Heat Stroke: A Serious Danger During Hot Weather

Heat stroke occurs when the body is exposed to excessive heat and can no longer regulate its temperature effectively. The risk is particularly high among people who exercise or perform strenuous outdoor work. Continuous exposure to heat, combined with poor ventilation, can cause body temperature to rise rapidly and lead to a medical emergency.

Did You Know That There Are Two Types of Heat Stroke?

Heat stroke can be divided into two main types based on the person’s activities and circumstances.

Exertional Heat Stroke

Exertional heat stroke is caused by strenuous exercise or heavy physical activity, particularly in hot weather.

Symptoms may be similar to other forms of heat stroke, but patients often sweat excessively. This condition may lead to serious complications, such as acute kidney failure, seizures, or loss of consciousness.

Classic Heat Stroke

Classic heat stroke is not caused by exercise. It commonly occurs during periods of extremely hot weather or heatwaves, especially when a person remains in a poorly ventilated or enclosed environment.

Older adults and people with chronic diseases are particularly vulnerable because their bodies may be less able to regulate temperature effectively. Without timely assistance, the condition can become life-threatening.

Heat Stroke Can Affect Many Parts of the Body

The main sign of heat stroke is an abnormally high body temperature.

A person affected by classic heat stroke may have hot, dry skin, while someone with exertional heat stroke may continue to sweat heavily. Other symptoms may include rapid and shallow breathing, a fast heartbeat, nausea, vomiting, and a severe headache.

Heat stroke may also damage several major organs.

Brain

When body temperature rises above 40°C and the body cannot release heat quickly enough, the person may become confused, lose consciousness, or experience seizures.

Without prompt treatment, permanent brain damage may occur.

Heart

The heart may beat rapidly or irregularly as the body attempts to release heat. Excessive strain on the heart may lead to heart failure.

Kidneys

Severe dehydration can impair kidney function and may lead to acute kidney failure.

Lungs

Severe pulmonary complications may occur, causing blood oxygen levels to fall below normal.

Liver

Dehydration and inadequate blood flow to the liver may interfere with normal liver function.

Heat Stroke Does Not Affect Only Children and Older Adults

Although heat stroke is commonly associated with young children and older people, anyone can develop it when exposed to extreme heat, poor ventilation, or inadequate hydration.

Seven groups are considered particularly vulnerable.

1. People Who Work or Exercise Outdoors

This includes people involved in:

๐ Outdoor exercise

๐ Construction work

๐ Security work

๐ Street cleaning and maintenance

They face a higher risk because they may remain exposed to hot weather for long periods.

2. Young Children and Older Adults

Their bodies may not regulate and release heat as efficiently as those of healthy young adults.

3. Pregnant Women

Extreme heat may cause blood vessels to widen rapidly, increasing the likelihood of fainting. Excessive fluid loss may also raise the risk of heat stroke.

4. People with Higher Body Weight

A thicker layer of body fat may make it more difficult for the body to release heat.

5. People with Underlying Medical Conditions

Those who may require particular caution include people with:

๐ High blood pressure

๐ Diabetes

๐ Chronic kidney disease

๐ Heart disease

๐ Stroke-related conditions

๐ Conditions requiring certain medications

Some diseases and medicines may affect the body’s ability to maintain hydration and regulate temperature.

6. People Who Drink Alcohol

Alcohol causes blood vessels beneath the skin to widen and may increase the loss of water and electrolytes, raising the risk of dehydration and heat stroke.

7. People Who Do Not Get Enough Rest

Insufficient rest may slow the body’s response to heat and allow excessive heat to accumulate more easily.

How to Prevent Heat Stroke

The risk of heat stroke can be reduced through simple preventive measures.

๐ Drink enough water to maintain normal hydration and body temperature.

๐ Avoid strenuous activities under direct sunlight whenever possible.

๐ When outdoor activity cannot be avoided, apply sunscreen, wear a wide-brimmed hat, and choose breathable clothing made from materials such as linen, silk, or cotton.

๐ Consider wearing clothing that provides ultraviolet protection during prolonged outdoor exposure.

๐ Avoid poorly ventilated places, such as a parked vehicle or an enclosed room without adequate airflow.

๐ Be cautious with medicines that may affect hydration or the body’s ability to regulate heat.

๐ Consult a doctor when taking medication that may increase sensitivity to heat and monitor yourself for unusual symptoms.

First Aid for Heat Stroke

During periods of hot weather, observe yourself and those around you for signs of heat-related illness.

When someone appears to have heat stroke:

๐ Move the person immediately to a shaded, cool, and well-ventilated area.

๐ Lay the person on their back and raise their legs to help support blood circulation.

๐ Loosen or remove unnecessary clothing to allow heat to escape.

๐ Apply cool, wet cloths to the body to lower the temperature.

๐ Give cool water only when the person is fully conscious and able to swallow normally.

๐ Do not give water or other drinks to someone who is drowsy, unconscious, confused, or unable to swallow safely.

If the person becomes unusually drowsy, loses consciousness, has seizures, or does not respond, take them to hospital immediately.

For further information about heat stroke, contact the Brain and Nervous System Centre at Phyathai 1 Hospital.

 

Reference :

Phyathai 1 Hospital Heatstroke

ArokaGO Providers Phyathai 1 Hospital