Definition

Heatstroke is a condition in which your body temperature rises too high, usually as a result of prolonged exposure to heat or physical activity at high temperatures. Heatstroke occurs when your body temperature reaches 40 degrees Celsius or higher.

Causes

Heat stroke can be caused by:

• Exposure to hot environments

Heatstroke can occur due to exposure to hot and humid weather or other hot environments that cause an increase in core body temperature, particularly over time. This condition is also known as classic heatstroke or non-exertional heatstroke.

• Excessive activity

Increased core body temperature during physical activity in hot weather can also lead to heatstroke, also known as exertional heat stroke. Exertional heatstroke typically occurs when a person is not accustomed to high temperatures.

Some of the factors that can cause both types of heatstroke mentioned above are:

• Wearing thick or excessive clothing prevents sweat from easily evaporating and cooling down the body
• Drinking alcohol can impair your body's ability to regulate its temperature
• Lack of water intake or dehydration

Risk factor

Heatstroke can affect anyone, but the following factors can increase a person's risk:

• Age

The strength of the central nervous system determines one's ability to withstand extremely high temperatures. The central nervous system is not fully developed in infants and young children. In adults over 65, it begins to decline, making it more difficult for the body to adjust to temperature changes. Both age groups have difficulty staying hydrated, which increases their risk of heatstroke.

• Physical activity during hot weather

Heatstroke can be caused by military training, long-distance running events, or strenuous physical activity in hot weather.

• Exposure to sudden hot weather

Suppose you are exposed to sudden increases in temperature, such as during an early summer heatwave or while traveling to hotter climates. In that case, you may be more susceptible to heat-related illness. Limit your activity for a few days to allow your body to adjust to the change. Before spending a few weeks in a high-temperature environment, you could still be at a higher risk of heatstroke.

• Lack of air conditioning

While fans may make you feel better, air conditioning is the most effective way to reduce temperature and humidity during prolonged hot weather.

• Medications

Certain medications can impair the body's ability to stay hydrated and respond to heat. If you are taking blood vessel constrictors, beta-blockers, diuretics, or medications for psychiatric symptoms (antidepressants or antipsychotics), use caution in hot weather.

Attention deficit disorder and hyperactivity medications, as well as illegal substances like amphetamines and cocaine, can all increase your risk of heatstroke.

• Certain health conditions

Certain chronic diseases, such as heart or lung disease, can increase your risk for heatstroke. Obesity, an inactive lifestyle, and a history of heatstroke all increase your risk.

Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of heatstroke include:

• High body temperature, reaching 40 degrees Celsius or higher
• Changes in mental status or behavior, such as confusion, agitation, slurred speech, irritability, loss of consciousness, and coma
• Changes in sweating, such as heatstroke caused by hot weather, make the skin feel hot and dry. However, in cases of heatstroke caused by overexertion, the skin may feel dry or slightly damp
• Nausea and vomiting
• Reddening of the skin
• Rapid and shallow breathing
• Rapid heartbeat
• Headache

Diagnosis

Heatstroke is typically easily diagnosed by a doctor, but laboratory tests can confirm the diagnosis, rule out other causes of your symptoms, and assess for organ damage. These tests include:

• Rectal temperature probe to check core body temperature
• Blood tests to check blood sodium and potassium levels for damage to the central nervous system
• urine examination can help check kidney function and dehydration status
• Muscle function examination to check for serious damage to muscle tissue
• X-ray and other radiology examinations to check for damage to the internal organs

Management

Heatstroke treatment focuses on lowering body temperature to prevent or reduce damage to the brain and vital organs. This is completed by:

• Cold water immersion

Soaking in cold water or ice has been shown to be the most effective way to reduce the body's core temperature quickly. The faster the body's temperature drops, the lower the risk of death and organ damage.

• Using evaporation techniques

If a cold bath is impossible, your doctor may try to lower your body temperature through evaporation. Cool water will spray the body while warm air is blown toward you, allowing the water to evaporate and cool the skin.

• Wrapping with cool blankets or applying ice packs

Another method is to wrap yourself in a special cooling blanket and apply ice packs to your groin, neck, back, and armpits to reduce body temperature.

• Administering medication to stop shivering

If the treatment to lower your body temperature causes you to shiver, your doctor may prescribe muscle relaxants. Shivering raises your body temperature, making treatment less effective.

Complications

Heatstroke can result in various complications, depending on how long the body temperature is elevated. Severe complications that may occur include:

• Damage to vital organs

Without a quick response to lower body temperature, heatstroke can cause the brain or other important organs to swell, possibly causing permanent damage.

• Death

Prevention

Heat stroke is predictable and preventable. Follow the steps below to avoid heatstroke during hot weather:

• Wear loose and light clothes

Wearing excessive, too-tight, or too-thick clothing prevents the body from properly regulating its temperature.

• Protect yourself from sunburn

Sunburn reduces your body's ability to cool down, so wear a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15. Use sunscreen sparingly and reapply every two hours, or more frequently when swimming or sweating.

• Drink plenty of water

Adequate water intake will allow your body to sweat and maintain a normal temperature.

• Be cautious with certain medications

Be cautious if you take medications that may impair your body's ability to maintain water content and release heat.

• Limit yourself when the weather is very hot

If you can not avoid strenuous activity in hot weather, stay hydrated and take frequent breaks in a cool place. Schedule exercise or physical activity for cooler times, such as early morning or late afternoon. People not accustomed to hot weather are more susceptible to heat stroke. It may take several weeks for your body to adjust to the hot weather.

When to see a doctor?

If someone is experiencing heatstroke, they should seek immediate medical attention. A doctor can assess any other conditions that may require treatment.

Meanwhile, you can provide temporary assistance to reduce the body temperature of people experiencing heatstroke in the following ways:

• Move the person into a cool room or place
• Remove clothing that is too thick
• Spray with cool water or blow a fan towards the person experiencing heatstroke

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