Heat Stroke
Temperatures rise and we should take precautions
Heat stroke is the most serious form of heat injury and is considered a medical emergency. In fact it can
produce serious problems and in extreme cases it may cause dead.
Heat stroke results from prolonged exposure to high temperatures — usually in combination with
dehydration — which leads to failure of the body's temperature control system.
Our body keeps a body temperature between 36-38 degrees Celsius. When temperature rise above the
mentioned degrees, the brain sends a reward to the muscles to slow down which cause tiredness, the
chemical procedures start to be affected. Circulation to skin stops to make easier sudoration and
cooling. The internal body cells deteriorate and the risk of multiogran failure appear.
The medical definition of heat stroke is a core body temperature greater than 105 degrees Fahrenheit,
with complications involving the central nervous system that occur after exposure to high temperatures.
Other common symptoms include nausea, seizures, confusion, disorientation, and sometimes loss of
consciousness or coma.
In such cases, professional care is needed.
Tricks to prevent heat stoke
- Protect of heat
- Avoid outgoings and activities that requires important physical effort during the heat of the day.
- Drink plenty of fluid.
- Wear damp clothes which will help lower the body’s temperature.
- Stick hands, armpits, groin, neck and back in cold water.
- Place fans close to windows to allow circulation of air.
- Hang damp cloths to lower the temperature
- Take lukewarm showers
- Fan your face and other body´s part.
Interesting facts.
In addition to the above mentioned tricks, some interesting facts can help us to avoid heat stoke.
Eat curry, this food stimulates sudoration wich will result in heat loss through evaporation. As much as
we sweat as cold as we feel.
Lukewarm shower.
Standing under a freezing shower might sound tempting, but the most advisable is to take a lukewarm
to avoid dramatic change of body temperature.
Heat Stroke, symptoms and treatment.
If you suspect that someone has heat stroke call for medical help inmediatly and give frist aid until
paramedics arrive
In spite of heat stroke mainly affects population over 50, also can affect toddler and athletics people.
Symptoms
Throbbing headache
Dizziness and light-headedness
Lack of sweating despite the heat
Red, hot, and dry skin
Muscle weakness or cramps
Nausea and vomiting
Rapid heartbeat, which may be either strong or weak
Rapid, shallow breathing
Behavioral changes such as confusion, disorientation, or staggering
Seizures
Unconsciousness
First aid
Fan air over the patient while wetting his or her skin with water from a sponge.
Apply ice packs to the patient's armpits, groin, neck, and back. Because these areas are rich with blood
vessels close to the skin, cooling them may reduce body temperature.
Immerse the patient in a shower or tub of cool water, or an ice bath.
From Clinica la Siesta we offer you these bits of advice to avoid more common problems
accompanying the summer and we remind you that in case of any related emergency you can
find us in Calle Rossini 1, Urbanizacion La Siesta, Torrevieja 03184 either by phone 966 784 195
or in our webpage www.clinicalasiesta.com