Heat stroke – causes and treatment

The normal body temperature of a human being is 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit. When the body exceeds this limit and reaches round about 100 or 102 F, heat stroke or sun stroke is caused. The reasons, however, may vary.

It can be caused due to exposure to hot conditions, sunlight, dehydration or weakness. Let us have a look at the symptoms and remedies for of heat stroke. Read on to know more about it.

Heat stroke is characterized by headache, blackout, drying up of the throat, vomiting and nausea. These symptoms may be intensified in neurological patients. The heartbeat and pulse accelerates and the blood pressure falls and the patient, in most cases, faints. Difficulties in breathing and hallucinations are also intensifies symptoms of heat stroke. Heat stroke must be treated in a proper way by hydrating the person, restoring the normal temperature of the body and the blood pressure. Read the tips below to know about the treatments of heat stroke.

The most significant treatment is restoration of the normal body temperature. This should be done immediately by moving the person away from the sunlight or warm area to a cooler and comfortable zone. Loosening tight clothes also help in restoring body temperature. Splash the person’s face with cold water and blow fans over the patient’s head. Do not crowd around the patient. Let fresh air flow.

The next important step is to restore hydration in the patient’s body. Give the patient cold water or energy drink to restore the hydration. In severe cases of dehydration, intravenous fluid supply that is to inject saline water into the veins is used to combat dehydration.

Once the situation is under control, the patient should be advised to drink at least 10 glasses of water daily and refrain from going out in the sun for at least 3-4 weeks. The patient should also eat lots of fresh and cool fruits like cucumber and watermelon.

Athletes and people working out in the sun are prone to heat stroke. However, situations can be controlled with the proper usage of remedial measures. Hope, the tips we compiled will help you cope up with heat stroke.