Heat stroke: Nausea, vomiting, high blood pressure are symptoms of this condition

Immersing the person in an ice bath can be highly effective in rapidly reducing core body temperature. (Image: Canva)

Heat stroke, a severe form of hyperthermia, occurs when the body's temperature regulation fails during prolonged exposure to high temperatures or intense physical exertion. This condition is considered a medical emergency requiring immediate intervention to prevent potentially life-threatening complications. Heat stroke is marked by a rapid rise in body temperature, often exceeding 104 degrees Fahrenheit (40 degrees fatty liver disease Celsius), along with various other critical symptoms.

Recognising the signs and understanding the necessary first-aid measures can be crucial in mitigating the impact of heat stroke and ensuring timely medical care.

Symptoms of heat stroke

High body temperature: The hallmark of heat stroke is a core body temperature of 104°F (40°C) or higher, says Dr Tushar Tayal, consultant, internal Medicine, CK Birla hospital, Gurugram. He says that this elevated temperature indicates that the body's heat-regulating mechanisms are overwhelmed. A rectal thermometer is typically used to measure core body temperature accurately.

Altered mental state or Behaviour: Victims of heat stroke often exhibit confusion, agitation, slurred speech, irritability, and delirium, says Tayal. In severe cases, seizures or coma can occur if prompt treatment is not administered. These symptoms result from the impact of excessive heat on the brain.

Nausea and vomiting: Gastrointestinal distress, including nausea and vomiting, is common in individuals experiencing heat stroke. These symptoms can exacerbate dehydration, worsening the overall condition.

Flushed skin: As body temperature rises, the skin may appear red and feel hot to the touch. Unlike less severe heat-related illnesses, the skin in heat stroke patients is usually dry, indicating a failure of the sweating mechanism that typically cools the body.

Rapid breathing: Victims may exhibit fast and shallow breathing as the body attempts to regulate temperature and manage the increased metabolic demands imposed by the heat, says Dr Tayal.

Racing heartbeat: An elevated pulse is a common response as the heart works harder to pump blood to the skin surface in an effort to dissipate heat. This increased cardiovascular load can be dangerous, particularly in individuals with preexisting heart conditions.

Lack of sweating: Despite the high environmental temperature, the skin may be dry. This is a critical sign of heat stroke, as it indicates that the body's natural cooling system has failed, preventing sweat production and thereby reducing heat dissipation.

Immediate measures for managing heat stroke

In the event of heat stroke, it is imperative to act quickly to lower the body temperature while awaiting emergency medical assistance. The following steps can help in managing heat stroke effectively:

Move to a cooler environment: The first step is to move the affected person to a shaded area or an air-conditioned space, suggests Dr Tayal. Reducing environmental heat exposure helps lower body temperature.

Remove excess clothing: Taking off excess clothing can aid in heat dissipation. This helps the body cool down more efficiently by increasing the surface area exposed to cooler air, says Dr Tayal.

Apply cool water: Applying cool or tepid water to the skin and using fans to enhance evaporative cooling is an effective way to lower body temperature. Spraying water and fanning the individual creates a cooling effect as the water evaporates.

Use ice packs: Ice packs can be strategically placed on areas where blood vessels are close to the surface of the skin, such as the groin, armpits, and neck. This method helps cool the blood circulating through these areas, lowering overall body temperature.

Ice bath immersion: Immersing the person in an ice bath can be highly effective in rapidly reducing core body temperature. However, this method requires close monitoring to avoid complications such as hypothermia or cardiac arrhythmias, says Dr Tayal.