Heatstroke Symptoms and Recovery

Overview Heat Stroke

The human body regulates heat production and dissipation to maintain a normal body temperature. The body lowers its temperature through peripheral vasodilation, increased subcutaneous blood flow, dissipating heat into the air, and sweating and evaporation. If heat production and dissipation become unbalanced, body temperature rises rapidly.

In hot environments, excessive sweating depletes the body's water and salt, leading to dehydration. Reduced fluid and salt levels can cause heat cramps or fainting due to lack of blood flow to the muscles and brain.

The result of these processes is heatstroke. Severe heatstroke can be fatal, but it can be avoided with proper prevention and treatment.

Symptoms of Heatstroke

Mild heatstroke (Level 1) Ischemia and shunting of blood to the brain and other major organs can cause fainting. Drinking water without salt or electrolytes can lower blood salt levels, potentially causing painful heat cramps.

Moderate heatstroke (Level 2) During exercise or activity, blood flow decreases due to excessive sweating, increased blood flow to the skin, and reduced blood supply to the muscles. This leads to a drop in blood pressure, further reducing blood flow. This can cause fainting, headache, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, decreased urination, and other systemic symptoms. Body temperature rises, but is below the level for severe heatstroke and remains below 40°C. The patient may experience mild confusion, but will not lose consciousness.

Severe Heatstroke (Level 3)

If dehydration continues, body temperature can rise above 40°C, causing damage to the brain and other major organs, and potentially leading to loss of consciousness. This is heatstroke. Level of consciousness is crucial in diagnosis; other symptoms such as lethargy, inability to state one's name/location or date, and incoherent speech all suggest heatstroke.

Risk Factors for Heatstroke

The following groups are at high risk for heatstroke.

• Elderly

• Children

• Dehydrated individuals (diarrhea or infection)

• Individuals with heart disease, diabetes, psychotic disorders, skin diseases, etc.

• Individuals taking medication for heart disease, high blood pressure, and other conditions

• Individuals experiencing a hangover

• Individuals from cold regions or unaccustomed to high temperatures

• Individuals in wheelchairs (closer to the hot ground)

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Environmental Risk Factors

In hot, humid, and radiant environments with radiant heat sources, the body loses less heat and sweat, increasing the risk of heatstroke. Construction sites, playgrounds, gyms, bathrooms, poorly ventilated buildings, and penthouses are high-risk locations for heatstroke.

Heatstroke First Aid

If you feel unwell after being in a hot environment for some time, regardless of the symptoms, consider the possibility of heatstroke. Move to a cool place and drink plenty of water (if possible, drink sports drinks, oral rehydration solutions, or saline solution to replenish electrolytes).

If you suspect someone has heatstroke, move them to a cool place, loosen their clothing, and cool their body as quickly as possible. Spray cool water or drape a damp towel over the person and use a fan to cool them down. Give the person some water to drink. However, if the person is unconscious or unable to drink, take them to the hospital immediately.

Preventing Heatstroke

The risk of heatstroke can be reduced by the following methods:

□ 1) Avoid heat stress

Use clothing, hats, umbrellas, and any other accessories to shield yourself from the sun. Walk in the shade whenever possible.

□ 2) Keep the surrounding air circulating as much as possible

Use a handheld fan.

□ 3) Allow sweat to evaporate

Wear breathable clothing.

□ 4) Try to adjust your schedule

Schedule outdoor activities for cooler times of day.

□ 5) Be aware of acute heat

Special care is needed in early summer and after the rainy season. Take frequent breaks for the first three days after exposure to hot weather.

□ 6) Find shade to rest

Look for air-conditioned facilities, shops, and other places.

□ 7) Make good use of rest areas

Use sunshades and fans in air-conditioned areas.

□ 8) Prevent dehydration

Drink plenty of water. Replenish lost salts through sweat with saline solution. Drink a glucose electrolyte solution with a sodium ion concentration of 0.1%-0.2%. Dark urine is a sign of dehydration.

□ 9) Avoid overexertion. Consider avoiding outdoor activities in high temperatures. Do not try to keep pace with others in high temperatures.

□ 10) Maintain good health. Eat three meals a day. Get at least 6 hours of sleep at night. Insomnia, hangovers, fever, and diarrhea can weaken your resistance to heat stress. Some medications may also increase the risk of heatstroke, so consult your doctor about side effects.

□ 11) Adapt to the heat. Take a few days to do some short workouts to acclimatize to the heat.

□ 12) Closely monitor those at high risk of heatstroke. Pay special attention to new employees and visitors, especially those from cool, dry areas. Pay special attention to the elderly, children, obese individuals who lack exercise, and other at-risk individuals. Checklist Before Starting Work/Activity