Heat stroke

From WikiMD.com - Food, Medicine & Wellness Encyclopedia

(Redirected from Heat Stroke)

Dr.Prab.jpg

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC

Heat stroke
The British Army in the Middle East 1943 E26027.jpg
Synonyms N/A
Pronounce N/A
Specialty N/A
Symptoms High body temperature, confusion, headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, rapid heartbeat, shallow breathing
Complications Seizures, rhabdomyolysis, kidney failure, coma
Onset Sudden
Duration Hours to days
Types N/A
Causes Prolonged exposure to high temperatures, strenuous physical activity in hot weather
Risks Dehydration, alcohol consumption, certain medications, age extremes (very young or elderly)
Diagnosis Based on symptoms and body temperature
Differential diagnosis Heat exhaustion, fever, infection, thyroid storm
Prevention Hydration, acclimatization, wearing appropriate clothing, avoiding excessive heat exposure
Treatment Rapid cooling, hydration, hospitalization
Medication N/A
Prognosis Good with prompt treatment, but can be fatal if untreated
Frequency Common in hot climates and during heat waves
Deaths N/A


Heat stroke is a serious, life-threatening condition that occurs when the body's heat-regulating system fails, causing the body temperature to rise to dangerous levels. It is the most severe form of heat illness, and requires immediate medical attention.

Causes[edit | edit source]

Heat stroke can occur as a result of prolonged exposure to high temperatures, usually in combination with dehydration, which leads to failure of the body's temperature control system. The medical definition of heat stroke is a core body temperature greater than 104 degrees Fahrenheit, with complications involving the central nervous system. Other factors that can contribute to heat stroke include wearing excessive clothing, strenuous physical activity, consuming alcohol, and certain health conditions such as heart disease.

Symptoms[edit | edit source]

The symptoms of heat stroke can vary, but may include:

  • High body temperature
  • Altered mental state or behavior
  • Alteration in sweating
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Flushed skin
  • Rapid breathing
  • Racing heart rate
  • Headache

Treatment[edit | edit source]

Heat stroke is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment. The goals of treatment are to lower the body temperature to a normal range as quickly as possible, and to manage symptoms and any complications. This may involve moving the person to a cooler environment, removing excess clothing, and using cooling methods such as fans or ice packs. In severe cases, hospitalization may be required.

Prevention[edit | edit source]

Prevention of heat stroke involves taking steps to stay cool and hydrated, especially during hot weather. This can include drinking plenty of fluids, wearing lightweight clothing, taking breaks in a cool place when outdoors, and avoiding strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day.

See also[edit | edit source]

WHO Rod.svg
This article is a medical stub. You can help WikiMD by expanding it!
PubMed
Wikipedia
WikiMD
Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Search WikiMD

Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Let Food Be Thy Medicine
Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates

Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates, categories Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.