Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke (Check if body is not cooling down) - Medtick
Medtick

Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke (Check if body is not cooling down)

What is it?

Heat Exhaustion

When we are surrounded by heat our bodies get hotter, if one is exposed to too much heat, our bodies want to cool down to a temperature of approx 37 degrees Celsius so it does the following:

  • As the body gets hotter, blood vessels open up.
  • This leads to lower blood pressure and makes the heart work harder to push the blood around the body.
  • This can cause mild symptoms such as an itchy heat rash and/or swollen feet as blood vessels become leaky.
  • At the same time, sweating leads to the loss of fluids and salt and, crucially, the balance between them in the body changes.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-49112807

Heat stroke (Medical Emergency)

 

Once a body temperature reaches 40 degrees Celsius or higher, heatstroke can set in.

  • Indicators are similar to heat exhaustion but the person may lose consciousness, have dry skin and stop sweating.

Look out for signs of heat exhaustion (If so seek medical advice)

Persons on medications shown below may not realise they are having heat exhaustion/heat stroke as they can mask those symptoms:

Beware of taking the following medications:

Drug effects and the risk of heat-related illnesses

Examples

Signs of heat exhaustion

  • High temperature 38 degrees or above?
  • Headache?
  • Dizziness and fainting (due to not drinking enough water)?
  • Breathing difficulties/short of breath?
  • Loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting?
  • Diarrhoea?
  • Cramps in stomach and/or arms and/or legs?
  • Heavy sweating , clammy skin and/or pale skin (skin cools down by removing heat via sweat glands)?
  • Tiredness?
  • Thirsty?
  • Heat rash (as heat is lost from the skin, blood vessels dilated to remove heat)?
  • Swollen ankles (increased blood flow , heart working harder, blood vessels become more leaky)?

Babies and Children:

  • Watch out for floppiness and/or  extreme tiredness and/or sleepiness?

How To Treat Heat Exhaustion, Signs & Symptoms

Please do not wait, call for an ambulance, if patient is not cooling down within 30 minutes if measures below are taken:
  • Stop physical activity.
  • Move them to a cool place i.e. shade or cold room.
  • Slow, gentle stretches of cramped muscles.
  • Replenish lost fluids (Drink sips of plain water for re-hydration) and electrolytes with oral fluids/sports drinks.
  • Lie patient down and raise their feet slightly.
  • Cool the skin – spray water or use a wet cool water sponge/towel.
  • Stay with patient for 30 min to monitor if cooling down.
  • Look out for signs of heat exhaustion (If so seek medical advice), If heat exhaustion is occurring and one is not cooling down with in  and/or getting worse within 30 mins then it may be heat stroke.

Signs of Heat Stroke

  • Fever not cooling or calming down after 30 mins?
  • Sudden rise in temperature?
  • Headache?
  • Confusion?
  • Aggression?
  • Constant nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea?
  • Increased/extreme thirst?
  • Dehydration symptom?
  • Convulsions?
  • Loss of consciousness?
How To Treat Heat Stroke, Signs & Symptoms

Complications /Information to beware of/General tips:

Medical Emergency

And/or do not wait, phone an ambulance if have or develop:

What to do if have heat stroke?

  • Call emergency services
  • While waiting increase ventilation, open windows or use a fan.
  • Cool them down by loosening clothing or wrap them in a damp sheet or sprinkle them with cool water
  • If conscious give them sips of water to drink.
How To Treat Heat Stroke, Signs & Symptoms

Ways to avoid Heat exhaustion

The UK Health Security Agency has some tips:

  • Look out for those who may struggle to keep cool, such as older people, those with underlying conditions and and those who live alone
  • Stay cool indoors by closing curtains on rooms that face the sun
  • Drink plenty of fluids and don’t drink too much alcohol
  • Don’t leave anyone, especially babies, young children and animals, in a locked vehicle
  • Keep out of the sun between 11am and 3pm when the sun’s rays are strongest
  • Keep in the shade, use sunscreen with a high SPF 50 and UVA rating, and wear a wide-brimmed hat
  • Avoid physical exercise in the hottest part of the day
  • Take water with you if travelling
  • Be aware of hidden dangers in rivers and open water if tempted to cool off

Prepare your home

  • Use an indoor thermometer to monitor temperature and identify cool areas
  • Open all windows at night and early morning
  • Close windows and curtains in the day
  • Turn off lights and unnecessary electrical devices
  • Ensure central heating is turned off
  • Check fridges, freezers and air ventilation are working
  • Use an indoor thermometer to monitor temperature and identify cool areas
  • Open all windows at night and early morning
  • Close windows and curtains in the day
  • Turn off lights and unnecessary electrical devices
  • Ensure central heating is turned off

Stay cool

  • Take a cool bath/shower
  • Find somewhere cool indoors or outdoors
  • Avoid going outside in the hottest part of the day, between 12–3pm
  • Stay in the shade
  • Use an electric fan or air conditioning, if available
  • Hang wet towels inside to lower the air temperature
  • Eat small meals and often

Dress appropriately for the weather

  • Wear light, loose-fitting clothes made of natural materials

Protect yourself from the sun

  • Wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses outside
  • Wear sun cream (at least sun protection factor 15 with UVA protection)

Keep hydrated

  • Drink plenty of fluids
  • Carry water with you
  • Avoid sugary, caffeinated or alcoholic drinks, which can cause dehydration
  • Replace salts and minerals if sweating heavily

Monitor those at risk

  • Know the signs of heat-related illnesses
  • If you feel unwell with symptoms of dehydration or heat, move to a cool place and drink water or fruit juice to rehydrate
  • Seek medical help if you feel unusual symptoms or symptoms persist
  • Ensure medications are stored below 25°C or refrigerated as per product specification
  • Keep in regular contact during heatwaves
  • Monitor underlying health conditions and seek help if concerned
  • Follow sick day guidance for medications if relevant
  • Ensure babies, children and older people are not left in cars or other closed spaces
  • Keep prams and pushchairs in the shade

Pace yourself

  • Limit activity on hot days
  • Avoid vigorous activity
  • Exercise in the evening or early morning when it is cooler

Listen to the weather forecast and the news

  • Follow latest guidance
  • Plan ahead

Stay safe when swimming

  • Look for advice and guidance signs
  • Only enter water with adequate supervision and rescue cover
  • Beware of underwater hazards and currents
  • Wear a buoyancy aid for activities on the water or at the water’s edge

Fire safety

  • Avoid bonfires and take extra care with barbeques as dry ground increases fire risk

The Pharmaceutical Journal, PJ, May 2023,
Vol 310, No 7973;310(7973)::DOI:10.1211/
PJ.2023.1.185985

Please talk to your healthcare professional (i.e. Medical Doctor/Pharmacist) for further advice

Detailed Information

Please copy and paste any key words from the title: Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke (Check if body is not cooling down) in the following respective 'Medtick References and/or Sources' to find out more about the disease (this also may include diagnosis tests and generic medical treatments).

  • NHS

    Find information and advice on health conditions, symptoms, healthy living, medicines and how to get help (British National Health Service).

  • Medscape

    Latest medical news and expert commentary in your specialty as well as disease information.

  • Pharmaceutical Journal

    The Pharmaceutical Journal covers analysis, features, opinion, learning and careers articles, providing insight and knowledge about drugs, pharmacy practice, medicines use and healthcare policy in the context of the pharmacy profession and pharmaceutical science.

  • Healthline

    Medical Information and health advice you can trust

  • ChatGPT

    Get instant answers, find creative inspiration, and learn something new.

  • Medical News Today

    Medical news and health news headlines posted throughout the day, every day.

  • WebMD

    Better Information. Better Health.

  • Cleveland Clinic

    Pushing the Standards of care.

  • Mayo Clinic

    No.1 Hospital in the Nation (America)

  • Drugs.com

    Know more. Be sure.

  • National Organisation of Rare Diseases

    NORD is dedicated to supporting education, elevating care, advancing research, and driving policy for rare diseases.

  • Verywell Health

    Know more. Fell better.

  • Fit for Travel

    Information on how to stay safe and healthy abroad.

  • DR Axe

    Health and fitness news. Recipes, Natural Remedies

© Medtick - 2024. All Rights Reserved.