Heat Stroke

What is heat stroke? — Heat stroke is a condition that can happen when a person’s body gets too hot. Most often, heat stroke happens when people exercise in very hot and humid weather without drinking enough fluids. But heat stroke can also happen in people who are not exercising. It is especially likely to affect older people and people who have health problems, so they need to be extra careful in hot conditions.

Heat stroke is a medical emergency that needs to be treated quickly. That’s because heat stroke can lead to death if it is not treated quickly.
When people get too hot, they can also get “heat cramps” and “heat exhaustion.” These conditions are not as serious as heat stroke, but they can lead to heat stroke if they aren’t treated.
What are the symptoms of heat stroke? — People with heat stroke have:

• A body temperature of 104°F (40°C) or higher
• Brain symptoms – These can include:
• Confusion or trouble thinking clearly
• Seeing or hearing things that aren’t real (called “hallucinating”)
• Trouble walking
• Seizures
• Passing out

Heat stroke can also cause:

• Fast breathing or a fast heartbeat
• Skin redness and warmth
• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Muscle cramps or weakness
• Headaches

Should I see a doctor or nurse? — Yes. If you or someone you are with has heat stroke, get medical help right away. You should call 9-1-1 for an ambulance.
How is heat stroke treated? — The main treatment involves cooling your body down. Your doctor can do this in the hospital in different ways.
Your doctor will also treat any other problems the heat stroke has caused.
Can heat stroke be prevented? — Yes. When it is hot or humid out, you can do the following things to prevent heat stroke:

• Try not to be too active, and take breaks when you exercise.
• Drink plenty of fluids, especially water or sports drinks.
• Do any exercise early in the day, before it gets too hot out.
• Wear loose, light-weight clothes. Don’t wear too many layers.
• Avoid being in a hot car.

You should also watch for symptoms of heat cramps or heat exhaustion. Heat cramps cause painful muscle cramps. Heat exhaustion can cause headaches, dizziness, nausea, or vomiting. It can also make you thirsty or tired.
If you have symptoms of heat cramps or heat exhaustion, you should cool your body down right away to avoid getting heat stroke. To cool your body down, you can:

• Spray yourself with cool water and then sit in front of a fan.
• Move into the shade, or go into an air-conditioned building or car.
• Take a cool shower or bath.
• Drink water or a sports drink. Do NOT have a drink with alcohol or caffeine.
• Take off any extra clothing you are wearing.
• Put a cold pack or cool cloth on your neck or armpit.

Message from Bella Vida Health Care Clinic

At the clinic we are seeing quite a few individuals who have been diagnosed with influenza.  Some individuals who have been diagnosed with influenza also had the influenza vaccine.  Many individuals with influenza have been tested and coming up with influenza A which is the H1N1.

H1N1 influenza will exacerbate the respiratory system which consists of the lungs.  Individuals may begin coughing and wheezing while having a fever and feeling fatigued and achy to the body. Many individuals may think they have bronchitis, asthma, pneumonia or some bacterial infection.  Many individuals may stay at home waiting for the illness to pass.  If you are having the above symptoms and think it may be the H1N1 virus, try to get into the clinic to be tested within 48 hours.  If the influenza virus is treated with an antiviral within 48 hours the virus is stopped by chemically cutting ties with its host cell (YOU).  If you have been diagnosed with influenza A and it has been greater than 48 hours an antiviral will help somewhat but you will still go through the complete process of the illness. 

Remember to Rest, Drink Plenty of Fluids, Only take Motrin or Tylenol for a fever of >101.5.  Follow up to your Primary care Provider to be evaluated if it is not getting better.  The H1N1 Virus can cause a secondary infection such as bronchitis and/or pneumonia, so be vigilant about the symptoms.

Wishing you health and happiness.