Heat Stroke – A Dangerous Threat from Extreme Heat

HeatStroke - A Dangerous Threat in Summer

As summer arrives - especially inThailand,where the weather is extremely hot throughout the year whether it’s the beginning, middle, or end - it’s fair to say that it’s hot almost every month. This makes many people familiar withheat stroke, orsun stroke,
which usually occurs when the body is exposed to excessive heat. It’s especially common for those who exercise or work outdoors. When the body receives continuous heat, the temperature rises, and combined with a lack of ventilation, the risk of developing this condition becomes very high. This article will help you understand thecondition of“heat stroke”more thoroughly!!

 

Did YouKnow? HeatstrokeComes in 2 Types

Most people know that heat stroke is a life–threatening illness mainly caused by extremely hot weather. But did you know thatheatstrokecan be categorized into2 types, based on activity and daily lifestyle?

Exertional HeatStroke - Heat StrokeCaused by Exercise

This occurs from excessive exercise or heavy labor, especially in hot weather. The symptoms are similar to generalheatstroke, but the difference is that patients often sweat abnormally excessively. This type of heat stroke can lead to complications likeacute
kidney failure, as well as other symptoms. Its severity may lead toseizuresorloss of consciousness.

 

Classic HeatStroke - Heat Stroke Not Caused by Exercise

This type usually occurs during periods of extremely hot weather, especially during heatwaves, and in poorly ventilated indoor environments. Those most at risk are elderly individuals and those with chronic illnesses, as they may have central nervous system dysfunctions that make it difficult for the body to handle heat, which can be dangerous if help is not provided in time.

 

 

HeatStroke - A Single Illness with Multiple Health Risks

General symptoms ofheatstrokeincludeabnormally high bodytemperature. If it’s caused by extremely hot weather, the skin may feel hot and dry. If caused by exercise, there may be excessive sweating, rapid and shallow breathing, rapid heartbeat, nausea,
vomiting, and severe headaches. 

But in addition to these symptoms, heat stroke also comes with dangers to many parts of the body, such as:

      ๐  Brain: When body temperature exceeds 40°C and heat cannot be released quickly enough, it can causeconfusion, unconsciousness, or seizures. If not treated promptly, it may lead topermanent brain damage.

      ๐  Heart: The heart beats irregularly and faster than normal as it tries to release heat, which can causeheart failuredue to overexertion.

      ๐  Kidneys: Severe dehydration from heat stroke can impair kidney function and lead toacute kidney failure.

      ๐  Lungs: May develop severepulmonary complications, lowering blood oxygen levels.

      ๐  Liver: Abnormal liver function can occur due to dehydration andinadequate blood supply to the liver.

 

 

HeatStroke - Not Just a Risk for Kids or theElderly

Heatstroke is most often found in the elderly or young children, but in extremely hot environments, with no heat ventilation or insufficient water intake, anyone can be at risk.

There are 7 main groups who are more at risk than others and should take extra precautions:

      1. Those who work or are active outdoors, such as exercising, construction work, security, or street cleaning. This group has a high risk due to long exposure to hot weather.

      2. Infants and elderly people - because their bodies are less capable of releasing heat compared to healthy adults.

      3. Pregnant women - hot weather causes blood vessels to expand quickly, making pregnant women more likely to faint, which can lead to heat stroke if excessive dehydration occurs.

      4. Overweight individuals - fat layers make it harder for the body to release heat.

      5. People with chronic illnesses, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and heart disease, and those taking certain medications. Stroke patients in particular should be very cautious, as they may be more vulnerable to
heat stroke than the general population.

      6. Alcohol drinkers - alcohol causes capillaries under the skin to expand, resulting in faster loss of fluids and electrolytes, increasing the risk of heat stroke.

      7. Those lacking proper rest - fatigue slows the body’s response to heat, leading to heat accumulation in the body and increasing the chance of developing symptoms.

 

 

Prevention is Better than Cure - How to Protect Yourself from Heat Stroke

You can protect yourself and reduce your risk of heat stroke by following these simple tips:

      ๐  Maintain normal body temperature by drinking enough water to meet your body’s needs and reduce heat stroke risk.

      ๐  Avoid outdoor activities in the sun, or if unavoidable, protect yourself by using sunscreen, wearing a wide-brimmed hat, and lightweight, breathable clothing such as linen, silk, cotton, or UV-protective clothing when going outside.

      ๐  Avoid staying in poorly ventilated areas, like cars parked in the sun or rooms without proper air circulation.

      ๐  Be cautious when using certain medications that can affect the body’s ability to retain moisture or release heat. These may increase the risk of heat stroke. Consult your doctor and monitor your symptoms carefully.

 

 

Better Safe Than Sorry - What to Do in a Heat Stroke Emergency

As the hot season approaches, it’s important to monitor yourself and others for any unusual symptoms. If someone is experiencing heatstroke, you can perform basic first aid
by

      ๐  Moving the patient to a shaded, well-ventilated area

      ๐  Laying them on their back and elevating their legs to help blood flow to the brain

      ๐  Loosening their clothes to help release body heat

      ๐  Applying cold compresses with a cloth soaked in cold water to help cool them down

      ๐  Offering cold water if the person is conscious

If the patient appears drowsy, unconscious, or unresponsive, they should be taken to the hospital immediately.

If you would like more information about heatstroke, please contact the Brain and Nervous System Center, Phyathai 1 Hospital.

 

 

Source : Phyathai 1 Hospital