How Does Heat Stroke Happen Explained by Leading Internal Medicine Doctor in Gurgaon

Summer is here, and while the sun brings fun and adventure, it also comes with the risk of heat-related illnesses. Among them, heat stroke is the most severe and can be life-threatening if not treated immediately. But the common question that usually comes into the mind of everyone's what causes heat stroke. In this blog, let's dive into this important topic "How does heat stroke happen " and learn how to stay safe under the sun.

What is Heat Stroke?

According to the best general physician in gurgaon, Heat stroke occurs when your body overheats and can't cool down efficiently. It's different from heat exhaustion, which is a milder form of heat-related illness. Heat stroke requires immediate medical attention and can damage your brain, heart, kidneys, and muscles if not treated quickly.

What Causes Heat Stroke?

Heat stroke happens when your body temperature rises rapidly to 105°F (40.5°C) or higher. Understanding the heat stroke reason is important to get proper treatment. The heat stroke causes include:

1. Excessive Heat Exposure: Spending too much time in hot environments, especially while performing physical activities, can affect your body's cooling mechanisms.
2. Dehydration: Sweating is your body's natural way to cool down. However, if you don't replace the fluids lost through sweat, you can become dehydrated, which restricts your ability to cool down.
3. High Humidity: When the air is humid, sweat doesn't evaporate as efficiently, making it harder for your body to release heat.
4. Failure of Heat Regulation.: As your body struggles to cool itself, your internal temperature rises. When it reaches dangerous levels, it affects important functions, leading to heat stroke.

Signs and Symptoms of Heat Stroke

Heat stroke is a serious medical emergency that occurs when the body is unable to regulate its temperature and overheats. The causes of heat stroke can be prolonged exposure to high temperatures or physical exertion in hot weather. Here are the common signs and symptoms of heat stroke:

1. High Body Temperature: A core body temperature of  105°F (40.5°C) or higher is the main sign of heat stroke.
2. Altered Mental State or Behavior: Confusion, agitation, slurred speech, irritability, delirium, seizures, or coma can all result from heat stroke.
3. Alteration in Sweating:

• In hot weather: Skin will feel hot and dry to the touch.
• In physical exertion: Skin may feel moist.

1. Nausea and Vomiting:  You may experience symptoms of vomit and nausea.
2. Flushed Skin: Skin may turn red as body temperature increases.
3. Rapid Breathing: Breathing may become fast and shallow.
4. Racing Heartbeat: The heart rate may significantly increase because heat stress places a tremendous burden on the heart to help cool the body.
5. Headache: A throbbing headache can be a sign of heat stroke.

If you suspect you or someone else is experiencing heat stroke, seek emergency medical help immediately and take steps to cool down, such as moving them to a cooler place, applying cool water to the skin, and fanning to lower body temperature.

Heat Stroke Prevention Tips

Preventing heat stroke is all about staying cool and hydrated. Here are some preventive tips to keep in mind:

• Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day, even if you don't feel thirsty. Avoid alcohol and caffeinated beverages, as they can dehydrate you.
• Dress Appropriately: Wear lightweight, loose-fitting, and light-colored clothing. A brimmed hat and sunglasses can also help protect you from the sun.
• Take Breaks: If you are working or exercising outdoors, take frequent breaks in the shade or indoors where it's cooler.
• Use Fans and Air Conditioning: Stay in air-conditioned spaces as much as possible. If you don't have AC, consider visiting public places like malls or libraries.
• Avoid Peak Heat Hours: Try to schedule outdoor activities for early morning or evening when it's cooler.
• Be Mindful of Medications: Some medications can increase your risk of heat-related illnesses. Check with your doctor if you are unsure about your medications' effects.

What to Do in Case of Heat Stroke

If you suspect someone is suffering from heat stroke, take immediate action for treatment of heat stroke.

1. Call Emergency Services: Immediately call for emergency medical help if you suspect someone has a heat stroke.
2. Move to a Cooler Place: Get the person out of the heat and into a cool, shaded, or air-conditioned area.
3. Cool the Body: Use different means available to cool the person down. This can include immersing them in cool water, using ice packs, or spraying them with cool water and fanning them.

• Take off any unnecessary clothing to help cool the person down.
• Use any means available to cool the person’s body temperature.
• Spray them with cool water from a hose or a spray bottle.
• Sponge them down with cool water.
• Place cool, wet clothes on the neck, armpits, and groin.
• Use fans to increase cooling through evaporation.

1. Stay with the Person: Monitor their condition until help arrives, ensuring they stay as cool as possible.

Conclusion: 

Heat stroke is a serious condition, but with awareness of what causes heat stroke and its precautions, it can be prevented. Stay hydrated, dress appropriately, and take breaks from the heat to keep your body cool. If you need further assistance or advice on heat-related illnesses, consult the general physician near me at Miracles Health. Enjoy your summer safely and make the most of the sunny days ahead!

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Heat Stroke: लू लगने पर क्या करना चाहिए? जानें हीट-स्ट्रोक के लक्षण और बचाव के तरीके