Heatstroke occurs when the human body reaches a temperature of 104 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. It can be caused by strenuous activity, high environmental temperature, or other conditions that raise the temperature of the body. Immediate medical attention is required to prevent organ failure, brain damage, and death. After suffering from heat stroke, a person needs time to rest and recover before returning to regular activities.
Treatment
Heat stroke can come on suddenly, but a person will usually feel several symptoms before collapsing. Heat cramps, headache, and dehydration are all signs that heat stroke is impending. Immediately cool your body and seek medical treatment. The goal is to lower the temperature of the body as quickly as possible to avoid making your condition worse.
Prevention
To avoid heat stroke, wear loose-fitting, light-weight clothing that allows sweat to evaporate. Sit in the shade or go to a cool indoor location when possible, and drink plenty of fluids. Avoid doing strenuous activities, but if you cannot, take regular breaks to rest and rehydrate. If you can, do more strenuous activities or workouts during cooler times of the day, such as early morning and later in the evening.
Risk Factors
The very young and the very old are more susceptible to heat stroke. This is due to the body's inability to regulate body temperature and stay hydrated. Athletes who must play during hot and humid days are more prone to heat illnesses, so be aware of your body and take breaks when needed. Some medications make a person more susceptible to heat stroke, such as vasoconstrictors, beta blockers, diuretics, stimulants, and antidepressants -- so be careful when outdoors in the heat if you take any of these.
Exercise
Heat stroke should be treated seriously. Anyone who survives heat stroke requires hospitalization to recover fully and must avoid strenuous activity for at least a week. Most patients are fully recovered within one to four months, but those with liver damage may take longer to heal. People whose heatstroke causes organ damage require longer recovery and may not be able to return to strenuous exercise at all according to an article in the "New York Times." Follow your doctor's recommendations when it comes to returning to exercise following heat stroke. Failure to do so could cause further injury or death.
