Heat stroke or heat stroke is a condition that occurs when a person's body temperature increases drastically to 41 o C in a short period of time, 10-15 minutes and the body is no longer able to control body temperature. Usually, heat stroke occurs when an individual is exposed to heat temperatures beyond the limits that their body can tolerate. One example of exposure to temperature that causes heat stroke is extreme hot weather conditions. Heat stroke can affect anyone, but babies and the elderly have a higher risk. This condition is also susceptible to certain populations such as athletes, soldiers and workers who spend a lot of time under the hot sun.
The main cause of heat stroke
Heat stroke can occur for one reason or another, such as:
- The body cannot maintain a stable temperature when the outside temperature is higher
- Reduced sweat production
What are the symptoms of heat stroke ?
There are several signs and symptoms felt by heat stroke sufferers in general, some of which are:
- Increased body temperature to above 40ºC
- The body cannot produce sweat
- Dizzy
- Pain in the head and feeling light and dizzy
- Reddened skin accompanied by dry lips
- Response rate slows
- There is a sudden spike in heart rate
- Nausea and vomiting
- Muscle weakness and cramps
- Behavioral changes occur such as confusion, confusion, restlessness, or irritability
- Seizures
- Faint
First treatment for heat stroke
There are several ways you can treat someone with heat stroke , namely:
- Move the sufferer to a shadier place, such as under trees to reduce exposure to direct sunlight on the body.
- Give compresses or cold water all over the sufferer's body, especially the neck, armpits and groin to help reduce body temperature
- Fan the patient's entire body
- Wet the blanket or sheet used by the sufferer with cold water and then cover it over the sufferer's body
- Give the sufferer plenty of water to drink if he is conscious to avoid dehydration and lack of fluids
How to prevent heat stroke
To avoid heat stroke in hot and hot weather, there are several things you can do, including:
- Wear thin, loose and light colored clothes
- Wear a wide hat
- Use lotion with SPF such as sunblock or sunscreen
- Consume lots of fluids to maintain the body's hydration levels
- Avoid extreme and strenuous activities outdoors when the weather is hot
That is an explanation of the causes, symptoms, treatment, and prevention of heat stroke . If you or your closest relative experiences similar symptoms, immediately provide first aid and take them to the doctor if this assistance is deemed ineffective for further treatment.
Article written by dr. Lucrezia Renata, Sp.PD (Internal Medicine Specialist at EMC Cibitung & Pekayon Hospital).