HEALTH CORNER

by: Cynthia C. Dela Cruz, M.D.

MEDICAL FACTS: HEAT STROKE

One important medical condition to consider this hot summer season is heat stroke. Heat stroke is a body condition manifesting as abnormally elevated body temp (hyperthermia) with accompanying physical and neurologic symptoms. Heat stroke is a true medical emergency that can be fatal if not properly and promptly treated. Heat cramps and heat exhaustion are two other forms of hyperthermia but are less severe.

What happens during heat stroke? Normally our body generates heat as a result of metabolism, and is usually able to dissipate the heat by either radiation of heat through the skin or by evaporation of sweat. However, in extreme heat, high humidity, or vigorous physical exertion under the sun, the body may not be able to dissipate the heat and the body temperature rises, sometimes up to 106 F (41.1 C) or higher and this leads to heat stroke. Another cause of heat stroke is dehydration or lack of water in our body which may be due to less water intake or loss of water either through gastrointestinal loss or due to strenuous activities especially under the sun. A dehydrated person may not be able to sweat fast enough to dissipate heat, which causes the body temperature to rise.

Heat stroke may occur in most susceptible individuals like infants, elderly (often with associated heart diseases, lung diseases, kidney diseases, or who are taking medications that make them vulnerable to dehydration and heat strokes), athletes, and individuals who work outside and physically exert themselves under the sun.

Signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion include: nausea, vomiting, fatigue, weakness, headache, muscle cramps and aches, and dizziness.

Symptoms of heat stroke can sometimes mimic those of heart attack or other conditions. Sometimes a person experiences symptoms of heat exhaustion before progressing to heat strokes.

However, some individuals can develop symptoms of heat stroke suddenly and rapidly without warning. Different people may have different symptoms and signs of heatstroke. But common symptoms and signs of heat stroke include: high body temperature, the absence of sweating, with hot red or flushed dry skin, rapid pulse, difficulty breathing, strange behavior, hallucinations, confusion, agitation, disorientation, seizure, and/or Coma.

Victims of heat stroke must receive immediate treatment to avoid permanent organ damage. First and foremost, cool the victim.

1.Get the victim to a shady area, remove clothing, apply cool or tepid water to the skin (for example you may spray the victim with cool water from a garden hose), fan the victim to promote sweating and evaporation, and place ice packs under armpits and groin.

2. Monitor body temperature with a thermometer and continue cooling efforts until the body temperature drops to 101 to 102 F (38.3 to 38.8 C).

3. Always notify emergency services immediately. If their arrival is delayed, they can give you further instructions for treatment of the victim.

The most important measures to prevent heat strokes are to avoid becoming dehydrated and to avoid vigorous physical activities in hot and humid weather.

If you have to perform physical activities in hot weather, drink plenty of fluids (such as water and sports drinks), but avoid alcohol, caffeine, and tea which may lead to dehydration.

Your body will need replenishment of electrolytes (such as sodium) as well as fluids if you sweat excessively or perform vigorous activity in the sunlight for prolonged periods.

Take frequent breaks to hydrate yourself. Wear hats and light-colored, lightweight, loose clothes./TE