Heatstroke

Heatstroke is caused by the body being unable to cool itself effectively. Normally, the body cools itself by sweating. The sweat dampens the surface of the skin and then evaporates, causing a cooling effect. When the body's ability to sweat is compromised, or the conditions are so hot and humid that sweating is not producing enough of a cooling effect, the internal temperature of the body begins to rise and heatstroke can occur.

Heatstroke is caused by a significant rise in body temperature. An individual experiencing heatstroke typically has a body temperature above 104°F (40°C). The individual often has skin that is dry and warm, but in many cases is no longer sweating. If the individual was recently doing strenuous exercise, the skin may still feel moist. The individual's heart rate increases, and he or she may begin to hyperventilate (rapid, shallow breathing). Headache, nausea, and fatigue may occur. The individual may appear to be confused and may have difficulty understanding or responding to things that are said. Heatstroke can lead to dizziness, hallucinations, and even to seizures and coma.

The goals of heatstroke treatment are to lower the body's temperature and to help the body's natural cooling mechanisms begin functioning again. When an individual seems to have the signs and symptoms of heatstroke, medical attention should be sought immediately. While waiting for help to arrive, the individual should be moved to an air-conditioned building or a place in the shade. The individual should be given cool, noncaffeinated, nonalcoholic liquid if they are able to drink. The individual can be sprayed with cool water or even submersed in a bathtub of cool water to help bring down the body temperature. Fanning the individual to help circulate air over the damp skin can mimic the act of sweating and help reduce body temperature.

Heatstroke is a medical emergency. An individual experiencing heatstroke should be taken to the hospital as quickly as possible. There, the emergency room staff will reduce the individual's body temperature in one or more ways. The individual may be placed in a bath of cool or ice water. The doctor may instead choose to place the individual under cooling blankets and put ice packs where the blood flows closest to the surface of the body, such as the armpits, behind the neck, and the groin area. Another option is spraying the patient with cool water and then using a fan to move warm air over the body to simulate sweating.

Additional fluids and medications may be given intravenously during the treatment. Shivering is the body's natural response to cold conditions, and the patient being treated may begin to shiver. Because shivering is designed to warm up the body, it is counterproductive when an individual is being treated for heatstroke. If the patient begins to shiver during treatment, the doctor may administer a muscle relaxant to stop the shivering and allow the cooling treatment to continue.

When individuals experience heatstroke they are not getting enough fluids. Often the electrolytes are depleted as well. Drinking fluids such as water that do not contain caffeine, alcohol, or large amounts of sugar can help restore fluid levels and improve the body's ability to sweat. Drinking isotonic sports drinks such as Gatorade can help to restore both fluids and electrolytes.

Untreated heatstroke can be fatal. Even when not fatal, it can lead to permanent damage to the organs, muscles, central nervous system, cardiovascular system, and brain. Heatstroke is, however, extremely treatable when the signs and symptoms are detected early. Individuals are more likely to die of heatstroke if they are not producing urine, are in a coma, or have heart failure when they arrive at the hospital. Treating heatstroke early can prevent these complications.

The key to preventing heatstroke is to avoid exertion during very hot days, to stay out of direct sunlight, and to drink plenty of fluids. Individuals should wear light, loose fitting clothing on hot days to help allow sweat to evaporate and cool the body efficiently. Individuals should drink two to four 8-oz. glasses of water every hour in extremely hot weather, even if they do not feel thirsty. On very hot days when people begin to feel thirsty it is a sign that there is already a problem. Individuals who are at increased risk of heatstroke should try to spend as much of the day as possible in air-conditioned buildings or in the shade. Senior centers, community centers, churches, and other organizations often open on hot days to allow individuals a place to stay out of the heat.

Any signs of heat-related illness should be taken extremely seriously. Beginning treatment when heat cramps or heat exhaustion occur and before they progress to heatstroke can prevent heatstroke and dangerous complications. Individuals should avoid drinks that contain alcohol, large amounts of sugar, and caffeine on very hot days. These substances can actually inhibit the body's ability to cool itself, so drinking them may increase the severity of the heatrelated illness instead of treating it.

Helen Colby, MA
Revised by Tish Davidson, AM