What to know about heatstroke
Fun in the sun is a big part of the appeal of summer . Outdoor recreation and relaxation kicks up a notch each summer , contributing to a vibe that is as welcoming as it is warm .
Summer is indeed all about recreation , but individuals also must remain safe when spending time outdoors . Heatstroke is a potentially deadly condition that can be prevented with some basic knowledge of what it is and how it manifests .
WHAT IS HEATSTROKE ?
The Mayo Clinic notes that heatstroke is caused by the body overheating . When individuals suffer heatstroke , it is usually because they have been exposed to high temperatures for long periods of time or have been physically exerting themselves in such conditions .
HOW SERIOUS IS HEATSTROKE ?
The medical examiner ’ s office in Maricopa County , Arizona noted that heat deaths surged by 50 percent in the city of Phoenix in 2023 . Rising temperatures related to climate change have made it less safe to be outdoors on certain days .
The risk for heat-related death is serious in places like Phoenix when the mercury rises , but anyone anywhere can succumb to the heat if they are not careful . By no means are deaths due to heatstroke or other heat-related illnesses exclusive to individuals in traditionally warm locales like Phoenix . Despite that vulnerability , various organizations , including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , note that heat-related illnesses are preventable .
Prevention involves recognition of symptoms prior to going outdoors and a willingness to go inside should any symptoms begin to arise .
SYMPTOMS OF HEATSTROKE Heatstroke can manifest in various ways , producing symptoms that may include :
• Elevated body temperature : The Mayo Clinic notes that a core body temperature of 104 F or higher is a main sign of heatstroke .
• Altered mental state : Someone suffering from heatstroke may begin to feel confused , agitated , irritable , and / or delirious . In addition , such individuals may begin to behave erratically , which can involve slurred speech .
• Changes in sweating patterns : People may begin to sweat differently depending on why they are suffering from heatstroke . When heatstroke is brought on by hot weather , a person ’ s skin will feel hot and dry to the touch , notably leading to a lack of sweat . When heatstroke occurs because of strenuous exercise in hot weather , the skin may feel dry and slightly moist .
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• Nausea and vomiting : Heatstroke can make people feel sick to their stomach and even induce vomiting .
• Flushed skin : This recognizable symptom is marked by skin turning red as body temperature spikes .
• Changes in breathing : Heatstroke can cause rapid , shallow breathing .
• Elevated heart rate : The Harvard Medical School notes that the heart experiences stress when the human body sheds heat . That stress can cause the heart to beat faster and pump harder .
• Headache : Some people with heatstroke experience a throbbing headache .