First aid : Heatstroke

Healthpind Staff
Medically Reviewed : Dr. Singh , J.P, MBBS, MD, DNB

Heatstroke occurs when the body fails to dissipate heat, so the temperature of the body’s core increases. The internal organ undergoes inflammation, which might even cause organ dysfunction in the worst case. The seriousness of heat stroke can even lead to the failure of the central nervous system, skeletal muscle, and heart. The liver, kidneys, and lungs sometimes stop functioning, making the body hypoglycemic. Heat exertion can often take the shape of Heatstroke, which can cause impairment of neurologic and mental function.

Types of heatstroke

Heatstroke can broadly be divided into two major categories. Heatstroke can be classic or exertional.

The classic Heatstroke takes a time of 2-3 days to develop. It is a common condition during summer while experiencing heat waves. This condition is generally seen in adults who have no air conditioning resources. However, it is also seen in children mistakenly enclosed in the hot car.
Exertional heat stroke is much of a candid thing that can even be seen in healthy people. You will be surprised to know that exertional heat stroke occurs in athletes, factory workers, military people, etc., who have an active lifestyle. The heat load on the body causes it during exertion in a humid and hot environment. There are serious consequences, and the severity may reach the extent that a patent would develop acute kidney injury.

The symptoms vary from person to person. The common symptoms can be:

The complete failure of the central nervous system.
Patients may have bizarre behavior, a confusing approach, or even cease functioning, leading to a coma.
Patients may sweat heavily.
Dizziness and a feeling of nausea.

There are two ways to diagnose Heatstroke. A patient with a head stroke has a clear history of environmental heat, so the diagnosis of Heatstroke can be made in a clinical or laboratory way.

Clinical ways are all about checking the temperature of a patient’s body. The blood pressure and physical well-being of the patient are evaluated for diagnosis.
Laboratory testing includes the test of blood urea nitrogen, electrolyte, blood count, evaluation of internal organs, calcium, hepatic profile, etc. If a urine sample has nearly no RBC but reacts positively for blood, it is more likely that the patient has myoglobinuria. The core temperature is constantly monitored, which is how it is diagnosed.

Two primary temperature techniques are used as first Aid for the patient with Heatstroke:

Aggressive cooling: Coldwater immersion is one of the most popular techniques for treating heat stroke.
Supporting care: A patient suffering from Heatstroke must be given utmost care. A person must be nearby to attend to the patient and serve as support, which can work miracles in the patient’s recovery.

Reaching out for immediate treatment is essential when a patient suffers from severe heat stroke, but taking a cold can help in mild heatstroke cases. Hence, knowing about first Aid for Heatstroke can help you handle the adverse conditions of patients until medical help is sought.

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