The most severe heat-related illness is heatstroke, which can lead to multiple organ failure or even death. Overexposure to heat causes the body's internal temperature to rise rapidly. Heatstroke is defined as the body's temperature reaching 104 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, and it often involves dehydration and decreased sweating. Those most at risk for developing heatstroke include children, the elderly and those who work outdoors.
Treatment
Rapid and aggressive cooling tactics are vital in successfully treating heatstroke. Pouring tepid water on the body works well; ice water is not required. The cooling occurs as the water evaporates from the skin. Fanning and massaging the skin help increase circulation, and placing ice packs on the groin and under the armpits promotes cooling. For extreme cooling, a victim may be packed in ice but must be monitored closely. Administration of intravenous fluids often occurs once the patient arrives at a medical facility.
Tests
A doctor may order a variety of laboratory tests during or after a heatstroke. A blood test checks sodium and potassium levels, confirms blood gas levels and indicates whether damage to the central nervous system occurred. A urinalysis tests kidney function---kidneys may stop working after a heatstroke, causing additional complications. According to the "British Journal of Anesthesia," about 30 percent of heat victims suffer renal failure. Muscle function tests determine whether rhabdomyolysis, or the breakdown of muscle fiber, has occurred. Additional tests, such as X-rays and computed tomography, or CT, scans view internal organs for injury.
Complications
About 20 percent of heatstroke victims suffer residual brain damage, even if medical intervention occurred, the Merck Manual says. MayoClinic.com reports that one effect of heatstroke may be shock, which occurs when there is a sudden loss of blood circulation. Symptoms of shock include low blood pressure, blue lips and cool skin. Additional complications of heatstroke include swelling of internal organs, organ failure and death.
Prevention/Solution
Wearing loose clothing in the summer allows the body to cool properly and makes heatstroke less likely. Some people suffer heatstroke because their homes lack air conditioning. Escaping the heat by visiting a cool environment, such as a shopping center, movie theater or library, is important. Hydration encourages sweating and allows the body to maintain a safe temperature. People also should avoid sitting in hot cars for extended periods of time. A car's temperature can rise 20 degrees Fahrenheit in just 10 minutes in the sun.
Considerations
Men succumb to heatstroke more often than women because men sweat more, causing their bodies to quickly become dehydrated. People living in urban areas are at higher risk of heat illnesses than those in rural areas; in urban areas, heat becomes trapped and often mixes with polluted air, causing additional complications. Electric fans provide comfort during hot weather, but according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, they do not prevent heat-related illness.
