Heatstroke: what it is, prevention and treatment

According to the “The Lancet” report, heat-related deaths of people over 65 years of age increased by 53% in the last 20 years. Aside from increasing the likelihood of developing skin cancer,  heatstroke can have other severe - and sometimes fatal - consequences. Find out what signs to look out for, prevention and treatment.

What is heatstroke?

Heatstroke is a medical condition that occurs when the body overheats, caused by overexposure to the sun or high temperatures for excessive periods of time. It is also known as sunstroke or hyperthermia, and happens when the body is unable to dissipate heat properly, resulting in a dangerous rise in body temperature.

What are the symptoms of heatstroke?

The symptoms of heatstroke can vary in severity. The most common include: 
• Body temperature equal to or above 40 ºC. This is the principal and most alarming sign of heatstroke. A temperature equal to or above 40 ºC, without the person being feverish or ill, indicates a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention.
• Altered perspiration. With heatstroke, the skin is hot and dry to the touch, lacking adequate perspiration.
• Mental confusion and disorientation. The person may feel confused, agitated, disoriented and have difficulty speaking coherently. In serious cases, heatstroke can cause delirium, convulsions and even coma.
• Nausea and vomiting. People suffering from heatstroke can experience nausea and vomiting.
• Rapid breathing. The heartrate can increase as the body fights to regulate its temperature, and breathing can become rapid and shallow.
• Headache. Heatstroke can cause intense, persistent and throbbing headaches.
• Dizziness and light-headedness. Dizziness, balance issues and light-headedness are common symptoms of heatstroke.
• Weakness and fatigue. Heatstroke can lead to a feeling of extreme weakness and fatigue, making physical activities difficult.

How is heatstroke diagnosed?

A heatstroke diagnosis is usually obvious, based on the symptoms presented and the circumstances of exposure to the sun and heat. The physician will perform a full clinical evaluation to determine if the symptoms are consistent with heatstroke.

If the diagnosis is not evident, the physician may prescribe complementary tests to assess the severity of the condition and rule out other causes with similar symptoms, such as infections, stroke, drug use and hyperthyroidism, among others.

What to do in the case of heatstroke?

In the case of heatstroke, take action quickly and seek medical assistance immediately. If necessary, call an emergency medical hotline (112) to receive precise instructions on where to go. Follow these guidelines:
• Move the person to a cool and shaded area to help bring down the body temperature. 
• Help the person remove their clothing or gear that may be retaining heat and preventing body heat dissipation.
• Cool the body as much as possible. For example, place them in a cold bath or wipe the body with wet towels, especially in the elbow creases, groin and neck. If you have a fan, place it nearby. 
• Offer water (or sports drinks) to help rehydrate the body and prevent dehydration. Make sure the water is not too cold. Do not offer sugary and/or alcoholic beverages.
• Monitor the person’s condition until the emergency team arrives. If their temperature rises again, repeat the previous steps.

How is heatstroke treated?

The medical treatment for heatstroke varies according to the severity of the condition and prior illnesses that can aggravate the person’s baseline condition. Every case is unique, therefore the treatment should be adjusted to the patient’s individual needs.

This may involve one or several of the following approaches:
• Basic life support: in severe cases of heatstroke, it may be necessary to perform basic life support measures, to ensure unobstructed airways, administer oxygen and monitor vital signs.
• Replenish fluids: when there is significant dehydration or electrolyte imbalance, it may be necessary to restore liquids and electrolytes through an intravenous solution.
• Active cooling: it may be necessary to apply active cooling techniques, such as cold baths, or use specialised devices to bring the body temperature down quickly.
• Constant monitoring: a patient with serious heatstroke should be monitored closely to assess vital signs, kidney function, blood coagulation and other complications that can arise.

Remember that heatstroke is a dangerous condition that can be fatal, but can be avoided by applying these simple preventative measures. You can count on the professionals at Joaquim Chaves Saúde to give you advice on the best preventive behaviours and how to identify the signs of heatstroke. With Joaquim Chaves Saúde, get ready to face the heat safely.