I have heat exhaustion?
There are steps you can take to manage heat exhaustion, and avoid the complications of heatstroke.
Find a cool place to rest.
Drink cool water or a rehydration drink. Avoid caffeine and alcohol.
Take off excess clothing.
Have a cool shower or use cold packs.
Use a fan or air conditioning.
How can I prevent heatstroke?
In hot weather:
Drink plenty of water, even if you’re not thirsty. Avoid alcohol and hot or sugary drinks.
Keep cool — try to avoid direct sun and wear lightweight, loose cotton clothing.
If you go out, try to go before 11am or after 5pm, wear a hat and take water.
Keep your house cool — close windows and curtains during the day and keep them open at night. Use fans or air conditioning.
Have a plan — know who to call for help and ask your doctor what to do if you have any health conditions.
You can also take steps to prevent other people getting heatstroke:
When it’s hot, visit or phone friends, family and neighbours who are at risk, and check they’re ok.
Keep children cool and give them lots to drink.
Ensure pets have plenty of water and shade.
Never leave children or animals alone in a car, even with the air conditioning on or windows open.
You can check the Bureau of Meteorology website for warnings about hot weather.
For more information on staying well in hot weather, visit Beat the heat.
What Is Heat Illness?
ตอบลบIn very hot weather, high humidity, and other conditions, body heat can build to dangerous levels. This can cause heat illness, such as heat cramps, heat exhaustion, or heatstroke. Heat exhaustion starts slowly, but if it's not quickly treated it can progress to heatstroke. In heatstroke, a person's temperature reaches 105°F (40.5°C) or higher. Heatstroke needs emergency medical care right away and can be life-threatening.
What Are the Signs & Symptoms of Heat Illness?
Of heat exhaustion:
increased thirst
weakness and extreme tiredness
fainting
muscle cramps
nausea and vomiting
irritability
headache
increased sweating
cool, clammy skin
body temperature rises, but to less than 105°F (40.5°C)
Of heatstroke:
severe headache
weakness, dizziness
confusion
fast breathing and heartbeat
loss of consciousness (passing out)
seizures
little or no sweating
flushed, hot, dry skin
body temperature rises to 105°F (40.5°C) or higher
What Should I Do if a Child Has Heat Illness?
If your child has symptoms of heatstroke, get emergency medical care right away.
For cases of heat exhaustion or while awaiting help for a child with possible heatstroke:
Bring the child indoors or into the shade right away.
Undress the child.
Have the child lie down; raise their feet slightly.
If the child is alert, place in a lukewarm bath, spray with lukewarm water, or put cool cloths on their skin.
If the child is alert and coherent, give frequent sips of cool, clear fluids.
If the child is vomiting, turn onto their side to prevent choking.
What Can Help Prevent Heat Illness?
Teach kids to always drink plenty of liquids before and during any activity in hot, sunny weather — even if they aren't thirsty.
Make sure kids wear light-colored, loose clothing in warm weather.
Remind kids to look for shaded areas and rest often while outside.
Wear sunscreen and hats to avoid getting a sunburn.
Don't let kids do intense activities outdoors during the hottest hours of the day.
Teach kids to come indoors right away if they feel overheated.
Do not leave kids alone in a parked car.
Heat exhaustion and heatstroke
ตอบลบHeat exhaustion is not usually serious if you can cool down within 30 minutes. If it turns into heatstroke, it needs to be treated as an emergency.
Check for signs of heat exhaustion
The signs of heat exhaustion include:
a headache
dizziness and confusion
loss of appetite and feeling sick
excessive sweating and pale, clammy skin
cramps in the arms, legs and stomach
fast breathing or pulse
temperature of 38C or above
being very thirsty
The symptoms are often the same in adults and children, although children may become floppy and sleepy.
If someone is showing signs of heat exhaustion, they need to be cooled down.
Things you can do to cool someone down
If someone has heat exhaustion, follow these 4 steps:
Move them to a cool place.
Get them to lie down and raise their feet slightly.
Get them to drink plenty of water. Sports or rehydration drinks are OK.
Cool their skin - spray or sponge them with cool water and fan them. Cold packs around the armpits or neck are good, too.
Stay with them until they're better.
They should start to cool down and feel better within 30 minutes.
Call 999 if:
You or someone else have any signs of heatstroke:
feeling unwell after 30 minutes of resting in a cool place and drinking plenty of water
not sweating even though too hot
a temperature of 40C or above
fast breathing or shortness of breath
feeling confused
a fit (seizure)
loss of consciousness
not responsive
Heatstroke can be very serious if not treated quickly.
Put the person in the recovery position if they lose consciousness while you're waiting for help.
Preventing heat exhaustion and heatstroke
There's a high risk of heat exhaustion or heatstroke during hot weather or exercise.
To help prevent heat exhaustion or heatstroke:
drink plenty of cold drinks, especially with exercising
take cool baths or showers
wear light-coloured, loose clothing
sprinkle water over skin or clothes
avoid the sun between 11am and 3pm
avoid excess alcohol
avoid extreme exercise
This will also prevent dehydration and help your body keep itself cool.
Find out how to spot dehydration.
Keep an eye on children, the elderly and people with long-term health conditions (like diabetes or heart problems) because they're more at risk of heat exhaustion or heat stroke.