Heat Stroke: Causes, Symptoms & Prevention

Sunstroke or Heat Stroke may occur when a person remains under the sun for a long duration of time usually in combination with dehydration which causes failure of the temperature control system of the body. The normal body temperature is 98.6°F while, in heat stroke it rises to more than 105°F with complications concerning the central nervous system.

Heat stroke if not treated promptly and properly can be fatal. Untreated sun stroke can damage heart, brain, muscles and kidneys. The longer the delay in the treatment, the intense is the damage, accelerating the risk to serious complications and death.

CAUSES

Some of the causes of heat stroke are:-

·         Prolonged exposure to the sun;

·         Excessive strenuous physical activity raising body temperature;

·         Failure of sweat to evaporate properly due to wearing excess amount of warm clothing;

·         Reduced intake of water or fluids;

·         Consumption of alcohol.

SYMPTOMS

Symptoms of sunstroke are:-

·         Increased body temperature;

·         Fainting;

·         Red, hot and dry skin;

·         Throbbing headache;

·         Dizziness;

·         Lack of sweating;

·         Rapid breathing & heart rate;

·         Mental confusion;

·         Disorientation;

·         Muscle cramps.

FIRST AID

First aid provided to the person before the arrival of medical aid can be of immense help. The following first aid can be offered to the patient:-

• Wet the skin of the patient with water with a sponge or cloth and fan air over the patient;
• To reduce body temperature, cool areas that is rich with blood vessels close to the skin such as neck, groin, back and armpits.
• Immerse the patient in a tub of cold water.

PREVENTION

Sunstroke can be prevented by:-

·         Consuming plenty of water;

·         Avoiding over-exertion of body during hot weather;

·         Avoiding vigorous physical activities in hot and humid weather;

·         Wearing light-colored, loose fitting and lightweight clothes;

·         Avoiding outdoor activities during the hottest time of the day, during summers;

·         Using a sunscreen with sun protection factor of more than 30;

·         Avoiding fluids containing caffeine or alcohol.

Author, Dr. Varsha Sharma Kapila is a Consultant Homoeopath, practising since last 19yrs. She offers Online Homeopathic treatment; Dietetic counseling; martial counseling and addiction counseling. She can be reached on her email – drvarshas@gmail.com

Dr. Sharma is an Associate Professor in a Homoeopathic Medical College. She has got vast experience in treating several ailments ranging from hair fall, psoriasis, acne, skin complaints, recurrent respiratory complaints, bronchitis, asthma, allergic coryza, migraine, sinusitis, nasal polyps, kidney complaints, female disorders, respiratory diseases, digestive disorders, arthritis, pains and aches, erectile dysfunction, impotence, kidney stones, depression, psychiatric disorders, recurrent attacks of cold, pediatric complaints, old age diseases, etc.