Heatwave alert: Watch for these warning signs of heat stroke that can lead to hospitalization | Health

Scorching summer heat is not only uncomfortable but can also be life-threatening in certain situations. When the mercury reaches dangerous levels and threatens to disrupt the body’s natural temperature regulation, it is important to take appropriate measures to keep the body cool. Heat stroke is one such medical emergency where the body loses its ability to cool itself naturally due to intense heat and heats up to dangerous levels. When the body’s ‘internal thermostat’ goes haywire, it can pose a serious threat to vital organs, be it kidney, heart or brain. (Also Read: 5 Delicious Salads You Can Include in Your Diet to Beat the Heatwave and Avoid Dehydration)

How do you know that your body is in distress due to heat stroke? You have to pay close attention to warning signs. Hot and dry skin, confusion, racing heart, dizziness and nausea are some of the symptoms that indicate that the body’s internal temperature regulation system is overwhelmed by the heat. Drink constantly, wear light clothing and use sunscreen to avoid heat stroke. You have to avoid the strongest hours of sunlight between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. and try to go outside early in the morning or late in the evening.

“Heat stroke is a severe form of hyperthermia, an abnormally elevated body temperature that is often accompanied by physical and neurological symptoms. It is a medical emergency that can be life-threatening without immediate treatment,” says Dr. Tushar Tayal, a consultant internal medicine physician at CK Birla Hospital in Gurugram.

Types of heat stroke

According to Dr. Tayal, heat stroke can be divided into two main types:

1. Exertional heat stroke (EHS): It typically affects young, healthy people during strenuous physical activity in hot environments.

2. Non-exertional (classic) heat stroke: It usually affects older people, people with chronic illnesses and young children. The disease is caused by prolonged exposure to high temperatures and inadequate fluid intake, often during heat waves.

When does a heat stroke patient need to be hospitalized?

“Heat stroke can occur either due to prolonged exposure to a hot environment or due to intense physical activity in a hot environment. Heat stroke, if not treated on time, can cause life-threatening emergencies and can even be fatal. Heat stroke can cause severe dehydration and brain dysfunction, which may lead to delirium, convulsions or coma. It causes liver and kidney damage and can lead to multiple organ failure due to low blood pressure secondary to severe dehydration and heat stroke. Any patient who suffers from heat stroke, has high body temperature, severe weakness, muscle cramps, severe headache or progressive depression of consciousness should be immediately taken to the hospital emergency room. If a patient loses consciousness and has a rapid respiratory rate or is unable to walk or stand, one should not waste time on home remedies and should admit the patient to the hospital for further treatment. Delaying treatment can have serious consequences and sometimes even be fatal after treatment,” says Dr. Anand Bhabhor, Deputy Director of Critical Care Medicine at Jaslok Hospital & Research Centre in Mumbai.

Symptoms of heat stroke

High body temperature: The core temperature rises to 40 °C or more.

Headache: Severe, throbbing headaches are a telltale sign of heat stroke and require immediate attention.

Muscle cramps and weakness: Severe muscle pain, weakness, aching limbs and the inability to stand and walk indicate severe dehydration

Increased respiratory rate: Rapid and shallow breathing and shortness of breath indicate that your body is unable to cool down

Pulse rate: An increase in heart rate and an increase in heart rate awareness indicate that your body is under severe heat stress.

Nausea, vomiting: Upset stomach, pain and nausea are signs of heat stroke.

Skin temperature: Hot and red skin and lack of sweating can indicate that the body’s heat regulation system is not working properly.

Heat stroke is a medical emergency. While admitting the patient to the hospital, Dr. Tayal suggests measures that can be taken to cool the patient down.

• Move to a cooler environment (shade or air-conditioned room).
• Remove excess clothing.
• Apply cool or lukewarm water to the skin and use fans to enhance evaporative cooling.
• Ice packs can be applied to the groin, armpits and neck area.
• Immersion in an ice bath is effective but requires close monitoring to avoid complications.