Signs & Symptoms of Heat Stroke & How to Treat it

Now that summer is here in full force it is good to be reminded of what to look for in individuals who might be suffering from heat exhaustion which can quickly lead to heat stroke.

It should be noted that children and seniors are very susceptible to heat exhaustion and must be watched carefully for the first signs of the condition.

Heat exhaustion begins to develop when a persons temperature regulation systems start to become overwhelmed and is not able to effectively deal with the heat, leading body temperature to climb uncontrollably. 

Perspiration is our body’s primary tool to keep our bodies from over heating. It draws heat from our cores and allows it to escape as radiant heat, as the sweat evaporates from our skin it acts to cool the body even more.

As perspiration is our body’s primary tool for lowering body temperature, it becomes even more important to stay well hydrated during even moderate activities when the temperature begins to rise in the summer months.

One of the first signs you might notice in yourself or those around you who might be starting to develop heat exhaustion is a lack of perspiration on the skin (the surface of the skin appears to be dry). This is a very good indication one is becoming dehydrated and must begin to drink water immediately.

Other symptoms that can develop are increased irritability, head aches. As the blood pressure begins to drop one might experience dizziness or may become faint. Eventually the heart rate will rise and the surface of the skin will become red as blood vessels near the surface begin to dilate in an attempt to give off heat. If theses signs are not taken seriously heat exhaustion can lead to heat stroke, which is a medical emergency requiring immediate medical care.

If you begin to notice yourself or someone around you beginning to show the signs of heat exhaustion it is very important that you first give them water to drink (fresh squeezed lemon juice or electrolyte replacement powders added to the water will help quite a bit) and remove them to a cooler area having them rest until their bodies are once again able to regulate their body temperature. 

Ways to avoid heat exhaustion include staying out of the sun, wearing light loose fitting clothing to allow perspiration to evaporate, staying well hydrated, and restricting exercise to mornings and evenings when the sun is not so hot.