Symptoms of Heatstroke and First Aid Tips
Hyperthermia is a condition wherein the body temperature rises abnormally. It is manifested through heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke. Heatstroke is the most fatal form and needs urgent medical attention. It could lead to death if proper medical treatment is not given. If you notice symptoms of heatstroke, act immediately to prevent further injury or damage.
For instance, you could get on a webchat with qualified specialists to verify the symptoms and ask for home remedies you could apply if you can't get to the hospital right away. One of the easiest first aid tips for heatstroke is cooling the patient. Keep him hydrated and refrain from any physical activity.
The human body produces heat as a result of metabolism. The body dissipates heat through the skin in the form of sweat. When humidity is high, the body is unable to dissipate heat, and as a result, body temperature rises up to 41.1c. Besides heat, another cause of heatstroke is dehydration. If a person is dehydrated, he or she does not generate sweat fast enough to discharge heat out of the body. This is what causes the temperature to rise.
Fortunately, you can now get in touch with expert medical professionals from ring.md if you notice symptoms of heatstroke. You can do so anywhere you are, any time of the day.
Symptoms of Heatstroke
Sometimes, the signs and indications of heatstroke can be mistaken for heart attack. That's why it's important to be mindful of the other symptoms and to speak to a doctor right away to be sure. The most evident symptom of heatstroke is a body temperature that is extremely high (105 degrees Fahrenheit and up). Other indications include:
- Fainting
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Throbbing headache
- Reddish and dry skin
- Lightheadedness
- Cramps or weakened muscles
- Rapid and shallow breathe
- Strong/weak rapid heartbeat
- Absence of perspiration despite very high temperature
- Disorientation
- Unconsciousness
- Seizures
What to Do When Heatstroke Strikes
- Help is just three numbers away. Dial 911 for help.
- While waiting for medical response, bring a heat-stroke person in an air-conditioned room or any place where it is cold.
- Take off any clothes which may cause discomfort and more heat.
- While fanning a patient (when not in an air-conditioned room), damp the skin with water like a damp towel.
- Lower down the body temperature by applying ice pack to areas where blood vessels are close to the skin like the neck, back, groin and armpits.
- If the cooling procedure you did does not work, give the patient a cool or ice bath.
Few weeks after suffering from heatstroke, a person will be more sensitive to heat. It is recommended to avoid exposure to high temperature or doing activities done in such environment. Moreover, try to know more about other things a patient would experience post-heatstroke.
When there is a delay in emergency response, better call the hospital or talk to medical professionals through the website mentioned above for motivational tips or more first aid tips. Never delay giving first aid or seeking medical attention as soon as you see even one of the symptoms of heatstroke.
