Heat stroke is the most severe form of heat related illness and constitutes a medical emergency. It is often caused by working or playing in hot environments while getting improper hydration. Less often, it is caused by medications, age and level of health. Improper hydration interferes with the body's ability to sweat, due to either lack of salt or lack of water. Drinking alcohol on a hot day is enough to mildly dehydrate a person.
Heat Illnesses
Whether you are inside or outside, active or sedentary, your body has to be able to burn energy and warm and cool the body as needed. Heat illnesses happen when the body can not adequately cool itself. Normally the body will sweat to cool itself. The evaporation process of sweating is what cools the body. When we sweat, nutrients like salt are also lost from the body. If we do not have enough nutrients or water in our body, we will begin to lose our sweating/cooling mechanism. Heat illnesses can begin with mild heat cramps, but become more concerning as they progress into heat exhaustion and finally to heat stroke.
Heat Stroke Symptoms
Initially the person may come across as irritable, and may complain of a throbbing headache. Additionally she may complain of feeling dizzy, nauseous and hot. She may complain of aches and pains as well. When heat stroke has set in, she may also be confused, pass out and remain unconscious. The milder symptoms are the first signs of heat exhaustion.
Heat Stroke Signs
The Mayo Clinic defines the main sign of heat stroke as a body temperature of 104 F (40 C) or higher. At these high temperatures, it becomes difficult for the brain to process information and hallucinations or seizures may occur. If the heat stroke was brought on by exertion, the person's skin will be red and moist. If there was no exertion, his skin will still be red but dry. The skin will be dry due to the loss in ability to sweat. The body will show other signs of trying to sweat, like increased heart rate and rapid breathing. A combination of any of these signs, along with the increased body temperature, is an indication for immediate cooling interventions and seeking professional help.
