Heatstroke
Key points
- Heat emergencies fall into three categories of increasing severity: heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke.
- Heat illnesses are easily preventable by taking precautions in hot weather.
- Apply cool, wet cloths (or cool water directly) to the person's skin and use a fan to lower body temperature.
- Children, elderly, and obese people have a higher risk of developing heat illness.
Alternative names
Heat emergencies
Definition
Heat emergencies fall into three categories of increasing severity: heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke.
Considerations
Heat illnesses are easily preventable by taking precautions in hot weather.
Children, elderly, and obese people have a higher risk of developing heat illness. People taking certain medications or drinking alcohol also have a higher risk. However, even a top athlete in superb condition can succumb to heat illness if he or she ignores the warning signs.
If the problem isn't addressed, heat cramps (caused by loss of salt from heavy sweating) can lead to heat exhaustion (caused by dehydration), which can progress to heatstroke. Heatstroke, the most serious of the three, can cause shock, brain damage, organ failure, and even death.
Causes
The following are common causes of heat emergencies:
- High temperatures or humidity
- Dehydration
- Prolonged or excessive exercise
- Excess clothing
- Alcohol use
- Medications, such as diuretics, neuroleptics, phenothiazines, and anticholinergics
- Cardiovascular disease
- Sweat gland dysfunction
Symptoms
The early symptoms of heat illness include:
- Profuse sweating
- Fatigue
- Thirst
- Muscle cramps
Later symptoms of heat exhaustion include:
- Headache
- Dizziness and light-headedness
- Weakness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Cool, moist skin
- Dark urine
The symptoms of heatstroke include:
- Fever (temperature above 104°F)
- Irrational behavior
- Extreme confusion
- Dry, hot, and red skin
- Rapid, shallow breathing
- Rapid, weak pulse
Frequently asked questions
What is heatstroke?
Heat emergencies fall into three categories of increasing severity: heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke.
What causes heatstroke?
The following are common causes of heat emergencies:
- High temperatures or humidity
- Dehydration
- Prolonged or excessive exercise
- Excess clothing
- Alcohol use
- Medications, such as diuretics, neuroleptics, phenothiazines, and anticholinergics
- Cardiovascular disease
- Sweat gland dysfunction Symptoms The early symptoms of heat illness include:
- Profuse sweating
- Fatigue
- Thirst
- Muscle cramps Later symptoms of heat exhaustion include:
- Headache
- Dizziness and light-headedness
- Weakness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Cool, moist skin
- Dark urine The symptoms of heatstroke include:
- Fever (temperature above 104°F)
- Irrational behavior
- Extreme confusion
- Dry, hot, and red skin •…
Can heatstroke be prevented?
- Wear loose-fitting, lightweight clothing in hot weather.
- Rest frequently and seek shade when possible.
- Avoid exercise or strenuous physical acitivity outside during hot or humid weather.
- Drink plenty of fluids every day. Drink more fluids before, during, and after physical activity.
Written and revised by
David Cohen, M.D.
Our doctors write and review articles for accuracy and keep them up to date.
health.am provides general information, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified health professional about your own health.