What is a Heat Stroke?
Heat stroke is a condition caused by your body overheating, usually as a result of prolonged exposure to or physical exertion in high temperatures. This most serious form of heat injury, heatstroke, can occur if your body temperature rises to 104 F or higher. Heatstroke requires emergency treatment. Untreated heat stroke can quickly damage your brain, heart, kidneys and muscles. The damage worsens the longer treatment is delayed, increasing your risk of serious complications or death.
Symptoms of a Heat Stroke Include:
High body temperature
Nausea and vomiting
Confusion, agitation, slurred speech, unable to comprehend words
Rapid breathing, rapid heart rate
Flushed skin
If you believe you are having a heat stroke please call 911 immediately for immediate treatment and take rapid action to treat your symptoms like:
Cool down with anything close by, pour ice water on yourself to get your body temperature to decrease
Remove clothing
Get yourself into a shade spot
Causes:
Exposure to a hot environment especially for a long period of time and without heat protection such as hats, shades, and sunblock
Intense physical activity in hot weather especially if you are not accustomed to hot weather
Wearing excess clothing in hot weather
Drinking alcohol - doesn’t properly regulate your body's temperature
Being dehydrated in warm weather
Complications of a heat stroke could include:
Without immediate treatment your vital organs can begin to swell or even to shut down
Death - without prompt treatment, a heat stroke can be fatal
How to prevent a heat stroke:
Protect against sunburn using sunblock and protective clothing that isn’t too heavy or tight
Keep yourself hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids at all times throughout the day
Remember to not exert yourself too much in hot weathers so it is advised to take it easy during the day
Treatment:
Some treatments your doctor may perform include:
Submerging you in ice cold water
Give you medication
Use ice packs and cooling blankets
Tucson Clinica Medica Familiar is a family medicine practice focused on providing high-quality care to patients of all ages! We specialize in family practice, pediatrician and geriatrics, Tucson Clinica Medica Familiar team works closely with each patient to develop personalized care plans aimed at promoting health and wellness.
We accept most health insurance, and also those without health insurance.
Call us at 520-620-1200 to learn more about us today. Or visit our website www.tucsonclinicamedicafamiliar.com