Heatstroke: What you Need to Know

Heatstroke, sometimes called sunstroke or hyperthermia, occurs when the body absorbs more heat than it can release and the body temperature soars to 104 degrees or higher. As its name will attest, heat stroke almost always occurs when a person is subject to extreme temperatures or strenuous activity. It's considered a medical emergency and should never be taken lightly. Failure to seek medical attention can have dire or fatal circumstances.

What are the signs?

Heatstroke is an exaggeration of heat exhaustion or heat cramps. Thus, having one of the aforementioned conditions can be a warning sign that a heatstroke imminent. Other symptoms include a high body temperature, inability to sweat, hyperventilating, accelerated heart beat, muscle cramps, fatigue, weakness, and neurological compromise. In an advanced heatstroke, confusion, seizure, and coma may set in. For this reason, it is imperative that anyone with symptoms seek medical attention immediately. Even if it's not heatstroke, it's better safe - and alive - than sorry.

What are the causes?

Obviously, the main cause of heatstroke is heat. However, this can be a bit of a vague description. Environmental and internal conditions can also play a role. Extreme outdoor heat, strenuous exercise and - in particular - performing strenuous exercise in extreme heat can all lead to heatstroke. Drinking alcohol in hot weather, wearing clothes that don't allow your body to breathe, and being dehydrated, which can happen if you don't drink enough water, can also lead to heatstroke.

What are the Risk Factors?

Anytime your body is exposed to extreme amounts of heat or exercise, there is a risk for heatstroke. However, some people are more prone to it than others. People who are very young or very old often have a compromised central nervous system, leaving them more likely to be dehydrated and less likely to efficiently deal with extreme temperatures. Genetics may also play a role: for whatever reason, some people are genetically predisposed to better deal with heat than others. Lastly, medications can also be a factor: vasoconstrictors, beta blockers, and diuretics can all leave a person more likely to get heatstroke than someone who is medication-free.

How Can Heatstroke be Prevented?

The good thing about heatstroke is that it can almost always be prevented. Whenever you're outside in hot weather, it's important to remember to wear clothing that is light, breathable, and loose fitting. If you must exercise in hot weather, rest frequently in a cool, shaded area. Take precautions if you are taking any medications or if you've experienced heat exhaustion, heat cramps, or heatstroke in the past. Avoid closed off areas, such as tents or cars that can be packed full of hot air and if any symptoms of trouble set in, stop what you are doing immediately. Most importantly, stay hydrated: predict how much water you think you will need and consume three times that amount, especially body aligning alkaline water or super hydrating Kangen water.