Heat Stroke- what is it and why is it so serious?
What is heat stroke?
Heat stroke is when the core temperature of the body rises above 40C due to prolonged heat exposure or too much physical exertion in a hot environment. It is a serious condition- the natural chemical processes of the body stop working, which starts to cause damage to the brain, kidneys, liver, muscles and heart. Heat stroke is a medical emergency and requires urgent treatment.
What are the symptoms of heat stroke?
- Core body temperature above 40 C (104F)
- Nausea and vomiting
- Headache
- Rapid breathing and raised heart rate
- Confusion, slurred speech, irritability and odd behaviour can happen, due to changes in brain function. This can proceed to seizures and loss of consciousness if untreated.
- The skin may feel hot and dry to the touch, and may appear flushed (however, in heatstroke brought on by strenuous exercise, the skin may be moist)
- In small children heat stroke may cause poor feeding, irritability and lethargy. There may also be signs of dehydration such as reduced urine output, dry nappies, reduced tears when crying, and a more prominent dip in a baby’s fontanelle (soft spot on their head).
What causes heat stroke?
Heat stroke usually happens when a person is exposed to a hot environment for too long or over-exerts themselves in a hot environment. The time it takes for heat stroke to develop depends on how hot the environment is, and for how long the exposure lasts. The body’s natural methods of cooling (such as sweating) cannot cope with continuous extremes in heat and humidity.
Heat stroke can happen more easily in children, the elderly, or in people who have medical conditions that affect their ability to regulate their own body temperature effectively. In summer, one of the most common causes is when a child is accidentally locked in a car on a sunny day.
Is heat stroke the same as a fever?
No. Fever is a natural response to infection or inflammation. The body’s own “thermostat” gets set higher as this may help to fight infection. However, with a fever, body temperature does not continue to increase once the new set point is reached. A fever can cause discomfort, and sometimes seizures in children, but it will not lead to organ failure or brain damage.
In heat stroke, the body temperature rises due to a hot environment, and can continue to increase dangerously, as the body cannot cool itself down quickly enough.
What is the treatment for heat stroke?
If you think someone is suffering from heat stroke, you should call an ambulance – they need emergency medical attention.
Before medical help is reached, get the person out of the hot environment (into the shade or indoors, ideally with air-conditioning). If possible, remove excess clothing and start to cool them down with water- e.g by immersion in a cold bath, a shower, by applying wet towels to the body or spraying with a garden hose. Cool packs may be applied to the armpits, groins and back of the neck. Encourage them to drink water or Hydrolyte, as dehydration is usually present. Medications such as Paracetamol or anti-inflammatories are not advised.
How do I keep my child safe from heat stroke?
Babies, children (and the elderly) are more at risk of heat stroke, so extra care should be taken in hot weather.
- Small babies should be breast or bottle fed more frequently in warm weather
- Older kids should be given extra water through the day. Babies above the age of 6 months can have their breast-feeding or formula supplemented with cooled boiled water with or between usual feeds.
- Clothing should be suitable- light and loose.
- On extreme heat days, it may be best to stay cool indoors.
- Air needs to circulate around carseats, prams and strollers- they should not be covered with blankets
- And never, ever leave a small child in a car on a hot day, not even for a minute. The temperature inside a parked car can be 30-40°C hotter than outside, and most of this increase in temperature happens within 5 minutes of closing the car (even if the windows are left open)
If you have concerns about the risk of heat stroke, speak to your doctor.
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