Causes, Indications, First- Aid Of Heat Stroke

July 3, 2021

A wise person has said that anything beyond normal is never good. Heatstroke fits right to illustrate it. This condition is a kind of hyperthermia in which the body temperature rises beyond normal; it can be 40 degrees or more. Often, dehydration also comes along. It needs medical attention immediately as it can cause damage to muscles, kidneys, heart, and brain. If left untreated, it can become a cause of death. It makes it necessary to have awareness about symptoms and first-aids of the illness. In this blog, let’s get familiar with must-known facts about the condition.

Causes

There can be two causes of heatstroke. This heat injury can occur after the body gets exposed to hot conditions constantly for a long. Also called classic heat stroke, it can cause core body temperature to rise. It can also happen after the temperature rises due to extreme physical activities performed in a hot environment.

Symptoms

During a heat stroke, one can have:

  • Increased temperature
  • Headache
  • Increased heartbeat
  • Shallow and rapid breath
  • Nausea and Vomiting
  • Red-turned skin
  • Change in behaviour or state of mind
First Aid

The first thing to be done when someone shows above mentioned symptoms is to call an ambulance. Apart from that, here is what you can do if someone gets a heatstroke in front of you:

  • Get the person in a cooler environment or indoors or in shade
  • Take off extra clothing
  • Cool the body in whatever way

For cooling the body you can put ice packs, wet towels on the head, neck, or face. You can also put the person under the shower, in the water tub, fan while spraying water.

Prevention

Did you know that Heatstroke can be prevented? Here are some steps for it:

  • Avoid wearing tight or dark coloured clothes
  • Drink water regularly
  • Do not let anyone stay in a parked car
  • Be precautious for people with increased risks
  • Be cautious with medications making the body dehydrate
  • Stay protected with sunscreen
Final Thoughts

In this blog, you became familiar with the causes, symptoms, and first-aids of heatstroke. It is necessary to be precautious. If you or someone you know faces any of the symptoms, reach the nearest hospital as soon as possible.

Sohana Cancer Research Institute