What Is Heatstroke And How To Avoid It?

Summer holidays are on their way. However, as Brits have not been exposed to warm weather much this year, it is important everyone learns how to take care of themselves in hot temperatures, as well as book in for their travel vaccinations.

Otherwise, there is a good chance they could suffer from heatstroke, particularly if they are heading to a tropical climate.

What is heat exhaustion?

Heat exhaustion occurs when the high temperature outside causes the body to lose excessive fluids when sweating, leading to dehydration. It also leads to the loss of electrolytes, including salts, which are needed for temperature regulation.

If the body does not become replenished with fluids or electrolytes, this means it is unable to regulate its temperature and it could rise to dangerous levels.

Things that cause or exacerbate overheating include being in hot or humid conditions, particularly when you are not used to it.

Not drinking enough fluids or doing strenuous physical activity can also cause heat exhaustion, which is why it is important to look out for the signs of heat exhaustion to avoid it.

The symptoms include tiredness, dizziness, nausea, headaches, excessive sweating, clammy skin, fast breathing, fast heartbeat, high temperature, weakness, vomiting, cramps in the arms, legs or stomach, and excessive thirst.

What is heatstroke?

If anyone suffering from heat exhaustion is not cooled down, it can turn into heatstroke. This is when the body’s temperature is dangerously high at 40C or higher, and could potentially be life-threatening.

Signs that heat exhaustion has developed into heatstroke include still being unwell after 30 minutes of trying to cool down, hot skin with no sweat, flushed skin, loss of consciousness, confusion, slurred speech, seizures, delirium, feeling disoriented, lack of coordination, and shortness of breath.

Heatstroke can be very serious as it can result in serious damage to the brain, heart, kidney and muscles, and, therefore, medical attention is urgently needed.

How to prevent heat exhaustion or heatstroke

As both heat exhaustion and heatstroke can be very serious, it is important to do everything you can to prevent overheating.

This includes being conscious of your surroundings, such as the outside temperature and humidity levels. A very humid environment means you are likely to sweat more, causing a drop in electrolytes.

You should also avoid strenuous activity in the heat, as this is more likely to cause your temperature to rise and your body to sweat.

It is important to stay hydrated by drinking cold drinks and avoiding alcohol.

If possible, avoid the sun during the hottest hours of the day, between 1100 and 1500, and venture out early in the morning or later in the afternoon instead.

Wearing light-coloured, loose clothing is also sensible, as these are cooling and do not attract the sunshine.

If you or someone you know looks to be suffering from heat exhaustion or heatstroke, it is important to treat it immediately by cooling down with water or ice on the skin, fanning them with cool air, giving them a sports drink with electrolytes in, removing excess clothing, and moving them to somewhere shaded.