Temperature rise – we read about it, we see reels about it and most importantly we feel it. And there’s copious amounts of evidence about it. As per NASA’s reports, the earth was 1.36 degrees Celsius warmer in 2023 than it was in the late 19^th century. The last 10 years are the warmest, as per NASA’s records.

Among the range of issues that this rising heat brings with itself, heatstroke is something which is often ignored, although it should not be.

Let’s understand various aspects of heatstroke, including some practical tips on how you can protect yourself.

Symptoms of Heatstroke

So how do you know if you or someone else is having a heatstroke? Here are some of the main symptoms to look for:

• High body temperature: Heatstroke pushes the temperature to 40 degrees Celsius or higher. If a thermometer is handy, checking the temperature quickly can give you a good indication.
• Alteration in sweating: The skin will feel dry and hot to the touch if heatstroke is caused due to hot weather. However, if heatstroke is caused due to strenuous exercise, the skin will be dry and slightly moist.
• Alteration in the mental state: The person suffering from heatstroke will be agitated, confused, and irritated and may have slurred speech, seizures, delirium and even coma.
• Flushed skin: The skin may appear reddish as the body temperature rises.
• A feeling of sickness and vomiting: The person may feel nauseous and vomit.
• Rapid breathing and headache: The person may breathe rapidly and feel throbbing in the head.
• High heart rate: Their heart may be racing as it tries to cool down the body.

Types of Heatstroke

Heatstrokes are mainly of two types:

Heat strokes can also be triggered by:

• Drinking alcohol may affect the body’s ability to regulate temperature.
• Dehydration due to not drinking water enough to replenish fluid lost through sweating.
• Wear thick clothing that prevents sweat from evaporating from the body, thus cooling your body.

Who is at Higher Risk of Heatstroke?

While anyone can get heatstroke, infants and the elderly are at a higher risk as their bodies may not be capable of regulating temperature effectively. Soldiers, athletes and people whose occupations require them to do physical labour in hot environments are also susceptible to heatstroke.

However, a few other factors can increase the risk too, such as:

• Dehydration
• Drinking alcohol
• Taking drugs that affect your body’s ability to regulate temperature such as sedatives, tranquilizers, heart medicines, diuretics, blood pressure medications etc.
• Having certain medical conditions such as heart, lungs, kidney, liver, thyroid and blood vessel-related diseases, or sleep disorders.
• Obesity
• Having high fever
• A history of heatstroke
• Having overall poor health

In general, males are at more risk of having a heatstroke than females.

Potential Complications of Heatstroke

High body temperature due to heatstroke can lead to a variety of other conditions such as

• Brain swelling
• Acute respiratory distress syndrome
• Liver failure
• Kidney failure
• Metabolic issues
• Nerve damage
• Reduced blood flow into the heart, can lead to other heart-related complications

How to Respond to a Person Having a Heat Stroke?

By now, you are aware of the seriousness of heat strokes and the fact that they require immediate medical treatment. If you see a person having a heatstroke, call an ambulance immediately. Till the time you wait for the ambulance to come, here are a few things you can do to provide immediate relief to the patient.

• Apply ice pack to the neck, armpits and groin.
• Give them slightly salted fluids such as salted water or sports drinks.
• Lay them down in a shady, cool and well-ventilated environment.
• If possible, immerse them in cool water.
• Spray water on them or blow cool air on them. This is known as evaporative cooling.
• Avoid giving any medication, including aspirin.
• Remove any tight or heavy clothing.
• Monitor their breathing carefully.

Once the person is taken to a hospital, the following treatment options may be used:

• Ice bath
• Cooling blanket
• Cooled intravenous fluids through a vein in their arm
• Supplemental oxygen
• Medication to prevent seizures

How to Prevent a Heatstroke?

Here are some of the things you should do during summer or when you are exposed to heat for prolonged periods:

• Wear lightweight loose-fitting clothing
• Use a sunscreen with at least SPF 15. Ensure to apply the sunscreen generously and reapply every two hours.
• Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.
• Never leave anyone in a parked car, especially children. This is a common cause of death due to heatstroke.
• Avoid prolonged outside during the hottest times of the day, usually 11 am to 3 pm.
• If you are exercising outside or during the hottest time of the day, be sure to acclimatise yourself first.
• Be extra cautious if you are at an increased risk of getting a heatstroke.
• Stay in air-conditioning during heatwaves.

Sources:

• https://climate.nasa.gov/vital-signs/global-temperature/
• https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heat-stroke/symptoms-causes
• https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/heatstroke
• https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/heat-stroke-symptoms-and-treatment
• https://www.healthline.com/health/heat-stroke