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Heat Stroke IndexGlossaryFind a Local Doctor
Heat Stroke
http://www.medicinenet.com/heat_stroke/article.htmhttp://www.medicinenet.com/heat_stroke/article.htm
Dehydration Slideshow: Symptoms, Tips to Stay Hydrated
Summer Skin Hazards Slideshow Pictures
Sun-Damaged Skin Slideshow Pictures
Medical Author: Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD
Medical Editors: William C. Shiel, Jr., MD, FACP, FACR
What is heat stroke?
What are heat stroke symptoms and signs?
How do you treat a heat stroke victim?
How can heat stroke be prevented?
Heat Stroke At A Glance
Patient Discussions: Heat Stroke
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How to Recognize a Heat–Related Illness
Medical Author: Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD
Medical Editor: Jay W. Marks, MD
During a heat wave, it's important to know and be able to recognize the signs and symptoms of a heat-related illness. There are different types of heat-related illnesses, ranging from those that cause temporary discomfort to the generally fatal condition known as heat stroke. In all heat-related illnesses, the symptoms appear when a person is exposed to extreme temperatures.
The following checklist can help you recognize the symptoms of heat-related illnesses:
Heat Rash: Heat rash is a skin irritation caused by excessive sweating during hot, humid weather. It can occur at any age. Heat rash looks like a red cluster of pimples or small blisters.
Heat cramps: A person who has been exercising or participating in other types of strenuous activity in the heat may develop painful muscle spasms in the arms, legs, or abdomen referred to as heat rash. The body temperature is usually normal, and the skin will feel moist and cool, but sweaty.
Read more about heat related illnesses »
TOP SEARCHED HEAT STROKE TERMS:
symptoms, dexamethasone, heat stroke death, heat exhaustion, treatment , prevention , heat cramps , signs , FAQ
What is heat stroke?
Heat stroke is a form of hyperthermia, an abnormally elevated body temperature with accompanying physical and neurological symptoms. Unlike heat cramps and heat exhaustion, two other forms of hyperthermia that are less severe, heat stroke is a true medical emergency that can be fatal if not properly and promptly treated. Heat stroke is also sometimes referred to as heatstroke.
The body normally generates heat as a result of metabolism, and is usually able to dissipate the heat by either radiation of heat through the skin or by evaporation of sweat. However, in extreme heat, high humidity, or vigorous physical exertion under the sun, the body may not be able to dissipate the heat and the body temperature rises, sometimes up to 106 F (41.1 C) or higher. Another cause of heat stroke is dehydration. A dehydrated person may not be able to sweat fast enough to dissipate heat, which causes the body temperature to rise.
Those most susceptible individuals to heart strokes include:
infants,
the elderly (often with associated heart diseases, lung diseases, kidney diseases, or who are taking medications that make them vulnerable to dehydration and heat strokes),
athletes, and
individuals who work outside and physically exert themselves under the sun.
What are heat stroke symptoms and signs?
Symptoms of heat stroke can sometimes mimic those of heart attack or other conditions. Sometimes a person experiences symptoms of heat exhaustion before progressing to heat strokes.
Signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion include:
nausea,
vomiting,
fatigue,
weakness,
headache,
muscle cramps and aches, and
dizziness.
However, some individuals can develop symptoms of heat stroke suddenly and rapidly without warning.
Different people may have different symptoms and signs of heatstroke. But common symptoms and signs of heat stroke include:
high body temperature,
the absence of sweating, with hot red or flushed dry skin,
rapid pulse,
difficulty breathing,
strange behavior,
hallucinations,
confusion,
agitation,
disorientation,
seizure, and/or
coma.
Next: How do you treat a heat stroke victim?
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Heat Stroke
The MedicineNet physician editors ask:
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Heat Stroke
http://www.medicinenet.com/heat_stroke/article.htmhttp://www.medicinenet.com/heat_stroke/article.htm
Dehydration Slideshow: Symptoms, Tips to Stay Hydrated
Summer Skin Hazards Slideshow Pictures
Sun-Damaged Skin Slideshow Pictures
Medical Author: Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD
Medical Editors: William C. Shiel, Jr., MD, FACP, FACR
What is heat stroke?
What are heat stroke symptoms and signs?
How do you treat a heat stroke victim?
How can heat stroke be prevented?
Heat Stroke At A Glance
Patient Discussions: Heat Stroke
Find a local Doctor in your town
How to Recognize a Heat–Related Illness
Medical Author: Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD
Medical Editor: Jay W. Marks, MD
During a heat wave, it's important to know and be able to recognize the signs and symptoms of a heat-related illness. There are different types of heat-related illnesses, ranging from those that cause temporary discomfort to the generally fatal condition known as heat stroke. In all heat-related illnesses, the symptoms appear when a person is exposed to extreme temperatures.
The following checklist can help you recognize the symptoms of heat-related illnesses:
Heat Rash: Heat rash is a skin irritation caused by excessive sweating during hot, humid weather. It can occur at any age. Heat rash looks like a red cluster of pimples or small blisters.
Heat cramps: A person who has been exercising or participating in other types of strenuous activity in the heat may develop painful muscle spasms in the arms, legs, or abdomen referred to as heat rash. The body temperature is usually normal, and the skin will feel moist and cool, but sweaty.
Read more about heat related illnesses »
TOP SEARCHED HEAT STROKE TERMS:
symptoms, dexamethasone, heat stroke death, heat exhaustion, treatment , prevention , heat cramps , signs , FAQ
What is heat stroke?
Heat stroke is a form of hyperthermia, an abnormally elevated body temperature with accompanying physical and neurological symptoms. Unlike heat cramps and heat exhaustion, two other forms of hyperthermia that are less severe, heat stroke is a true medical emergency that can be fatal if not properly and promptly treated. Heat stroke is also sometimes referred to as heatstroke.
The body normally generates heat as a result of metabolism, and is usually able to dissipate the heat by either radiation of heat through the skin or by evaporation of sweat. However, in extreme heat, high humidity, or vigorous physical exertion under the sun, the body may not be able to dissipate the heat and the body temperature rises, sometimes up to 106 F (41.1 C) or higher. Another cause of heat stroke is dehydration. A dehydrated person may not be able to sweat fast enough to dissipate heat, which causes the body temperature to rise.
Those most susceptible individuals to heart strokes include:
infants,
the elderly (often with associated heart diseases, lung diseases, kidney diseases, or who are taking medications that make them vulnerable to dehydration and heat strokes),
athletes, and
individuals who work outside and physically exert themselves under the sun.
What are heat stroke symptoms and signs?
Symptoms of heat stroke can sometimes mimic those of heart attack or other conditions. Sometimes a person experiences symptoms of heat exhaustion before progressing to heat strokes.
Signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion include:
nausea,
vomiting,
fatigue,
weakness,
headache,
muscle cramps and aches, and
dizziness.
However, some individuals can develop symptoms of heat stroke suddenly and rapidly without warning.
Different people may have different symptoms and signs of heatstroke. But common symptoms and signs of heat stroke include:
high body temperature,
the absence of sweating, with hot red or flushed dry skin,
rapid pulse,
difficulty breathing,
strange behavior,
hallucinations,
confusion,
agitation,
disorientation,
seizure, and/or
coma.
Next: How do you treat a heat stroke victim?
1
2
3
Next
Heat Stroke IndexGlossaryFind a Local Doctor
Share This Article
Patient Discussions - Viewers share their comments
Heat Stroke
The MedicineNet physician editors ask:
Describe your experience with heat stroke, and could it have been prevented?
View 10 Comments | Submit Your Comment