Heatstroke/Sunstroke

When your body is unable to cool itself down, you can develop heatstroke, also referred to as sunstroke, which is a type of severe heat illness. If you are exposed to high temperatures or engaged in an activity that causes you to perspire heavily but prevents your body from cooling down, heatstroke may result. Heatstroke can cause permanent organ damage or even death if it is not treated right away.

Overview

Symptoms

Causes

Diagnosis

Treatment

Symptoms of Heatstroke/Sunstroke

- A high core body temperature (103 °F or higher)

- Either cold, clammy skinor hot, red, dry skin

Rapid heartbeat

- A splitting headache

- Vertigo

- Vomiting or nauseous

- Unconsciousness or confusion

How Heatstroke/Sunstroke Occurs

Sweating is how your body cools itself. Sweating malfunctions and your body temperature continue to rise during heatstroke. A hot environment or an activity that causes you to sweat a lot but prevents your body from cooling down can both lead to heatstroke. Dehydration, the use of specific medications, and alcohol use are additional risk factors for heatstroke.

Treating Heatstroke/Sunstroke

Heatstroke is a medical emergency that needs to be treated right away. Heatstroke can cause permanent organ damage or even death if not treated right away. Try to defuse the situation by:

- Transferring them to a cooler location

- Taking off their clothes

- Wrapping their skin in cool, wet towels.

- Fan them out

- Squeezing small sips of cool water for them.

Give them no alcoholic beverages.

How to Prevent Heatstroke/Sunstroke

Heatstroke can be avoided. Keep hydrated by drinking lots of fluids, especially in hot weather, to help prevent heatstroke. Dress comfortably in airy, light-colored clothing. If you are engaged in an activity that causes you to perspire heavily, take frequent breaks. You should also limit your exposure to warm places.