Heatstroke

Overview

Heatstroke is caused by failure of the body’s temperature control system when exposed to excessively high temperatures. Typical symptoms include a headache, nausea, dizziness and confusion. Depending on the extent of the damage, the consequences can be life-threatening. Drinking enough and taking breaks to cool off reduce the risk of heatstroke.

Symptoms

• Feeling very hot, the skin is red and hot to the touch
• Headache, nausea and dizziness
• Exhaustion
• Unsteady gait (“unsteady on the feet”)
• Delirious, ranting
• Disorientation, finally loss of consciousness

In the worst case, heatstroke can lead to circulatory and cardiac arrest.

Causes and treatment

Causes

The following can cause the body to overheat:

• Hot weather (in particular in combination with high humidity)
• Sauna that is too hot
• Uncontrollably high fever
• Dehydration of body owing to water loss (leading to inability to sweat)
• Effects of medication or drugs

Further treatment by your doctor / in hospital

Possible tests

• Careful investigation of the body’s functions, in particular the cardiovascular system
  • Pulse, blood pressure, temperature, breathing, oxygen saturation, etc.

Possible therapies

• Cooling
• Intravenous fluid replacement
• Medical observation until the symptoms improve

What can I do myself?

• Wear the appropriate clothes for the temperature (in particular headcover)
• Take regular breaks
• Drink enough

Measures while waiting for the doctor

• Put the patient in a bath filled with cool tap water, if possible
• If not, wrap them in wet cloths
• Fan them, switch on a cooling fan

In the case of children, the cooling process should be applied slowly and with great care.

When to see a doctor?

The emergency medical services or a doctor should always be called if heatstroke is suspected or confirmed.

Synonyms

sunstroke, heat exhaustion, fever