Heat stroke is a condition in which the body is unable to regulate its own body temperature. During times of extreme heat and humidity, this can result in a rapid rise in body temperature, about 104 to 106 degrees within 10 to 15 minutes. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 8,000 deaths resulted from heat stroke between 1979 to 2003. It is a preventable condition so it's important to recognize the warning signs.
High-risk Groups
According to the CDC, certain groups of people are more prone to heat stroke than others. Persons age 65 and older are at higher risk people, as are infants and toddlers younger than 4. People suffering from an illness or taking prescription medication might also develop heat stroke more quickly, as well as those who are obese.
Warning Signs
The most common indicator of heat stroke is an elevated body temperature of at least 104 degrees. The Mayo Clinic says that the person's skin will generally feel dry unless they are exerting themselves physically, in which case the skin may feel moist.
Additional symptoms include fainting (more common in older adults), headache, nausea, vomiting, inability to sweat, rapid or shallow breathing, feeling dizzy or confused, an increased or decreased blood pressure, a rapid heartbeat and irritability.
Treatment
The CDC warns that anyone displaying the signs of heat stroke could be in a life-threatening situation. When these signs are recognized, call for emergency medical help and move the victim immediately to a shaded area. Cool them down quickly by placing them in a cool shower or tub of cool water. Check their body temperature again---your goal is to lower it to 101 or 102 degrees. In situations when the medical team does not arrive quickly, the CDC recommends contacting the local hospital for further instructions until help arrives.
Prevention
There are a number of ways to prevent heat stroke, one of the most important being hydration. On excessively hot days, be sure to drink enough fluids. The best choices are water and sports drinks. Make children stop frequently through the day to drink, as well, or to spray themselves with a hose.
When dressing, choose clothing that is loose and light in color. Apply sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, and if possible, wear a hat or use an umbrella to protect yourself from the rays of the sun.
If you must make plans for outside activities, plan them for a cooler day or wait until the sun has gone down a bit first. Spend as much time inside, preferably in an air-conditioned area. If you must be outside, break often and find a shaded area to sit in.
