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Heat stroke is a severe overheating of the body - greater than 104 F - generally as a result of hard physical labor in hot temperatures, and often without adequate fluid intake. Symptoms include: rapid heart beat; fast, shallow breathing; altered blood pressure; dry skin/lack of sweating; altered level of consciousness - irritability or confusion; dizziness; headache; nausea; and fainting. In older adults, fainting may be the first symptom to appear.
Heat stroke is a life threatening condition and must be treated appropriately and quickly. Move the victim into a shaded area or (even better) into an air conditioned room, then call 911. If the victim is dizzy, light headed, or fainting, lay them down on their back and elevate the legs slightly. Loosen or remove tight clothing and cool them with damp sheets or by spraying with cool water. The victim may also drink cool water, but only if they are alert and won't choke. When the ambulance arrives, follow their directions and recommendations.
Heat exhaustion is an early sign of heat stroke. It is less severe, but can become heat stroke quickly if not treated. Those suffering heat exhaustion can show the symptoms of heat stroke, plus a variety of others including: heavy sweating, pale skin, muscle cramps, tiredness, and weakness. Any of these are signs of trouble and corrective steps need to be taken immediately.
As with heat stroke, the first step is to get the sufferer out of the sun and into shade or an air conditioned room. Again lay them down if needed, loosen or remove their clothing, and cool them by sponging with cool water and fanning. If the victim has a temperature of more than 102 F, faints, suffers seizures, or becomes confused, call 911. Also call 911 if their symptoms worsen or don't improve within one hour.
As mentioned above, the elderly and the young are at risk of heat exhaustion and heat stroke, but may not require hard labor to suffer it. Just being in a hot environment can trigger heat stress in these individuals.
Avoiding heat related illness is best, of course, and can be done with some simple planning. First do your best to keep cool. Stay in air conditioning or shade if possible, and reduce your activities as needed. Wear light colored, loose fitting clothing that lets your perspiration evaporate. You may have been taught that you're under dressed without a jacket and tie, but in high temperatures shirt sleeves are much better for you.
Make sure you are properly hydrated. Drink enough water throughout the day to make up for your loss via sweating. Two to four glasses per hour of heavy work will help keep your body cooler and avoid serious problems. An occasional sport drink or fruit juice can help replace salts and minerals lost in sweat, but water is key. Also remember that even if you're just sitting still in the heat you're sweating more than normal, so drink more to make up for that loss. Avoid alcohol of any kind as it makes dehydration worse, not better.
If you must work outdoors, take regular breaks in the shade or a cool room, and be sure the clothing you're wearing lets your sweat evaporate while protecting you from the sun. Wear a hat as well, and minimize your time outdoors. If you can, reschedule your efforts for the coolest parts of the day.
If you take medications be sure to talk to your doctor or pharmacist about their affects on your body during hard work in hot temperatures. Vasoconstrictors, beta blockers, and others are examples of medications that can affect your body's ability to stay properly hydrated, so talk to your medical professional about them before engaging in strenuous work in the heat.
There are many reputable resources on the web that discuss heat exhaustion and heat stroke in depth. This article summarizes several of those. Of course, the best information about your personal health comes from your doctor. Be sure to seek medical advice if you have any questions about heat related illness. Knowing what to do - or not to do - could save a life, possibly your own. Keep cool!