Heat stroke is a common side effect of long exposure of the sun. As the summer is here, and not everyone has the luxury of the working inside an AC office. Thus, many people are forced to work under the sun even at the peak hours of the day. Many people get admitted to hospitals due to the same, as an untreated heat stroke can end up badly. However, identifying them in the initial stage can help it a lot control it.

Let’s understand, what a heat stroke is. Heat stroke is severe injury due to long exposure under heat and radiation. It is considered as a medical emergency and thus timely detection is crucial.

Detecting an imminent heat stroke can be done by looking for other symptoms such as heat cramps, exhaustion, and fainting, but often it may have no previous symptoms, making it quite tricky to identify.

On an average, the following symptoms usually onsets for an imminent heat stroke-

1. Abnormally high core body temperature
2. Dizziness, confusion, stammering
3. Loss of consciousness
4. Rapid heartbeat
5. Shallow breathing
6. Sharp, throbbing headache
7. Lack of sweat
8. Muscle cramp and weakness
9. Seizures
10. Nausea and vomiting
11. Dry, red skin

Usually, the heat stroke affects an older individual much more adversely than younger people. However, athlete and sportsperson are highly susceptible to get severely affected by heat strokes as well.

Heat stroke, in its severe form, can cause temporary and permanent damage to the brain cells, along with other organs. Thereby, getting the patient in touch with a healthcare facility is highly recommended. However, the patient could be addressed in the meantime, through any of the following ways as well, to keep the situation under control.

Laying down the patient under the fan and sprinkle water on their body

Immerse the patient under the shower or in the bathtub with cold water

Applying ice packs on armpits, neck, and back, particularly because, the blood vessels are underneath these sites and thus helps to cool down the body more effectively.

Going for an ice bath is recommended for the young patient, who collapse due to over exhaustion, but is otherwise healthy and effective as well. However, the same should never be considered for older and very young patients, as it causes more harm than good.

Seeking a healthcare is still recommended, even if the patients get better after first aid treatment to ensure no long-term damage onsets due to the same. Needless to say, taking adequate precautions is the best way to stay healthy during summer.