Heat stroke is a potentially fatal condition that can also inflict damage on the brain and other internal organs. Heat stroke is more common in people over the age of 50, but it can also have a negative impact on younger athletes who are otherwise healthy. Here’s how to spot it, what to do and when to call our home GP for heat stroke in Manilva.
What is a heat stroke?
Heat stroke is the result of prolonged exposure to high temperatures, which, in combination with dehydration, can cause the body's temperature control system to break down, leading to dangerously high internal temperatures. The core temperature of the body must be higher than 40 degrees Celsius for a person to be diagnosed with heat stroke, and complications involving the central nervous system must develop as a result of prolonged exposure to high temperatures. Nausea, seizures, confusion, disorientation, and even loss of consciousness or coma are some of the other common symptoms.
Heat stroke frequently develops as a result of a series of milder heat-related illnesses, such as heat cramps, heat syncope (fainting), and heat exhaustion. It can, however, strike even if you have no previous signs of heat injury.
What Are Symptoms of Heat Stroke?
Heat stroke is distinguished by a core body temperature of more than 40 degrees Celsius. However, fainting may be the first sign.
Other signs and symptoms may include:
- Vomiting and nausea
- Pounding headache
- Despite the heat, there is no perspiration
- Lightheadedness and dizziness
- Changes in behaviour such as confusion, disorientation, or staggering
- Breathing quickly and shallowly
- Lack of sweating despite the heat
- Convulsions
- Skin that is red, hot, and dry
- Unconsciousness
- Muscle cramps or weakness
When to call our home GP for heat stroke in Manilva
If you think that someone is having a heat stroke, call our home GP for heat stroke in Manilva immediately or take them to the nearest hospital as soon as possible. Any delay in getting medical help could potentially be fatal.
First aid should be started while waiting for the emergency medical services to arrive. Place the individual in an area that is air-conditioned, or at the very least, a cool, shady area, and have them remove any clothing that isn't necessary.
Take the person's core body temperature if at all possible, and then immediately begin first aid in order to bring it down to between 38.3 and 38.8 degrees Celsius. In the event that there are no thermometers available, do not be afraid to begin first aid.
Make use of these strategies for cooling down:
- Fan air over the patient while wetting their skin with a sponge or garden hose.
- Apply ice packs to the patient's armpits, groyne, neck, and back. Because these regions have a high concentration of blood vessels in close proximity to the skin, cooling them could result in a decrease in overall body temperature.
- Place the patient in a shower or a bathtub filled with cool water.
- If the individual is young and healthy and suffered from heat stroke while exercising vigorously, which is known as exertional heat stroke, you may be able to use an ice bath to help cool the body in order to treat the heat stroke.
- Ice should not be given to patients who are over the age of 65, patients who have young children, patients who have a chronic illness, or anyone who has heat stroke despite not having engaged in strenuous activity. Doing so can be dangerous.
If the emergency response is delayed, contact the hospital emergency department for further instructions.
The individual will receive IV hydration and electrolyte replacement therapy from medical staff at the hospital.