HEAT STROKE
17 Jun 2019
ABSTRACT –
Heat Stroke is a most common condition which is also known as sunstroke caused by rise in the body temperature or physical exertion due to heat. It is a serious form of heat injury. If the condition is prolonged, it can damage the brain cells and internal organs.
CAUSES –
- Exposure to a hot climate
- Exhausting and intense physical activity
- Wearing tight fitting clothes
- Drinking alcohol
- Dehydration and lack of water
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS –
- Rise in the body temperature
- Change in mental state or behavior
- Heavy sweating
- Nausea and vomiting
- Red colored skin
- Fast breathing and heart rate
- Headache
DIAGNOSIS –
- Blood test
- Urine test
- Muscle function test
- X-ray
- Other imaging test
- Rectal Thermometer to check the temperature
PREVENTION –
- Wear loose fitting outfits, avoid heavy clothes
- Drink plenty of fluids regularly
- Examine the color of urine to detect the sign of dehydration
TREATMENT –
- Immersion in cold water.
- Evaporation cooling techniques to cool the skin
- Cooling blankets and ice packs
- Intake of medications such as muscle relaxants to stop shivering
EPIDEMIOLOGY –
- It affects people of any age irrespective of gender. Teens and young adults are more prone to get affected from heat stroke.
- Nearly 1-3% of total population dies from extreme summer heat.