Extreme heat can cause heat stroke. Learn to identify nine crucial symptoms, such as fever or confusion, so you can act quickly and avoid risks.
High temperatures increase the risk of heat stroke, a serious medical emergency. Recognizing its early symptoms is essential to preventing serious complications. In this article, we detail the signs your body sends so you can act immediately and protect your health during the summer.
High body temperature
This is the most telling sign of heat stroke. The body loses its ability to regulate itself, and the internal temperature rises above 40°C. This hyperthermia is a critical warning sign that requires immediate medical attention to prevent serious damage.
Altered mental status
Hyperthermia directly affects the central nervous system. This can manifest as confusion, agitation, irritability, difficulty speaking, or even delirium. It is a serious symptom indicating that the brain is suffering from the effects of extreme heat.
Changes in sweating
The skin may feel very hot and dry to the touch if the heat stroke is due to ambient heat. In cases of physical exertion, it may feel clammy. This change in the body’s normal sweating pattern is a sign that the cooling mechanisms have failed.
Nausea and vomiting
Overheating can cause a feeling of intense stomach discomfort, which often leads to nausea and even vomiting. This is the body’s attempt to react to the extreme stress it is under due to high temperatures.
Reddened and hot skin
The skin may take on a deep reddish hue and feel very hot to the touch. This occurs because the body attempts to dissipate heat by sending more blood to the skin’s surface, but the mechanism is insufficient to lower body temperature.
Rapid breathing
Breathing may become rapid and shallow, a phenomenon known as tachypnea. It’s the body’s response to heat stress, as the cardiovascular system attempts to compensate for the strain and adequately oxygenate the tissues.
Elevated heart rate
The heart beats much faster to pump blood to the skin and release heat. This accelerated pulse, or tachycardia, places considerable strain on the cardiovascular system and is a clear indicator of the severity of the situation.
Throbbing headache
A severe, throbbing headache is a common symptom. It can be caused directly by the effect of heat on the nervous system or by the severe dehydration that often accompanies heat stroke. It should not be ignored under any circumstances.
Dizziness and disorientation
Feeling dizzy, lightheaded, or losing balance are signs that heat is affecting the brain. This disorientation can make it difficult for a person to recognize danger and seek help, so it’s a symptom that requires immediate attention.
+ There are no comments
Add yours