What is Heat Stroke?

Pamela Egan Practical Practitioner

 

By: Pamela Egan, FNP-C CDE

 

 

What is Heat Stroke?

 

 

Dear Pam,

My 14-year-old son was participating in physical ed drills this week outside when he became lightheaded, nauseated and started vomiting. Do you think this could have been heat stroke?

It sounds like your son was suffering from heat exhaustion. Hopefully, he drank lots of fluids and rested in a cool area.

With the kids back in school, many engaging in outdoor sports practice, as well as the many men and women who work outside in this brutal heat, heat stroke can be a life-threatening condition.

Heat stroke strikes when your body’s cooling mechanism fails. Signs of heat stroke include a very high body temperature; hot, dry skin; the absence of sweating, and confusion or loss of consciousness.

Heat Stroke is the result of fluid and body-salt losses that may occur when you are working or exercising in hot weather.

Signs of Heat Exhaustion may include:

  • Fatigue
  • Lightheadedness
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Headache
  • Cool, clammy pale skin.

What to do when Heat Exhaustion strikes:

  • Move to a cool area, loosen your clothing, and sponge your face and neck with cool water.
  • Drink cool water or sports drink in large quantities, a little at a time.
  • Call 911 or go to the emergency room with any signs or symptoms of heat stroke.
  • Avoid strenuous outdoor physical activity during the hottest part of the day.
  • Wear light loose-fitting clothing when spending prolonged time in the sun or heat.
  • Drink eight to ten glasses of water a day. Drink more or consider sports drinks such as Gatorade if you are working or exercising in hot weather.
  • Be aware of signs of heat illness and take action immediately.

 

This article was originally published August 22, 2005 in The St. Tammany News.

 

PamelaEgan.com > Health Articles > Early Detection