Everything You Need to Know About Heatstroke: Recognising the Symptoms

Heatstroke is a failure of the body’s regulatory mechanisms that occurs when it can no longer control its temperature. It frequently occurs after prolonged exposure to the sun’s heat or during prolonged physical exertion in a hot and/or humid environment. Older people and young children are most at risk of suffering from heatstroke. This dehydration is accompanied by a rise in body temperature and other symptoms, which can lead to feeling unwell. Heatstroke is common in summer, which is why it is important to follow a few recommendations to protect yourself from the sun and its effects. Although heatstroke is often confused with sunstroke, they are two different conditions.

What is the difference between sunstroke and heatstroke?

People often confuse them because both involve prolonged exposure to high temperatures. Sunstroke is usually associated with excessive exposure to the sun, particularly in people who are not protected by a hat or suitable clothing. It causes the body to overheat, and common symptoms include headaches, dizziness, nausea, and even vomiting. Heatstroke is the next stage, as it is a more serious and potentially life-threatening condition. It occurs when body temperature rises to a critical level because the body cannot regulate heat. Emergency treatment is required for heatstroke and may include rapid cooling of the body, usually by immersion in cold water.

In summary, heat exhaustion is generally less serious and can be treated with simple measures such as resting in the shade and staying hydrated, whilst heatstroke requires immediate medical attention due to its potential severity. 

Heatstroke is a serious medical condition. It is important to recognise its symptoms so that you can react quickly and provide the necessary first aid. Indeed, immediate medical intervention is essential to lower the body’s temperature, as heatstroke can be fatal. Here are some of the signs and symptoms that characterise it: 

• Body temperature and fever: This is very often high and can exceed 40°C.

• The skin is dry and red: to the touch, the skin feels hot, is reddish in colour and dry. It shows no signs of sweating. 

• Absence of sweating: In severe cases, the person may stop sweating, which is normally the body’s way of cooling itself down.

• Confusion: Signs of confusion, irritability, disorientation, and difficulty thinking clearly. 

• Rapid pulse: The pulse may be rapid and strong, as the body tries to compensate for the excessive heat.

• Nausea: Gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea and vomiting may occur.

• Fatigue and exhaustion: The person affected may feel extremely tired and exhausted.

• Muscle cramps: Particularly in the legs and abdomen, may occur.

• Shivering: Although typically associated with the cold, shivering can paradoxically occur during heatstroke, signalling an acute reaction by the body to an excessively high internal temperature.

What are the four warning signs of heatstroke?

• Headaches: These can be severe and persistent.

• Dizziness or light-headedness: These indicate a potential disruption to the body’s temperature regulation.

• Nausea or vomiting: As the body struggles to cope with excessive heat, feelings of nausea increase.

• Rapid, strong pulse: This is a sign that the body is trying to compensate for the heat by increasing the heart rate.

Heatstroke and diarrhoea: how long does it last?

Among the conditions associated with heatstroke, other gastrointestinal symptoms may also be experienced. Indeed, in addition to nausea and vomiting, diarrhoea may occur in people suffering from heatstroke. This is concerning because the dehydration associated with this condition worsens. Excessive diarrhoea leads to a significant loss of fluids and electrolytes, exacerbating the complications of heatstroke.

It is an underlying cause of heatstroke. If it is linked to a gastrointestinal infection, it may last from a few days to a week. However, persistent diarrhoea, particularly in cases of heatstroke, may be a sign of serious complications requiring immediate medical attention. This is why it is important to drink enough water and consume oral rehydration solutions or electrolyte drinks to prevent dehydration. 

If you suspect heatstroke, act immediately by calling emergency services. While waiting for emergency services to arrive, try to cool the person by moving them to a cool place, using cold compresses, ensuring the area is well-ventilated, and encouraging them to drink cool water if they are conscious. Don't underestimate heatstroke, as it can be life-threatening. Prompt action is essential to prevent serious complications.

Heatstroke: what should you do? How can you treat it?

1. Contact the emergency services: Call the emergency services immediately to seek medical assistance.

2. Move the person to a cool place: A shaded or air-conditioned area, away from direct sunlight.

3. Remove any excess clothing: To allow the heat to dissipate more easily. 

4. Cool the person down: You can immerse the person in cold water, apply cold compresses to their body, or use fans to help dissipate the heat.

5. Give them cool water: If the person is conscious and able to drink, give them cool water. Avoid alcohol and caffeine. Electrolyte drinks may also be helpful in restoring electrolyte balance.

6. Monitor vital signs: Carefully monitor the person’s breathing, heart rate, and level of consciousness. If they stop breathing or lose consciousness, start cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) immediately if you are trained to do so.

To prevent heatstroke, follow these simple steps: avoid prolonged sun exposure, especially between 12 noon and 4 pm; wear light, loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing; and cover your head with a hat or cap. It is also important to drink water regularly, even if you do not feel thirsty, and to stay in shaded or air-conditioned areas during periods of intense heat. Finally, adapt your physical activities to the outside temperatures by reducing them or rescheduling them for the coolest times of the day.

Animals also suffer in the heat; find out how to protect your pets during a heatwave.

Lauréna is a journalist specialising in lifestyle, wellness and psychology. Alongside her writing, she travels the world, discovering all it has to teach us.