Heatstroke or sunstroke is a common illness in the hot season when the weather is extremely hot, causing the body temperature to rise to the point where it cannot release the heat in time. This results in various body systems malfunctioning and can be fatal if not addressed in time.

What is Heatstroke?

Heatstroke (Heatstroke) is a condition where the body has excessively high heat. It is measured from the core temperature of the body. If it measures more than 40 degrees Celsius, it is considered higher than normal body temperature. Different complications may occur that are dangerous if not treated promptly, leading to disability or death.

Why Heatstroke Occurs in the Hot Season

The body has several ways to release heat, but the causes of heatstroke include:

• Body heat dissipation Normally, the body increases the heart’s pumping to better circulate blood throughout the body. Heat is gradually expelled through the skin, but children and the elderly need to be cautious as their heat dissipation is not as efficient as other ages.
• Issues with sweating such as in the elderly taking certain medications, which may cause the body to accumulate more heat and sweat less. When the temperature increases and heat is not released in time, heatstroke can occur.
• Excessive exercise causes the body to be unable to release heat fast enough because it retains too much heat, potentially leading to heatstroke.

Symptoms of Heatstroke

In the early stages of heatstroke, there will be neurological abnormalities before affecting various body systems including:

• Nervous system: headache, dizziness, confused speech, slow response, brain swelling, seizures, and brain cell damage.
• Heart: injury to the heart muscle cells, potentially causing arrhythmias and heart failure.
• Liver, kidneys: potential for acute liver failure and kidney failure.
• Lungs: potential for severe pneumonia, requiring a breathing tube.
• Blood: potential for abnormal blood clotting, blood vessel blockage, and easy bleeding.
• Muscles: potential for cramps, muscle destruction, and risk of muscle breakdown.

Who is at Risk for Heatstroke? 

People of all ages can become overheated and suffer from heatstroke, but it is more common in females than males. The groups that need special attention are children (under 15 years old) and the elderly (over 65 years old) because they are more prone to heatstroke than other groups. Additionally, if they suffer from heatstroke, they are more likely to have complications than the general population. Therefore, they should wear light and comfortable clothing that allows good sweat evaporation, choose light-colored clothes, drink enough water, avoid going outdoors on extremely hot days, or if necessary, ensure to work and rest appropriately and closely monitor any signs of heatstroke.

Why Are Children More at Risk for Heatstroke Than Other Ages?

Children are more physically active by nature, thus their body temperature can rise quickly. Additionally, the surface area of a child’s body relative to their weight is greater than that of other ages, resulting in higher heat absorption when exposed to the hot sun. Also, the blood circulation to the skin may be less than in other ages, which results in poorer heat dissipation. Children are also at greater risk because they tend not to like drinking water, making dehydration more likely. Therefore, special caution should be taken to prevent heatstroke in children.

Are Athletes More at Risk for Heatstroke Than Normal Individuals?

Athletes are more trained than the general population, so they can withstand hot weather better. However, in some cases where athletes train too hard or for too long in the hot season, especially outdoor training during peak sun, losing too much sweat and not drinking enough water can also pose a risk for heatstroke.

How is Heatstroke Different from Stroke?

Heatstroke (Heatstroke) is caused by excessively high body temperature leading to various body systems malfunctioning. In contrast, Stroke is a neurological emergency caused by a blockage, rupture, or clot in the brain’s blood vessels, resulting in weakness, numbness, crooked mouth, slurred speech, and balance issues. Both heatstroke and stroke require urgent medical attention, but diagnosis and treatment methods differ.

How to Prevent Heatstroke 

• Stay in the shade or a cool place 
• Avoid staying outdoors or in the sun during 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
• Wear light, comfortable clothes that allow good sweat evaporation
• Protect the body from the sun, such as using an umbrella, wearing a hat, etc.
• Drink enough water throughout the day
• If sweating excessively, sip plain water or electrolyte water often 
• Do not exercise too hard, especially in hot and humid places or poorly ventilated areas

First Aid for Heatstroke 

Quickly reducing the body temperature of someone suffering from heatstroke is essential to avoid complications. Action steps include:

• For those exercising, if feeling excessively hot, stop and rest immediately to prevent further temperature rise.
• If wearing thick clothing, unbutton or change to light, breathable clothing.
• Move to a shady or cool room as quickly as possible to prevent further body temperature increase.
• Soak in cool water (temperature 8 – 14 °C) or water with ice (temperature 2 – 5 °C) for 10 – 15 minutes.
• If unable to soak in cool water, use a cold cloth on the forehead, neck, armpits, and groin to help reduce body temperature, then quickly transport to hospital.
• If unconscious, call 1669 or 1724 for an ambulance to take the patient to the hospital as quickly as possible.

If Heatstroke Occurs, Will the Body Fully Recover? 

Heatstroke affects various body systems and even after recovery, complications may persist, especially in the brain system, such as memory problems, walking, and balance issues, along with irregular liver or kidney function. Therefore, if abnormal symptoms occur, consult a doctor promptly.

Specialist Doctors in Heatstroke Treatment 

Dr.. Kiratikorn Vongvaivanich Neurologist, Brain, and Neurological Hospital 

You can click here to make an appointment.

Hospitals Specializing in Heatstroke Treatment

Brain and Neurological Center, Brain and Bone Hospital is ready to provide prompt heatstroke treatment  with a team of specialists and multidisciplinary doctors who are experts along with modern treatment technology, increasing the chance of survival and helping patients live happily again.