Heat stroke is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition that happens when the body can’t regulate its temperature due to extreme heat. Without immediate medical attention, it can cause severe damage to the central nervous system and other vital organs.
It often starts with mild symptoms like headache, dizziness, excessive sweating, and thirst, but can quickly progress to more serious signs such as seizures, confusion, or loss of consciousness. Body temperature typically rises above 102°F (39°C), and the condition can worsen rapidly, making urgent medical care essential.
Heat stroke in children occurs in the same way as in adults, but they are at greater risk because their ability to regulate body temperature is still developing. Recovery involves lowering body temperature using cold compresses, cool baths, and proper hydration.
Main symptoms
The main symptoms of heat stroke include:
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High body temperature (102°F to 104°F or higher)
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Confusion or loss of consciousness
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Headache
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Seizures
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Red, hot, and dry skin (no sweating)
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Rapid breathing and increased heart rate
Early signs may resemble heat exhaustion and include excessive sweating, pale skin, a feeling of intense heat, extreme thirst, dry mouth, fatigue, headache, dizziness, or fainting.
If the body is not cooled down, these symptoms can progress to heat stroke. At this stage, sweating stops, body temperature rises above 102°F (39°C), and confusion, seizures, or unconsciousness may occur. Heat stroke is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention.
Heat stroke in children
Children are more vulnerable to heat stroke because their thermoregulation system is not yet fully developed, limiting their ability to control body temperature. This makes it essential to take extra precautions to prevent overheating.
The symptoms of heat stroke in children are similar to those in adults and may include high body temperature, confusion, headache, and loss of consciousness.
Children under 5 years old, especially those under 1 year, are at the highest risk, along with those who have chronic illnesses, fever, diarrhea, obesity, malnutrition, or sunburn. Immediate medical attention is crucial if these symptoms appear.
How to recover
To recover from heat stroke, it’s important to act quickly to bring down body temperature and prevent further complications.
Drink plenty of water to rehydrate, and apply cold compresses to the armpits, neck, and back to help cool the skin. Other helpful methods include cool-water immersion, evaporation using water mist and fans, and moving to a shaded or air-conditioned environment.
If symptoms are mild, such as dizziness or heavy sweating, rest in a cool place, stay hydrated, and use cooling methods. However, seek medical attention immediately if symptoms do not improve or get worse.
In severe cases with high fever, confusion, or loss of consciousness, contact emergency medical services or go to the nearest hospital right away to prevent serious complications.
Treatment options
If body temperature does not decrease quickly with first aid measures, or if the person loses consciousness, emergency medical treatment is required.
In some cases, intravenous fluids with isotonic saline and medications may be needed in a hospital to manage serious complications.
Continuous monitoring and intensive care are essential in the most severe cases.
How to prevent
You can prevent heat stroke by:
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Drinking plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated
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Avoiding intense physical activity during peak heat hours
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Staying in cool, well-ventilated places
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Wearing light-colored, loose-fitting clothing
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Limiting direct sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
It’s also helpful to eat light, water-rich foods such as fruits and vegetables, and avoid alcohol or caffeine, which can lead to dehydration.
Extra care should be given to children, older adults, and people with chronic health conditions, as they are more prone to heat-related illnesses. If dizziness, fatigue, or excessive sweating occur, it’s important to rest, rehydrate, and cool the body immediately to prevent heat stroke.