If you work, play sports or exercise outside when it's hot and humid you may be at an increased risk for heat stroke. If left untreated it can be life-threatening. It occurs if you are exposed to high heat and sun for extended periods. It can also happen in cases where you do not sweat enough to lower your body temperature. You develop heat stroke when your body's temperature rises to a dangerous level. The good news is that if you take the right precautions and learn to recognize the early warning signs you can prevent complications. Remember that heat stroke happens quickly so you need to act fast as soon as you recognize the signs.
Common Symptoms
The University of Maryland Medical Center states that as your body's temperature rises too high you may develop a headache. You may also become dizzy, faint, weak disoriented and confused. You may feel very sluggish and experience severe fatigue. You may also become quite agitated.
Additional Symptoms
Even though your body needs to cool off, dehydration will prevent you from sweating. You skin can be pale or it may be hot, red and dry. You may stop sweating completely. The Physicians Desk Reference Network states that your body temperature will be abnormally high and climb to 102 degrees F or higher. In addition, your pulse may become rapid and irregular.
Severe Symptoms
If you do not resolve your heat stroke when the above symptoms occur, your situation will become life-threatening. You may develop muscle cramps and experience nausea and vomiting. The Centers for Disease Control state that you are in a dangerous situation if you notice that your skin becomes cool and moist. If this occurs alone or in combination with a fast weak pulse and fast shallow breathing you need emergency care. In later stages you may become unconscious, experience seizures or go into a coma.
