Beat the Heat: How to Prevent Heatstroke and Enjoy Your Summertime

Definition   |   Types of Heatstroke   |  Heat Exhaustion vs. Heat Stroke  |  Causes  |   Symptoms  |   Risk Factors   |   Diagnosis   |   Treatment   |   Prevention  |   Note from Dr. Sannoufi

What is Heatstroke?

Imagine the human body as a finely-tuned, natural air-conditioner. It’s designed to keep our temperature balanced, just like the thermostat in our homes. But what happens when this internal air-conditioner can’t keep up with the heat? Heatstroke, also known as sunstroke, can occur – and it can be as dangerous as a house fire.

The threat of heatstroke becomes very real when the mercury in our natural thermometer rises above 104 degrees Fahrenheit (40 degrees Celsius). Picture yourself in an environment where the heat is overbearing, perhaps on a sweltering summer day or amidst a relentless heatwave. That’s typically when this formidable foe strikes.

It’s a silent and sudden threat, almost like a summer storm that sneaks up on a clear day. Our bodies, efficient as they are, usually manage temperature well. But when faced with extreme heat or vigorous physical activity, even the best cooling systems can falter.

Why is heatstroke such a formidable enemy? Because it doesn’t just invade our comfort zone – it threatens our health’s very core. Untreated heatstroke can cause serious damage, much like a fire left unchecked. It can cause brain damage, and organ failure to our vital organs, and in severe cases, can even lead to a tragic loss of life.

Awareness and understanding are our fire extinguishers in the face of this threat. Recognizing the signs of heatstroke and seeking immediate medical assistance are paramount.

Are There Different Types of Heatstroke?

Heatstroke is much like an unwelcome summer guest. It can arrive swiftly and unexpectedly, or gradually over a period of time. This is why it’s important to understand its two main types – exertional and non-exertional.

Exertional heatstroke is the surprise party you never wanted. Imagine running a marathon on a hot, humid day. You’re pushing your body to the limit and the heat is intense. This strain can cause your body to overheat in just a few hours, leading to exertional heatstroke. It shows us the danger of pushing our body’s ‘thermostat’ too hard, too fast.

On the other hand, non-exertional or classic heatstroke is a guest that overstays its welcome. It usually targets older adults or individuals with existing health conditions and it doesn’t need physical activity as an invitation. Picture spending several days in a heatwave without air conditioning – that’s the environment where non-exertional heatstroke thrives, creeping in slowly over a few days.

By understanding these two forms of heatstroke, you can better arm yourself against this health intruder. Whether you’re an active individual or dealing with health issues, it’s vital to know your risk factors and take steps to protect yourself. Remember, heatstroke is a guest that can turn up anywhere and at any time, either rapidly or gradually.

Are Heat Exhaustion and Heatstroke the Same Thing?

Think of heat-related illnesses as a spectrum with two ends, similar to a thermometer. At one end, we have heat exhaustion – it’s not a joyride, but it’s the lesser evil of the two. On the other, more dangerous end, we have heatstroke.

Now, heat exhaustion is like your body waving a white flag, telling you it’s feeling the heat and needs a breather. It’s milder and can show up as heavy sweating, faintness, and fatigue. The key is, if we listen to these signals and act, by moving to a cooler place and hydrating, we can prevent the situation from escalating.

Ignore these signs, let your body remain in the heat and continue to sizzle, and you risk crossing over to the darker side of the spectrum – heatstroke. This is a serious condition and severe form of heat exhaustion. It’s a case of your body’s cooling system failing and your internal ‘thermostat’ going haywire, leading to problems with your brain function and other serious health complications. It’s a medical emergency, and prompt treatment is critical.

Understanding the differences between heat exhaustion and heatstroke is like knowing how to read the thermometer correctly. It can literally save lives.

What Causes Heatstroke?

Have you ever wondered why a car left in the sun becomes unbearably hot? It’s because the car absorbs more heat than it can dissipate, causing the temperature inside to skyrocket. This same concept applies to our bodies when we talk about heatstroke. It’s our body’s inability to cool itself down when it absorbs more heat than it can get rid of.

Normally, there’s a special ‘thermostat’ in our brains, a region called the hypothalamus, that manages our core temperature and aims to keep it steady at around 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit (37 degrees Celsius). It’s a delicate balance that ensures our body’s machinery runs smoothly. But, if the external heat becomes too much, our built-in cooling mechanisms, like sweating, can fail. This tips the scale and our internal temperature can surge past its normal threshold, plunging us into the perilous territory of heatstroke.

Now, remember, heatstroke isn’t a condition that selects its victims based on geography or time. It can happen to anyone, anywhere, anytime when it’s really hot and our bodies can’t sufficiently cool down.

The good news is that understanding why heatstroke happens empowers us to prevent it. As a rule of thumb, ensure you’re well-hydrated, seek shade when the sun is at its peak, and pay attention to your body’s warning signals. If you start to feel uncomfortably hot, slow down and cool off. By adopting these simple measures, you can enjoy the summer while keeping yourself safe from the threat of heatstroke.

Symptoms of Heatstroke

Picture this: you’re out on a hot summer day, maybe playing a vigorous game of beach volleyball or simply enjoying a stroll. Suddenly, you feel a wave of dizziness wash over you. Your skin, hot and dry to the touch, is almost sizzling under the sun. A throbbing headache starts to form. These aren’t just signs of discomfort due to the heat, these could be the warning bells of heatstroke.

It’s crucial to pay attention to these signals that your body sends out. Let’s take a closer look:

• High body temperature: A body temperature of 104 F (40 C) or above is a key sign. This isn’t something you’ll just ‘feel’, so if you’re unwell in a hot environment, it’s a good idea to check your temperature if possible.
• Changes in thinking or behavior: Altered mental state or behavior can manifest as confusion, irritability, slurred speech, seizures, or even falling into a coma. This is because heatstroke can cause your brain to malfunction.
• Alterations in sweating: Oddly, in extreme heat, your skin might feel hot and dry to the touch. If you’ve been exercising intensely, it could be moist.
• Feeling sick and throwing up: Nausea and vomiting can occur as your body reacts to overheating.
• Flushed skin: As your temperature increases, your skin may turn red.
• Fast breathing and heart rate: Heatstroke can make your respiratory system and heart work overtime, resulting in rapid, shallow breathing and a racing heartbeat.
• Headache: A throbbing headache that persists could be a sign that your body is struggling to cool down.

These symptoms can occur in any hot environment, particularly during strenuous physical activities. And remember, they require immediate attention. If you or someone else begins to exhibit these signs, seek medical help right away. Recognizing the symptoms early can be lifesaving.

Risk Factors for Heatstroke

Understanding who is at risk of heatstroke is key to preventing it. There are a number of factors that might increase your risk, and we want to bring these to your attention so you can take appropriate measures to keep safe.

• Age: Our body’s ability to regulate heat and maintain hydration isn’t as efficient at the extreme ends of the age spectrum. Infants and children under 4, as well as adults over 65, are particularly vulnerable to heatstroke.
• Intense Physical Activity: Vigorous activities like running a marathon or playing a game of football in hot weather can accelerate heat build-up in your body, making you more prone to heatstroke.
• Sudden Exposure to Hot Weather: If your body isn’t accustomed to high temperatures, a sudden transition can be challenging. Whether it’s moving to a hotter place or the arrival of a heatwave, give your body a few days to adjust before undertaking strenuous activities.
• Absence of Air Conditioning: Air conditioning can be a lifesaver during hot summers. While fans can provide some relief, they are less effective as temperatures soar.
• Certain Medications: Some medicines can affect your body’s ability to stay hydrated and dissipate heat. If you’re taking vasoconstrictors, beta blockers, diuretics, certain antidepressants, antipsychotics, or ADHD medications, you could be at a higher risk of heatstroke.
• Existing Health Conditions: Certain chronic conditions like heart or lung disease, obesity, sedentary lifestyle or a previous history of heatstroke can increase your vulnerability.

Being aware of these risk factors empowers you to take precautions. Remember to stay well-hydrated, rest frequently when it’s hot, and stay indoors in a cool environment as much as possible. If you have any concerns about your medications or existing health conditions that might impact your risk, don’t hesitate to reach out to us.

How is Heatstroke Diagnosed?

Recognizing and treating heatstroke as quickly as possible is vital, and healthcare professionals in an emergency setting are prepared to do just that. The diagnosis typically begins with a review of symptoms and a thorough physical examination. A key step in diagnosing heatstroke is checking the body temperature – a reading of 104 F (40 C) or higher can indicate heatstroke.

To gain a more precise picture of the severity of the condition, medical professionals may order additional tests:

1. Blood Tests: Blood work can reveal whether heatstroke has impacted the central nervous system or other critical organs.
2. Urinalysis: Analyzing urine can provide information about kidney function and the level of dehydration.
3. Chest X-ray: An X-ray of the chest can reveal any damage to the lungs or other areas.
4. Electrocardiogram (EKG): This test can monitor the heart’s electrical activity. Given that heatstroke can place a substantial burden on your heart, understanding its functioning during a heatstroke episode is important.

These diagnostic steps enable healthcare professionals to not only confirm heatstroke but also evaluate its severity and determine the best course of treatment.

When to See a Doctor

Heatstroke is a serious condition that warrants immediate medical attention. If you suspect someone is suffering from heatstroke, the very first step is to call 911 or your local emergency services without delay. As you await professional medical help, there are several things you can do to assist the person in distress:

• Relocate: Try to move the person to a cooler environment. If you’re outdoors, find a shady spot. If possible, bring them inside away from the blistering sun.
• Remove Excess Clothing: To aid the body in cooling down more efficiently, remove any unnecessary layers of clothing.
• Cool Them Down: Utilize whatever methods you have at your disposal to decrease their body temperature. This could be as simple as a cool shower or bath, spraying them with water from a hose, or using a wet sponge to gently moisten their skin. Another helpful technique is fanning them while lightly spraying them with cool water.
• Apply Cold Compresses: Place ice packs or cold, damp towels on their head, neck, armpits, and groin. These specific areas house a significant number of blood vessels close to the skin’s surface, and cooling them can contribute to lowering the body’s overall temperature.

Remember, heatstroke is an extremely serious, potentially fatal condition. The steps mentioned are intervention measures to be taken while waiting for medical professionals to arrive. Do not delay in calling for emergency medical help at the first signs of heatstroke.

How is Heatstroke Treated?

Heatstroke is a significant medical crisis and swift intervention is absolutely crucial. If you believe someone may be experiencing heatstroke, while you are waiting for emergency services to arrive, you can take some immediate measures to help reduce their body temperature: 

• Ice Packs Application: Placing ice packs on areas with large blood vessels like the neck, groin, and armpits can contribute significantly to lowering body temperature.
• Provide Slightly Salted Fluids: Encourage the person to sip on sports drinks or lightly salted water. This can help replenish electrolytes lost through excessive sweating and maintain hydration.
• Shift to a Cool Environment: Move them to a cooler, shaded area with good air circulation to facilitate cooling.
• Cool Water Immersion: If feasible, immerse them in cool water to help bring down the body temperature more rapidly.
• Mist and Fan Technique: Mist them with water and fan them to encourage evaporative cooling, a highly effective method to decrease body heat.
• Monitor Breathing: Keep a close watch on their breathing. Ensure there are no obstructions and the airway remains clear.
• Remove Constrictive Clothing: Any tight or heavy clothing should be removed as it can inhibit the body’s ability to release heat.
• Avoid Medications: Without medical guidance, refrain from giving any medications, including common over-the-counter ones like aspirin or acetaminophen. 

When medical help arrives, several medical treatment strategies may be used at the hospital:

• Cooled Intravenous Fluids: Cold fluids might be administered intravenously to both hydrate and decrease body temperature.
• Cooling Blanket: Special cooling blankets can be used to help reduce body temperature.
• Ice Bath: In certain situations, an ice bath may be employed for quick and efficient cooling.
• Medications: To counteract potential seizures caused by high body temperature, seizure prevention medication may be given.
• Oxygen Therapy: Supplemental oxygen might be provided to maintain adequate oxygen levels in the body.

In extreme cases, cold-water lavage may be necessary where body cavities are filled with cold water through catheters to help reduce body temperature. This could involve the rectum or being passed down the throat.

Medical professionals will generally halt cooling treatments once the body temperature drops to around 102 degrees Fahrenheit (38.9 degrees Celsius). The duration of hospitalization will depend on the severity of the heatstroke and the person’s organ function.

Remember, heatstroke is a life-threatening condition. If you suspect someone is experiencing heatstroke, it’s crucial to seek immediate medical help.

How to Prevent Heatstroke

Heatstroke, while dangerous, can be anticipated and prevented. By taking certain precautionary measures, especially when it’s hot, you can effectively prevent it:

• Choose Light and Loose Clothing: Tight or heavy clothes can hinder your body’s ability to cool down efficiently. Opt for light, breathable fabrics to help your body maintain a normal temperature.
• Shield Yourself From the Sun: Remember to wear a hat and sunglasses and apply sunscreen with a high SPF rating regularly. Sunburn can impair your body’s ability to cool itself down.
• Hydrate Adequately: Consuming plenty of fluids is critical as it aids your body in producing sweat, which in turn helps regulate your body temperature.
• Exercise Caution With Medications: Some medications can impair your body’s ability to stay hydrated or cool. If you’re on such medication, be extra vigilant for signs of heat-related issues.
• Never Leave Anyone in a Parked Car: The temperature inside a parked car can rapidly increase, even when it’s not particularly hot outside. It’s unsafe to leave anyone in a parked car, even with the windows rolled down or in a shaded area.
• Limit Strenuous Activities in Extreme Heat: If you must engage in demanding activities, ensure you take regular breaks to rest and rehydrate. Try scheduling these activities during the cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or late evening.
• Acclimate to Heat Gradually: If you’re not accustomed to hot climates, allow your body time to adjust. Your body may require a few weeks to adapt effectively.
• Take Extra Precautions If You’re at Higher Risk: If you have a condition or medication that makes you more susceptible to heat-related issues, steer clear of heat as much as possible and seek immediate help if you start feeling overheated. If you participate in sports or activities in hot weather that require significant exertion, ensure medical services are readily available.

Heatstroke is a serious matter, but by adhering to these recommendations, you can effectively prevent it. Remember to care for both yourself and others during hot weather, and if you notice any signs of heatstroke, act swiftly.

A note from Dr. Sannoufi

At La Vie Health, consider us as your trusted co-pilots on your journey to good health. Remember, while summer is a season of joy and leisure, it’s also important to enjoy it responsibly, like a mindful tourist who respects the environment while having a great time. Should you need guidance on this health journey or have questions, never hesitate to reach out. We’re here to serve you. 

Here’s to a safe, cool, and vibrant summer!

Where can I learn more about heatstroke?

• Health Canada. Fact Sheet: Staying Healthy in the Heath (https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/publications/healthy-living/fact-sheet-staying-healthy-heat.html) Accessed 06/11/23
• Canadian Red Cross. Heat-Related Emergencies: Staying Cool and Hydrated in Canadian Summers.(https://www.redcross.ca/training-and-certification/first-aid-tips-and-resources/first-aid-tips/heat-related-emergencies-staying-cool-and-hydrated-in-canadian-summers) Accessed 06/12/23
• Health Impacts of Extreme Heat. Climate Atlas. (https://climateatlas.ca/health-impacts-extreme-heat) Accessed 06/15/23
• Get Prepared. Heat Waves. (https://www.getprepared.gc.ca/cnt/rsrcs/sfttps/tp201207-en.aspx) Accessed 06/15/23
• Communicating the Health Risks of Extreme Heat Events (https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/environmental-workplace-health/reports-publications/climate-change-health/communicating-health-risks-extreme-heat-events-toolkit-public-health-emergency-management-officials-health-canada-2011.html) Accessed 06/16/23