Heatstroke – Causes, Symptoms and Treatments!

Heatstroke – Causes, Symptoms and Treatments that we should not ignore. Also, this condition is not very common, but it can be lethal. Different health problems can be associated with heat when there is a disruption in the balance of body temperature.

Other factors that also interfere with the body’s ability to cool down in environments with high temperatures, such as, for example, high air humidity , which makes it difficult for sweat to evaporate , with a consequent impediment to the body’s release of heat.

Among other factors that interfere with the ability to regulate body temperature are young age (between 0 and 4 years old), obesity, fever, dehydration, heart disease, poor blood circulation, sunburn, consumption of certain drugs and alcohol .

Causes: of Isolation: Heat  stroke is caused by situations in which the person is in very hot environments or makes physical effort that raises the body temperature, such as:

  • Spend the day in the sun without sunscreen (on the beach, for example);
  • Practice strenuous activities;
  • Wearing excess clothing;
  • being dehydrated for a long time;

Symptoms of Heat Stroke: Heat  stroke causes symptoms that appear gradually, such as:

  • Headache ( headache );
  • Dizziness;
  • nausea;
  • Hot, dry skin (no sweat ), sometimes reddened;
  • fast pulse;
  • Elevated body temperature;
  • Visual disturbances;
  • Muscle weakness;
  • Confusion;
  • Rapid and difficult breathing;
  • Pallor;
  • fainting;
  • Purple ends;
  • Some people may also have seizures;

Risk Factors:  Certain factors increase the risk of having a heat stroke , such as:

  • Not drinking fluids properly;
  • Having chronic illnesses (such as diabetes)
  • Drinking too much alcohol;

Some people are more at risk of getting heat stroke, such as:

  • Children and babies;
  • Seniors;
  • People with problems that lead to dehydration, such as those with gastroenteritis;
  • People who engage in strenuous activities, such as athletes, soldiers, and workers who perform activities that involve physical exertion under the sun (such as bricklayers);
  • Some medications can also increase your risk of getting heat stroke , such as vasoconstrictors, high blood pressure medications that block adrenaline,
  • diuretics and some antidepressants and antipsychotics;

Diagnosis of Heat Stroke: Heat  stroke is usually diagnosed through the symptoms presented by the patient. However, the doctor can use tests to confirm the diagnosis or check if there has been damage to any organ. The exams used are:

  • Blood count:  Mainly to check the levels of sodium and potassium and for gases in the blood that could indicate damage to the nervous system;
  • Urine Test:  To check the functioning of the kidney;
  • Muscle function tests:  To see if there has been any damage to muscle tissue;
  • Imaging tests, such as X-rays:  To see if there has been damage to other internal organs;

Treatment for Heat Stroke: Treatment for heat stroke consists of reducing the person’s body temperature. For this, some techniques used are:

  • Immersion in cold water or cold bath;
  • Evaporative cooling, in which cold water is mixed with warm ventilated air, which brings about evaporation of water in the body;
  • Use of special cold blankets, in addition to applying cold compresses to the forehead, groin, armpits and back;
  • Medicines to reduce body tremors caused by cooling;

The prevention of heat stroke is very simple:  Wear light clothes, of light colors and that are not tight to the body. Use sunscreen with SPF 30 or more and avoid skin burns , Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration.

Prefer water, coconut water and natural fruit juices . But be careful with alcoholic beverages , which in excess cause dehydration. when exercising in summer, drink plenty of fluids two hours before, during, and after activity.

Beware of the hottest times of the day (from 11 am to 3 pm), drinking plenty of water and trying to stay in the shade. Avoid leaving people in the car on very sunny days, as the risk in these situations is greater.

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