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Aunice Reed
Aunice Reed is a medical science writer living in Los Angeles, Calif. With over 10 years previous nursing experience, Reed has been writing for over six years and has attended University of Northern Iowa, University of California, Los Angeles and Los Angeles Harbor College.
Under normal circumstances, the human body adequately rids itself of heat through sweating. However, when the weather is extremely hot, the body may not be able to keep up with the demand. Heat stroke, commonly referred to as sun stroke, is a serious hyperthermic condition in which the temperature of the body elevates uncontrollably. Tending to come on suddenly following a period of heat exhaustion, it is common among older people. Infants and young children are among those at increased risk of developing this condition.
Signs that someone may be suffering from classic heat stroke: High body temperature, over 104 Fahrenheit. Increases rapidly. Fainting or unsteadiness Confusion, irritability, agitation Pulse may be weak and slow, or fast and strong Very little or no sweating Hot and dry skin
Complications of heat stroke include seizures, sepsis, coma, hypotension, heart and kidney failure, respiratory distress and pulmonary edema. Uncontrollable clotting of the blood is a common cause of death.
There are two different kinds of heat stroke. Both are serious medical emergencies. Exertional heat stroke occurs during strenuous exercise activity in healthy, younger people. Renal failure is common, and is accompanied by sweating. Common in the older population and those with predisposing health conditions, classic heat stroke occurs in very hot weather.
Heat stroke is caused by the inability of the body to rid itself of heat, which damages internal tissues and organs. Infants and children under the age of 4 and adults over 65 are at increased risk.
Other risks of developing heat stroke: obesity, physical conditions such as dehydration, diabetes and hypertension (uncontrolled). Also, the use of certain medications, diuretics for example and street drugs (i.e., heroin, cocaine, PCP and LSD) increase the risk.
Lowering body temperature is the most important step and should be started the moment heat stroke is suspected. This can be achieved by spraying the body with cool water, immersing it in a cool bath, wrapping the body with cool sheets and towels and placing ice packs under the arms, neck and groin areas. The victim should be moved to a shady, cool area away from the sun. Medical assistance should be obtained immediately. Delay in seeking medical attention can result in death or disability.
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