Heat stroke is a serious and emergency situation that arises when one has been exposed to high temperatures for a long time, so that the body cannot regulate the temperature and ends up overheating, which leads to the malfunction of the various organs.
The first signs of heat stroke usually include redness of the skin, especially if you are exposed to the sun without any protection, headache, tiredness, nausea, vomiting and fever, and there may even be confusion and loss of consciousness.
Heat stroke is more common in children and the elderly due to less ability to adapt to extreme conditions. Whenever there is a suspicion of heat stroke, it is very important to take the person to a cool place, remove excess clothes, offer water and, if the symptoms do not improve in 30 minutes, go to the hospital, so that it is properly evaluated.
See first aid to do in case of heat stroke.
Main symptoms
Heat stroke can happen when a person is in a very hot or dry environment for a long time, such as walking for hours in the hot sun, for example. The main symptoms of heat stroke are:
- Increased body temperature, usually 39ºC or more; Very red, hot and dry skin; Headache; Increased heartbeat and rapid breathing; Thirst, dry mouth and dry and dull eyes; Sickness, vomiting and diarrhea; Unconsciousness and mental confusion, such as not knowing where you are, who you are or what day it is; Fainting; Dehydration; Muscle weakness.
Heatstroke occurs more easily when you spend a lot of time on the beach or in the pool exposed to the sun, but it can also happen when you walk a lot on the street under hot sun. Thus, it is important to wear hats or caps and sunglasses when walking on the street or going to the beach, for example, in addition to using sunscreen.
Symptoms in children
Symptoms of infant or infant sunstroke are very similar to those of adults, including increased body temperature to 40 ° C or more, very red, hot and dry skin, the presence of vomiting and thirst, as well as dryness of the mouth and mouth. tongue, chapped lips and crying without tears. However, it is very common for the child to also become tired and sleepy, losing the desire to play.
How the treatment is done
In many cases, heat stroke can be treated at home by cooling the body. For this, it is advisable to remove the person from the warm place, lay him down and remove any clothes that may be retaining heat. It is also possible to apply wet cloths in cold water on the forehead and on the lap.
If the person is conscious, water should also be offered to treat dehydration and favor the body's natural cooling system through sweat.
However, if after 30 minutes, the body temperature remains high, the symptoms do not improve or the person passes out, it is very important to go to the hospital or call medical help by calling 192, as it may be necessary to start treatment at the hospital, with the administration of serum directly into the vein, for example.
When to go to the doctor
In any situation of heat stroke, the person can be taken to the hospital, to make an in-depth assessment and to start the appropriate treatment, however, it is even more important to go to the hospital when:
- The symptoms are very intense, with vomiting that doesn't stop, body temperature above 39ºC or very rapid breathing; Fainting happens; Symptoms do not improve after 30 minutes.
In addition, people at higher risk, such as the elderly, children or patients with kidney diseases, should always be evaluated in the hospital, as there are greater chances of complications arising.
