Long term and short term effects of heat stroke?
Question:
Answers:
Probably none, except not enough memory of how he felt.
More fluids, and better electrolyte balance.
If he works in a hot environment, he needs more potassium in his diet.
We have multiple temperature stages.
1. Normal activity, normal temp, sweating not noticeable.
2. Some activity, slightly raised temp, slight sweating
3. Heavy activity, raised temp, profuse sweating.
- as level three continues, we sweat water, and excess sodium to maintain salt balance.
- further into level 3, the sweat gets a little saltier with sodium, and little less water.
- as heat keeps rising, sodium blocked, and we start to lose potassium. Sweat tastes different. With potassium loss, body lets temperature rise to signal severe overheating. If someone ignores this for very long, they risk heat stroke, and later, death.
When you get tired, and hot and sweaty, its time for a break. If you still feel energetic, your temperature is likely still normal. But get breaks, and have something STRONGER than Gatorade, like dilute orange juice which will have more potassium, and sodium.
If he works in the heat often, he needs to drink periodically, and be sure to have a higher potassium diet.
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1 Glossary Heat Stroke Index | Next
Heat Stroke
Medical Author: Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD
Medical Editor: Dennis Lee, MD
* What is heat stroke?
* What are heat stroke symptoms?
* How do you treat a heat stroke victim?
* Related heat stroke articles:
Heat stroke - on WebMD
Doctor to Patient
How to Recognize a Heat–Related Illness
Medical Author: Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD
Medical Editor: Jay W. Marks, MD
Avoid Heat Emergencies, Keep HydratedDuring a heat wave, it's important to know and be able to recognize the signs and symptoms of a heat-related illness. There are different types of heat-related illnesses, ranging from those that cause temporary discomfort to the generally fatal condition known as heat stroke. In all heat-related illnesses, the symptoms appear when a person is exposed to extreme temperatures.
The following checklist can help you recognize the symptoms of heat-related illnesses:
1. Heat Rash: Heat rash is a skin irritation caused by excessive sweating during hot, humid weather. It can occur at any age but is most common in young children. Heat rash looks like a red cluster of pimples or small blisters. For more, please read the Heat Rash article.
2. Heat cramps: A person who has been exercising or participating in other types of strenuous activity in the heat may develop painful muscle spasms in the arms, legs, or abdomen. The body temperature is usually normal, and the skin will feel moist and cool, but sweaty. For more, please read the Heat Cramps article.
Read more about heat related illnesses »
Top Searched Heat Stroke Terms:
symptoms, dexamethasone, heat stroke death, heat exhaustion, treatment , prevention , heat cramps , signs , FAQ
Doctor to Patient
What is heat stroke?
Heat stroke is a form of hyperthermia (abnormally elevated body temperature) with accompanying physical and neurological symptoms. Unlike heat cramps and heat exhaustion, two less-severe forms of hyperthermia, heat stroke is a true medical emergency that can be fatal if not properly and promptly treated.
The body normally generates heat as a result of metabolism, and the body 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, sometimes up to 106 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. 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.
The population most susceptible to hear strokes are infants, the elderly (often with associated heart diseases, lung diseases, kidney diseases, or on certain medications that make them vulnerable to heat strokes), and athletes, or outdoor workers physically exerting themselves under the sun.
What are heat stroke symptoms?
Symptoms of heat stroke can sometimes mimic those of heart attack or other conditions. Sometimes a person experiences symptoms of heart exhaustion before progressing to heart strokes. Symptoms of heat exhaustion may 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.
Different people may have different symptoms and signs of heat stroke. But common symptoms and signs of heart 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
How do you treat a heat stroke victim?
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 (for example you may spray the victim with cool water from a garden hose), fan the victim to promote sweating and evaporation, place ice packs under armpits and groins. Monitor body temperature with a thermometer and continue cooling efforts until the body temperature drops to 101-102 degrees. Always notify emergency services (911) immediately. If their arrival is delayed, they can give you further instructions for treatment of the victim.
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 Gatorade), but avoid alcohol, coffee, and tea which may lead to dehydration. Take frequent breaks to hydrate yourself. Wear hats, and light colored, and light and loose clothes.
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