These 4 Signs Indicate a Heat Stroke
Summer is my favorite season. I spend most
of my days lazing at the beach and tend to adopt more of a relaxed
lifestyle. One thing I do miss though are my long runs and weekend
hikes. But, at this time of year, when temperatures and humidity levels
soar, our risk of heat exhaustion, or worse, heat stroke, increases. And
while this is a likely concern for a woman my age, the heat can take
its toll on the young too.
Heat stroke is a life-threatening issue if you suffer from conditions
like high blood pressure, thyroid disease or diabetes. It also means
that you're more susceptible to a heat stroke, as well as other issues
like eating disorders or a high BMI. Taking medications with stimulants
may also put you at risk of heat stroke.
As such, scorching summer temperatures do not guarantee that you will
have a heat stroke, however, the closer the outside temperature gets to
your body temperature, the higher your risk is. At this time of year, it
is therefore better to exercise with the air-conditioner on,
particularly when heat levels soar to the 90s or 100s. Nevertheless, it
is always useful to know how to prevent an emergency such as this, as
typically, someone doesn't just have a heat stroke out of the blue in a
matter of minutes.
These warning signs will tell you to slow down:
1. Your body temperature soars
You may be familiar with heat exhaustion,
which is worrisome, but less extreme when compared to heat stroke.
Whereas the latter body temperature usually maxes out at 102°F, someone
suffering from a heat stroke will likely have their body temperature at
105°F or higher! As your temperature rises, your skin may flush red and
your heart could start racing as it tries to cool your body down.
2. Your organs start to fail
Once your body temperature soars to 105 and
over, your organs can shut down. The kidneys, the liver, the heart and
the brain can be affected. If your kidneys start to fail you may spot
red urine.
3. You feel nauseated
One of the most common symptoms of heat
exhaustion is feeling queasy, accompanied by other signs such as fatigue
and vomiting. If recognized early, head to a cool place and replenish
lost fluids and electrolytes by having a sports drink.
4. You're confused
Another marker of a heat stroke are changes
in mental status, confusion and delirium. The changes also indicate
that you have moved from heat exhaustion to a life-threatening heat
stroke. 70% of people who get to this stage can die from it. By this
point, you won't be able to converse or think clearly enough to step
away from the heat and get the help you need. If you ever feel slightly
woozy, move indoors as soon as possible.