As the summer approaches, many people are experiencing elevated temperatures inside and outside of their home. It’s important that everyone understands what the symptoms of heat stroke are because they can mimic a heart attack. Both of these conditions are serious and people should seek emergency medical attention.
What to Look for in a Heat Stroke
Before a person has a heat stroke, he/she may suffer from heat exhaustion. The warning signs of a heat stroke that are typical of heat exhaustion include:
- Weakness
- Headache
- Nausea/Vomiting
- Aches and muscle cramps
- Dizziness
Heat Stroke Symptoms
- Elevated body temperature
- Abnormal behavior
- Hallucinations
- Confusion
- Disorientation
- Breathing difficulty
- Rapid pulse
- Not sweating
- Dry, red skin
If someone ignores the preliminary symptoms of heat stroke, he/she may have a seizure or go into a coma.
Heat Stroke Is Serious
Infants, elderly, athletes, and people who work outdoors in extreme conditions are most at risk for heat stroke. It is important to pay attention to the signs of heat stroke because it can lead to death if left untreated. If you or someone you know begins to feel ill or suffers from the above symptoms, go to the emergency room immediately or call 9-1-1, especially since many of these signs of heat stroke are also ones of a heart attack.
Photo: chantrybee
Sun, May 2, 2010
Health