Signs and Treatments for Heat Stroke

Summer may be drawing to a close as kids head back to school, but the heat is not letting up yet. Heat waves continue across the United States. There is a danger of heat-related illnesses, which are not to be taken lightly. Here are a few expert tips on how to spot, and how to treat, heat stroke.

Elderly people are more at risk of heat stroke as well as other heat-related illnesses than younger people. This holds true in particular for people who suffer chronic health problems.

Heat-related dizziness, heat exhaustion, heat fatigue, heat cramps, and heat stroke are different forms of hyperthermia—a condition in which heat overwhelms the body and it cannot control its temperature, according to the U.S. National Institute on Aging.

In addition to the elderly, people who lack access to transportation or air conditioning, who wear too much clothing, cannot move around, or who visit crowded places are likely more vulnerable to heat-related illnesses. The following factors also increase risk of hyperthermia:

• Poor circulation
• Dehydration
• Use of numerous medications
• Sweating less with age
• Heightened blood pressure
• Health conditions that necessitate a low-sodium diet
• Being an unhealthy weight (very over or underweight)
• Consuming alcohol
• Kidney, heart, and lung diseases, which can cause fever or general weakness

Older individuals should head indoors if temperatures and humidity spike, particularly if they suffer from any chronic health problems such as diabetes or heart disease. If a person does suffer from a heat-related illness, they should seek medical attention immediately. Warning signs include:

• Confusion
• Rapid pulse
• Dry skin
• Dark urine
• Fever, typically higher than 104 Fahrenheit
• Feeling faint
• Lack of sweating, even in heat
• Lack of coordination
• Coma

If you or someone in your presence has any of these symptoms, they should be taken immediately to a shady spot or inside to air conditioning, where they should be instructed to lie down. Press a cold, wet cloth to their wrists, armpits, neck, and groin. Veins run closest to the skin in these places and will help cool their blood the fastest. Offer nonalcoholic fluids including water or juice if the person is able to swallow. Seek medical attention as well. In extreme situations, medical professionals may recommend a cold bath or an ice bath to quickly reduce temperature.