Effects of Heat Stroke on The Body

A heatstroke is a result of extended exposure to heat exhaustion. It is considered a medical emergency, and the person needs to visit a hospital as soon as possible. However, this is not something that occurs suddenly. It builds up gradually, starting from heat cramps and heat syncope (fainting) before heat exhaustion strikes that then becomes a heatstroke. Once you learn to recognise the signs of heatstroke you can help yourself and others avoid the dreaded life-threatening emergency.

What Is Heatstroke? 

Our bodies produce a huge amount of internal heat. The body cools down by discharging the excess heat through the skin or by sweating. However, sometimes this cooling mechanism may not work, mainly in conditions of high temperature and humidity or when you work in the sun for long hours. With this built-up heat not being able to release itself as the body gets dehydrated and does not sweat enough, the chances of a heat stroke become very high. In medical terms, heatstroke occurs when the body's internal temperature reaches over 104F. 

Heatstroke is also known as thermic fever, sunstroke, or siriasis. There are two main types of heatstroke. 

• Exertional heat stroke: This kind of heatstroke is usually a result of physical overexertion in hot and humid conditions, and it normally takes a few hours to develop. 
• Non-exertional heatstroke: This is the classic form of heatstroke, and it occurs due to age and underlying health conditions. This type of heat stroke usually develops over a few days. 

Difference Between Heat Exhaustion and Heatstroke 

Both strokes are types of hyperthermia. Heat exhaustion is not as severe as heatstroke, and does not cause neurological or life-threatening effects. However, as mentioned earlier, when heat exhaustion is left untreated, it can result in heatstroke. 

Heatstroke Symptoms 

Some of the signs of heatstroke include:

• High body temperature: When the core body temperature exceeds 104^oF or 40^oC. 
• Altered behavior or mental state: Feelings of confusion, agitation, irritability, slurred speech, seizures, delirium, and even coma could result from heatstroke. 
• Flushed skin: Your skin can start becoming redder as your body temperature increases. 
• Nausea and vomiting: You can start feeling sick to the stomach or start vomiting. 
• Racing heart rate: There is a significant increase in your pulse as heat stress can put tremendous pressure on your heart to cool down your body. 
• Headache: Your head can start to throb. 

Causes of Heatstroke

Heatstroke can occur because of two main reasons

Exposure to a Hot Environment

This kind of heatstroke is called non-exertional heatstroke because the body's core temperature increases due to heat. This can occur because of exposure to hot and humid weather for an extended period. It is known to happen in older people and those with chronic illnesses. 

Strenuous activity 

In this kind of heatstroke, the core temperature of the body increases because of intense physical activity in hot weather. This is also known as exertional heatstroke. Anyone who exercises or works in hot weather can be at risk of getting an exertional heatstroke. This is especially true if you are not used to higher temperatures. 

Secondary reasons for heatstroke can be: 

• Wearing excess clothing that doesn't allow sweat to evaporate quickly thus not cooling the body 
• Drinking too much alcohol as it can affect the body's ability to regulate its temperature 
• Getting dehydrated when you do not drink enough water to replenish your fluid after excessive sweating. 

Risk Factors 

There are several risk factors associated with an increased possibility of heatstroke: 

• Age

Being able to cope with extreme heat depends on how strong your nervous system is. While the nervous system of those who are very young is not fully developed, that of adults over the age of 65 starts to deteriorate. This puts both these age groups at risk of developing heatstroke. 

• Sudden Exposure to Hot Weather

Sudden exposure to extreme heat can result in heatstroke. 

• Lack of Air Conditioning 

While fans make you feel better, air conditioning is one of the most effective ways of cooling down the air and lowering humidity. Lack of air conditioners can increase the risk of heatstroke. 

• Certain Medications

Some medicines can affect your body's ability to respond to heat and stay hydrated. This makes it important for individuals who take vasoconstrictors (medicines to narrow the blood vessels), beta-blockers, diuretics, antidepressants, and antipsychotics to be aware of the signs of heatstroke and prevent it. 

• Health Conditions

Chronic illnesses such as heart or lung diseases can increase the risk of heatstroke. Being obese and living a sedentary life is another major risk of facing this condition. 

Complications Due to Heatstroke 

Heatstroke can cause several complications based on how long the body has been exposed. Severe effects of heat stroke are: 

Damage to vital organs 

If immediate action is not taken to cool the body down, heatstroke can cause vital organs of the body, such as the brain, to swell. It can result in permanent damage to the organs.

Reduces heat Tolerance

Once you have suffered a heat stroke, your heat tolerance level is compromised. Heatstroke survivors may notice that if they go out or work in high heat, their body temperature rises faster and their body takes time to cool down as the sweating becomes less.

Death

Heatstroke can be fatal if the individual doesn't get immediate help. 

Conclusion

Understanding the signs of heatstroke and avoiding the triggers can help individuals avoid this condition. Other preventive measures can be staying hydrated, taking precautions when medicating, protecting yourself against sunburn, wearing loose and comfortable clothing, not being inside a parked car, and relaxing during the hottest part of the day. To learn more about such conditions and how to protect them, contact us at Metropolis Health. We provide a vast array of diagnostic tests and also offer home services for those who cannot physically visit a testing center.