The body carefully maintains its internal temperature at around 37 degrees Celsius. In hot weather, perspiration cools it off. But sometimes, even the best cooling system can be overwhelmed.
Always be alert to heat stroke or exhaustion symptoms, especially when you or your friends exercise in hot weather or work in hot, humid areas without ventilation.
Heat exhaustion is a milder heat-related illness, but if untreated, it can lead to heat stroke, a potentially life-threatening condition.
Heat stroke occurs when the body's internal temperature rises to dangerous levels because the body's regular cooling mechanism breaks down.
If you're exercising or working in very hot weather and not drinking enough water or other fluids, your body may not be able to produce enough sweat to cool itself. Heat stroke can occur if the body temperature remains above 39 degrees Celsius for very long, leading to even higher temperatures. A temperature that remains above 41 degrees Celsius can cause organ shutdown, brain damage and possibly death.
As we age, our bodies become less efficient at cooling, and so people who are elderly, as well as those who have circulation problems, should be especially concerned about being in prolonged heat.
What to look for
Symptoms of heat exhaustion include the following:
Excessive sweating
Cool, clammy skin
Pale or ashen appearance
Rapid heartbeat
Headache
Dizziness
Nausea or vomiting
Abdominal or muscle cramps
Fatigue
Fainting
Weakness
Slight fever
What to do if you suspect heat exhaustion
Move the victim to a cool, shaded site and loosen tight or sweat-soaked clothing.
If the person is alert and able to swallow and breathe without difficulty, let him or her drink cool water (without ice) and follow that with a weak salt solution (1 teaspoon of salt in 1 quart of water) or a sports drink containing electrolytes. You can also give a pediatric oral rehydration formula. Do not give the victim salt tablets.
Have the person lie down and elevate their legs and feet.
Give the victim a sponge bath or pour cool water over him or her.
If you have one available, use an electric fan or a hair dryer set on cool to fan the victim. If not, use a magazine or your hand. This helps lower the skin temperature.
Using a thermometer, take the victim's temperature every few minutes. Continue cooling the person until body temperature has dropped to 38 degrees Celsius. But be careful that the person doesn't become chilled. Repeat the cooling process if the victim's temperature begins to climb again.
If the person's condition does not improve quickly, call an emergency facility immediately. Sometimes, the victim may need to get intravenous fluids or be resuscitated.
Heat stroke: What to look for
Heat stroke is much more serious than heat exhaustion and can appear suddenly. Symptoms of heat stroke include the following:
High body temperature, 39 degrees Celsius or more
Red, hot or dry skin
Racing pulse
Rapid and shallow breathing
Confusion
Seizures
Hallucinations
Unusual behavior, such as irritability or aggressiveness
Dark urine
Nausea
Throbbing headache
Unconsciousness
What to do if you suspect heat stroke
If the person shows serious signs of disorientation, falls unconscious or begins twitching, he or she needs immediate medical attention.
Call an emergency facility right away.
While waiting for help, move the victim to a shady area and into an air-conditioned location if possible.
Quickly remove the outer layers of clothing.
Cool the victim rapidly using the best means available: Spray the person with a garden hose or spray bottle, sponge with cool water, place in a tub of cool water or wrap in cool, wet sheets and fan vigorously.
Put cold compresses or ice packs under the victim's armpits and on the neck and groin.
Monitor body temperature using a thermometer. Continue treatment until the temperature has dropped to 38 degrees Celsius, and check every few minutes to ensure it doesn't climb again.
Remember, do NOT give the victim an alcoholic drink, even if it's cool. This can raise body temperature. Avoid tea and other stimulants as well.
Do not give the victim antihistamines or pain relievers such as aspirin.
If the ambulance is delayed, call the emergency room for instructions.
Source: HealthDay
