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Confusion or trouble thinking clearlySeeing or hearing things that aren't real (called "hallucinating " �)Trouble walkingSeizuresPassing out
Heat stroke can also cause: � �
- Fast breathing or a fast heartbeat
- Skin redness and warmth
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Muscle cramps or weakness
- Headaches
Should I see a doctor or nurse? " � Yes. If you or someone you are with has heat stroke, get medical help right away. In the US and Canada, you should call 9-1-1 for an ambulance. � �
Is there a test for heat stroke? " � Yes. The doctor will do an exam and take your temperature. He or she will probably do other tests to check if the heat stroke hurt other organs in your body. These tests can include: � �
- Blood tests
- Urine tests
- Chest X-ray
- Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) " � This test measures the electrical activity in your heart (figure 1).
How is heat stroke treated? " � The main treatment involves cooling your body down. Your doctor can do this in the hospital in different ways. � �
Your doctor will also treat any other problems the heat stroke has caused. � �
Can heat stroke be prevented? " � Yes. When it is hot or humid out, you can do the following things to prevent heat stroke: � �
- Try not to be too active, and take breaks when you exercise.
- Drink plenty of fluids, especially water or sports drinks.
- Do any exercise early in the day, before it gets too hot out.
- Wear loose, light-weight clothes. Don't wear too many layers.
- Avoid being in a hot car.
You should also watch for symptoms of heat cramps or heat exhaustion. Heat cramps cause painful muscle cramps. Heat exhaustion can cause headaches, dizziness, nausea, or vomiting. It can also make you thirsty or tired. � �
If you have symptoms of heat cramps or heat exhaustion, you should cool your body down right away to avoid getting heat stroke. � �
To cool your body down, you can: � �
- Spray yourself with cool water and then sit in front of a fan.
- Move into the shade, or go into an air-conditioned building or car.
- Take a cool shower or bath.
- Drink water or a sports drink. Do NOT have a drink with alcohol or caffeine.
- Take off any extra clothing you are wearing.
- Put a cold pack or cool cloth on your neck or armpit.
All topics are updated as new evidence becomes available and our peer review process is complete. � �
This topic retrieved from UpToDate on: Nov 04, 2014. � �
Topic 16341 Version 5.0 � �
Release: 22.8 - C22.208 � �
� � 2014 UpToDate, Inc. All rights reserved. � �
figure 1
Person having an ECG
This drawing shows a man having an ECG (also called an electrocardiogram or EKG). He has patches, called "electrodes," stuck onto his chest, arms, and legs. Wires run from the electrodes to the ECG machine. An ECG measures the electrical activity in the heart.
Graphic 53145 Version 2.0
View Originalfigure 1
Person having an ECG
This drawing shows a man having an ECG (also called an electrocardiogram or EKG). He has patches, called "electrodes," stuck onto his chest, arms, and legs. Wires run from the electrodes to the ECG machine. An ECG measures the electrical activity in the heart.
Graphic 53145 Version 2.0
View Original
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