Definition Heat Stroke - Heat stroke is the most severe form of heat illness and is a life-threatening emergency.

It is the result of long, extreme exposure to the sun, in which a person does not sweat enough to lower body temperature. - The elderly, infants, persons who work outdoors, and those on certain types of medication are most susceptible to heat stroke. It is a condition that develops rapidly and requires immediate medical treatment. - Our bodies produce a tremendous amount of internal heat and we normally cool ourselves by sweating and radiating heat through the skin. However, in certain circumstances, such as extreme heat, high humidity, or vigorous activity in the hot sun, this cooling system may begin to fail, allowing heat to build up to dangerous levels. - If a person becomes dehydrated and can not sweat enough to cool the body, the internal temperature may rise to dangerously high levels, causing heat stroke. Risk factors Anyone can develop heatstroke, but several factors place you at increased risk: 1. Young or old age. Your ability to cope with extreme heat depends of the strength of your central nervous system. In the very young, the central nervous system is not fully developed and in adults over 65, the central nervous system begins to deteriorate, which makes your body less able to cope with changes in body temperature. Both age groups usually have difficulty remaining hydrated, which also increases risk. 2. Genetic response to heat stress. The way your body responds to heat is partly determined by inherited traits. Your genes may play a vital role in determining how your body will respond in extremely hot conditions. 3. Situations that require exertion in hot weather. Common examples of situations that can lead to heatstroke include military training in hot weather and participation in school sports such as football. 4. Sudden exposure to hot weather. If you're not used to high temperatures or high humidity, you may be more susceptible to heat-related illness if you're exposed to a sudden increase in temperature, as might happen with a heat wave that occurs during late spring. Limit your physical activity for at least several days until you've gotten used to the higher temperatures and humidity. However, you may still have an increased risk of heatstroke until you've experienced several weeks of higher temperatures. 5. A lack of air conditioning. Fans may make you feel better, but in sustained hot weather, air conditioning is the most effective way to cool down and lower humidity. 6. Certain medications. Some medications place you at a greater risk of heatstroke and other heat-related conditions because they affect your body's ability to stay hydrated and respond to heat. Be especially careful in hot weather if you take medications that narrow your blood vessels (vasoconstrictors), regulate your blood pressure by blocking adrenaline (beta blockers), rid your body of sodium and water (diuretics), or reduce psychiatric symptoms (antidepressants or antipsychotics). Stimulants for attentiondeficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and illegal stimulants such as amphetamines and cocaine also make you more vulnerable to heatstroke. 7. Certain health conditions. You may be at increased risk of heatstroke if you have certain chronic illnesses, such as heart or lung disease. People who are very overweight, have difficulty moving or lack physical fitness also are at higher risk of heat-related problems.

Causes of Heat Stroke Working or exercising in hot conditions or weather without drinking enough fluids is the main cause of heat stroke. You can get heat stroke by not replacing lost fluids over days or weeks, or you can bring it on in a few hours by exercising strenuously on a hot day without drinking plenty of liquids first. People with the following conditions are especially prone to heat stroke: a. alcoholism b. chronic illnesses like heart disease c. obesity d. older age e. Parkinson's disease f. uncontrolled diabetes g. use of certain medications such as diuretics and antihistamines h. use of some psychoactive drugs such as alcohol and cocaine i. Heavy clothing and some skin conditions can also contribute to the occurrence of heat stroke. Signs and symptoms of heat stroke include:

nausea, vomiting, fatigue, weakness, headache, muscle cramps and aches, and dizziness Slurred speech

However, some individuals can develop symptoms of heat stroke suddenly and rapidly without warning. Different people may have different symptoms and signs of heatstroke. Common symptoms and signs of heat stroke include:

high body temperature, the absence of sweating, with hot red or flushed dry skin, rapid pulse, difficulty breathing, strange behavior, hallucinations, confusion, agitation, disorientation, seizure, and/or coma.

What to do if you suspect heat stroke? 1. Move the person out of the sun and into a shady or air-conditioned space. 2. Call for immediate medical assistance while you begin cooling the affected person. 3. Cool the person by covering with damp sheets or by spraying with cool water. Direct air onto the person with a fan or newspaper. Sponge the person with cool water. 4. Have the person drink cool water or other nonalcoholic beverage without caffeine, if he or she is able. 5. Do not give the person alcohol to drink.

Prevention of heat stroke Heatstroke is predictable and preventable. Take these steps to prevent heatstroke during hot weather: Wear loose fitting, lightweight clothing. Wearing excess clothing or clothing that fits tightly won't allow your body to cool properly. Wear light-colored clothing if you're in the sun. Dark clothing absorbs heat. Light-colored clothing can help keep you cool by reflecting the sun's rays. Drink plenty of fluids. Staying hydrated will help your body sweat and maintain a normal body temperature. Take extra precautions with certain medications. Be on the lookout for heat-related problems if you take medications that can affect your body's ability to stay hydrated and dissipate heat. Never leave children or anyone else in a parked car. This is a common cause of heat-related deaths in children. When parked in the sun, the temperature in your car can rise 20 degrees F (more than 6.7 C) in just 10 minutes. It's not safe to leave a person inside a parked car in hot weather for any period of time, even if the windows are cracked or the car is in the shade. When your car is parked, keep it locked to prevent a child from getting inside. Take it easy during the hottest parts of the day. If you can't avoid strenuous activity in hot weather, follow the same precautions and rest frequently in a cool spot. Try to schedule exercise or physical labor for cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or evening. Taking breaks and replenishing your fluids during that time will help your body regulate your temperature. Get acclimatized. Limit the amount you spend working or exercising in the heat until you're conditioned to it. People who are not used to hot weather are especially susceptible to heatrelated illness, including heatstroke. It can take several weeks for your body to adjust to hot weather. Be cautious if you're at increased risk. If you take medications or have a physical condition that increases your risk of heat-related problems, avoid the heat and act quickly if you notice symptoms of overheating. If you participate in a strenuous sporting event or activity in hot weather, make sure there are medical services at the event in case a heat emergency arises.