Heat Stroke

Health Notes -
HEAT STROKE

By Amerey D. Teñoso

"Temperature's risin'... so f#4%n hot in here!"
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HEAT STROKE is a form of hyperthermia, an abnormally elevated body temperature with accompanying physical and neurological symptoms. It can be fatal if not properly and promptly treated. The body normally generates heat as a result of metabolism, and is usually able to dissipate the heat by either radiation of heat through the skin or by evaporation of sweat. However, in extreme heat, high humidity, or vigorous exertion under the sun, the body may not be able to dissipate the heat and the body temperature rises. Another cause of heat stroke is dehydration. A dehydrated person may not be able to sweat fast enough to dissipate heat, which causes the body temperature to rise. Susceptible to heat strokes includes: infants, the elderly (often with associated heart diseases, lung diseases, kidney diseases, or who are taking medications that make them vulnerable to heat strokes), athletes, and outdoor workers physically exerting themselves under the sun.
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SYMPTOMS
Symptoms of heat stroke can sometimes mimic those of heart attack or other conditions. Sometimes a person experiences symptoms of heat exhaustion before progressing to heat strokes. Symptoms of heat exhaustion include: nausea, vomiting, fatigue, weakness, headache, muscle cramps and aches, and dizziness. However, some individuals can develop symptoms of heat stroke suddenly and rapidly without warning. Common symptoms and signs of heat stroke include: high body temperature, the absence of sweating, with hot red or flushed dry skin rapid pulse, difficulty breathing, strange behavior, hallucinations, confusion, agitation, disorientation, seizure, coma
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TREATMENT
Red Alert!!!Victims of heat stroke must receive immediate treatment to avoid permanent organ damage. First and foremost, cool the victim. Get the victim to a shady area, remove clothing, apply cool or tepid water to the skin, fan the victim to promote sweating and evaporation, and place ice packs under armpits and groins. Monitor body temperature with a thermometer and continue cooling efforts until the body temperature drops.Notify emergency services immediately if symptoms persist.
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PREVENTION
Summertime!The most important measures to prevent heat strokes are to avoid becoming dehydrated and to avoid vigorous physical activities in hot and humid weather. If you have to perform physical activities in hot weather, drink plenty of fluids (such as water and sports drinks), but avoid alcohol, caffeine, and tea which may lead to dehydration. Your body will need replenishment of electrolytes (such as sodium) as well as fluids if you sweat excessively or perform vigorous activity in the sunlight for prolonged periods. Take frequent breaks to hydrate yourself. Wear hats, umbrellas and light-colored, lightweight, loose clothes.
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Prepared by: Amerey D. Teñoso, R.N..
Source: Medicinenet.com