Heat stroke is a serious medical emergency that can cause symptoms such as headache, fatigue, nausea, vomiting and fever. Heat stroke symptoms can worsen quickly and may become life-threatening if not treated promptly.
Heat stroke occurs due to excessive exposure to sun and heat. It is more common in children and older adults because their bodies have a harder time adapting to extreme temperatures.
In children, symptoms may also include chapped lips, crying without tears and loss of interest in playing. If heat stroke is suspected, move the person to a cool place, remove excess clothing, offer water and go to the hospital if symptoms do not improve within 30 minutes.
Main symptoms
The main heat stroke symptoms are:
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Very red, hot and dry skin;
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Headache;
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Increased body temperature;
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Increased heart rate and low blood pressure;
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Excessive thirst and dry mouth;
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Nausea and vomiting;
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Dizziness, slurred speech, loss of consciousness and mental confusion;
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Fainting;
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Agitation, irritability and visual disturbances;
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Cramps in the legs, arms and stomach;
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Muscle weakness;
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Fast, difficult breathing.
Depending on how long the person has been exposed to the sun, they may also develop more serious symptoms, such as paleness, seizures, bluish-purple hands or feet, coma and death.
Heat stroke symptoms can appear throughout the day and may gradually get worse.
Mild heat stroke symptoms
Mild heat stroke symptoms may include fatigue, cramps in the legs, arms and stomach, nausea and vomiting, excessive sweating, hot skin, intense thirst and a fast heartbeat.
Heat stroke symptoms in children
Heat stroke symptoms in children or babies are very similar to those seen in adults. However, children may also have chapped lips, cry without tears, feel very tired or sleepy, and lose interest in playing.
Because children have a harder time adapting to external conditions, a child with heat stroke should be taken to a pediatrician as soon as possible for evaluation and proper treatment.
How long do heat stroke symptoms last?
Heat stroke symptoms vary depending on how severe the condition is. If the person has mild to moderate symptoms and first aid is started right away, symptoms may improve within 30 minutes.
However, if symptoms last longer than 30 minutes or get worse, even with first aid, this may indicate severe heat stroke. The person should be evaluated by a doctor immediately.
What to do
In any case of suspected heat stroke, especially when symptoms are very intense, the person should go to the hospital right away or emergency medical help should be called by dialing 911.
Some first aid measures can also be taken, such as:
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Take the person to a shaded, well-ventilated place, preferably with a fan or air conditioning;
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Have the person lie down or sit;
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Apply cold compresses to the forehead, neck and armpits, but avoid using ice-cold water;
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Loosen tight clothing and remove very warm clothing;
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Offer plenty of cold or ice water to drink if the person is conscious, while avoiding alcoholic drinks, coffee and cola-type sodas;
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Gently spray cold water over the person’s body;
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Monitor the person’s level of consciousness by asking their name, age and the current day of the week, for example.
If the person has intense vomiting or loses consciousness, they should be laid on their left side to help prevent choking if they vomit. An ambulance should be called, or the person should be taken to the hospital.
When to see a doctor
It is recommended to see a doctor immediately or call emergency services when heat stroke symptoms are intense, do not improve over time, or when the person has fainting, mental confusion or seizures.
This allows treatment to be started right away to help prevent complications. In these cases, IV fluids may be given directly into the vein to replace lost mineral salts.