Heatstroke can sneak up on even the most seasoned summer-lover. To make the most of warm temps and avoid disaster, take a proactive approach to fun in the sun by understanding the risk factors, symptoms and treatment options.
Things You Should Know About Heatstroke
With the peak of summer’s high temperatures and dry heat comes an extra set of potential problems warm weather-seekers must take precaution of. The sun is one powerful star, a ball of bright gas that can contribute to more than just a run-of-the-mill burn on the skin from too many hours spent at the beach. Summer adventurers should be aware of the conditions they are up against to prevent emergencies big and small from ruining yet another good time over vacation months and more. Prolonged exposure, physical exertion and dehydration are just some of the common factors that can lead to serious summertime troubles including heatstroke.
Heatstroke is the most serious form of heat injury and is classified by running a temperature of around 104 degrees or higher. Occurring when the body itself overheats from rising temperatures around it and long days in the elements, heatstroke requires immediate attention to avoid brain, heart, kidney or muscle damage. Besides increased body temperature, an altered mental state, flushed skin, headache, nausea or vomiting, rapid breathing, racing heart and sweating can all be additional tell-tale signs.
Risk Factors While anyone can truly be susceptible to heatstroke in the right conditions, there are a number of factors that can increase an individual’s risk. The central nervous system’s ability to cope with extreme temperatures as well as the body’s ability to remain hydrated are directly tied to how one can fare, placing the young and old (with weaker systems) in a higher range of risk. Strenuous activity in high heat or sudden/unusual exposure to extreme temperatures also up the risk factor, while some medications and pre-existing conditions can be additional red flags.
How To Treat It’s important to seek treatment for heatstroke immediately. This can mean finding shade or heading indoors, removing excess clothing and cooling down with water while awaiting further assistance and medical attention. Once at an emergency room or urgent care center, medical professionals can treat the fever-like symptoms in a controlled environment. Emergency and urgent care facilities will attempt to cool the body back to a normal temperature through ice baths, evaporative cooling techniques and ice packs or cooling blankets. Hydration is also kept in mind, aiming to replenish fluid loss and levels post-heatstroke.
When you’re out underneath the blazing hot sun there is always a possibility for heatstroke. But maintaining a proactive approach to keeping the body cool and hydrated is the best preventative care one can take aside from abstinence. Knowing what to look for and how to handle the situation if and when an emergency does occur is equally as vital. If symptoms don’t wane, understanding your urgent care center and emergency medical facility options can save both time and permanent damage
Read more about heat related injuries at https://www.marquemedical.com/blog/heat-related-injuries-dorcas-m-eaves-md-mss-acpe
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