Signs You're Suffering from Heatstroke
As extremely hot weather scorches the South, it is important to know the symptoms of this heat-related illness.
What is Heatstroke?According to the Mayo Clinic, heatstroke occurs when body temperature reaches 104 F (40 C) or higher.
Heatstroke can be inflicted by hot weather or strenuous exercise. One of the first signs of heatstroke is decreased sweating, and your body may even feel dry to the touch.
Increased thirst will also occur, and this is often the first sign of dehydration.
Other symptoms include fatigue, flushed skin, muscle cramps and rapid, very shallow breathing.
Your pulse may be racing as the heart works overtime to keep the body cool.
Neurologically, confusion and disorientation, accompanied by a throbbing headache and an increased likelihood for seizures, may also occur.
How to Care for a Victim of HeatstrokeAccording to Dr. Kristen Clary, a family medicine physician who specializes in primary care sports medicine, if a person is showing symptoms of heat illness, the first step is to attempt to cool them down immediately.
Removing heavy athletic equipment or articles of clothing, taking the person to a shaded area and applying ice packs are all ways to lower a person's body temperature quickly.
However, if the person has not shown signs of improvement after a few minutes, then medical attention is crucial. While waiting for an ambulance to arrive, the affected person should be stabilized and cooled, preferably by placing the person in a tub of ice water.
How to Protect Yourself from the HeatAdam Day, a certified athletic trainer and the head athletic trainer at State College Area School District in State College, Pa., said plenty of fluids and adequate rest periods if extensive outdoor activity must be performed can help prevent heat-related illness.
If staying indoors in air conditioning isn't an option, wear a hat and light, loose-fitting clothes and of course sunscreen.
The drinking of alcoholic beverages should also be avoided.
Story by Carly Porter and Gina Cherundolo, AccuWeather.com Staff Writers.
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