HEALTH - HEAT STROKE
Heat stroke is a form of hyperthermia with accompanying physical and neurological symptoms. Unlike heat cramps and heat exhaustion, two less-severe forms of hypothermia, heat stroke is a true medical emergency that can be fatal if not properly and promptly treated. The body normally generates heat as a result of metabolism, and the body is usually able to dissipate the heat by either radiation of heat through the skin or by evaporation of sweat.
However, in extreme heat, high humidity, or vigorous exertion under the sun, the body may not be able to dissipate the heat and the body temperature rises, sometimes up to 106 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. Another cause of heat stroke is dehydration. A dehydrated person may not be able to sweat fast enough to dissipate heat, which causes the body temperature to rise.
The population most susceptible to heat strokes are infants, the elderly, and athletes, or outdoor workers physically exerting themselves under the sun. Heat illness may be viewed as a continuum of illnesses relating to the body's inability to cope with heat. It includes minor illnesses, such as heat edema, heat rash , heat cramps, and tetany, as well as heat syncope and heat exhaustion. Heatstroke is the most severe form of the heat-related illnesses and is defined as a body temperature higher than 41.1°C (106°F) associated with neuralgic dysfunction. Two forms of heatstroke exist. Exert ional heatstroke (EHS) generally occurs in young individuals who engage in strenuous physical activity for a prolonged period of time in a hot environment. Classic nonexertional heatstroke (NEHS) more commonly affects sedentary elderly individuals, persons who are chronically ill, and very young persons. Classic NEHS occurs during environmental heat waves and is more common in areas that have not experienced a heat wave in many years. Both types of heatstroke are associated with a high morbidity and mortality, especially when therapy is delayed.
Heat Stroke Treatment
The heat stroke treatment should be carried out, in such a way that it creates the following conditions: Cools the patient, Hydrates the patient, Restores normal blood flow, Restores normal body temperature.
A person experiencing mild symptoms can be treated at home itself. But, if the person faints or the symptoms become worse, a doctor is recommended. In any case, the following step-by-step procedure should be adopted to provide heat stroke treatment. Heat stroke, the most severe form of heat emergencies, develops quickly and is potentially life-threatening. Long, extreme exposure to the sun or vigorous activity in extreme heat causes the body's cooling system to break down, allowing the internal temperature to rise to dangerous levels.
The first signs of heat emergency are heat cramps, followed by dehydration and heat exhaustion, and finally heat stroke, according to the National Institutes of Health . Symptoms include headache, dizziness, disorientation, confusion, agitation, rapid pulse, high body temperature and hot, dry skin without sweat, seizures and loss of consciousness. Heat stroke can cause shock, brain damage, organ failure and death if left untreated.extra information
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