Heat Stroke

What is heat stroke?

• is a medical emergency
• it occurs when the body overheats due to hot and humid weather or as a result of too much direct exposure to the sun, and sweating cannot cool down the body.

Symptoms of heat stroke?

• warm feeling
• flushed skin
• faintness
• dizziness
• weakness
• headache

if left untreated, this will lead to:

• high fever of 41 C
• rapid heartbeat
• convulsion
• delirium
• unconsciousness

How is heat stroke treated?

• Get the person indoors.
• Remove clothing and gently apply cool water to the skin followed by fanning to stimulate sweating.
• Apply ice packs to the armpits, wrists, ankles, and groin.
• Have the person lie down in a cool area with their feet slightly elevated.
• Bed rest

How can heat stroke be prevented?

1. Drink plenty of fluids. Avoid tea, coffee, soda, and alcohol as these can lead to dehydration.
2. Wear lightweight, tightly woven, loose-fitting clothing in light colors.
3. Protect yourself from the sun by wearing a hat, sunglasses, and using an umbrella.
4. Try to spend as much time indoors as possible.
5. Schedule vigorous activity and sports for cooler times of the day. Increase time spent outdoors gradually to get your body used to the heat.
6. If you have a chronic condition, talk to your doctor about extra precautions you can take to protect yourself against heat stroke.

For more info, see article from Department of Health (DoH) and The Philippine Star.

(*image and write-up credit: Rose Anne L. Guevarra)