Heat Stroke

What is a Heat Stroke?

Heat stroke is a condition caused by your body overheating, usually as a result of prolonged exposure to or physical exertion in high temperatures. This most serious form of heat injury, heatstroke, can occur if your body temperature rises to 104 F or higher. Heatstroke requires emergency treatment. Untreated heat stroke can quickly damage your brain, heart, kidneys and muscles. The damage worsens the longer treatment is delayed, increasing your risk of serious complications or death.

Symptoms of a Heat Stroke Include:

• High body temperature

• Nausea and vomiting

• Confusion, agitation, slurred speech, unable to comprehend words

• Rapid breathing, rapid heart rate

• Flushed skin

If you believe you are having a heat stroke please call 911 immediately for immediate treatment and take rapid action to treat your symptoms like:

• Cool down with anything close by, pour ice water on yourself to get your body temperature to decrease

• Remove clothing

• Get yourself into a shade spot

Causes:

• Exposure to a hot environment especially for a long period of time and without heat protection such as hats, shades, and sunblock

• Intense physical activity in hot weather especially if you are not accustomed to hot weather

• Wearing excess clothing in hot weather

• Drinking alcohol - doesn’t properly regulate your body's temperature

• Being dehydrated in warm weather

Complications of a heat stroke could include:

• Without immediate treatment your vital organs can begin to swell or even to shut down

• Death - without prompt treatment, a heat stroke can be fatal

How to prevent a heat stroke:

• Protect against sunburn using sunblock and protective clothing that isn’t too heavy or tight

• Keep yourself hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids at all times throughout the day

• Remember to not exert yourself too much in hot weathers so it is advised to take it easy during the day

Treatment:

Some treatments your doctor may perform include:

• Submerging you in ice cold water

• Give you medication

• Use ice packs and cooling blankets

Clinica Medica Familiar is a family practice offering primary care services for the entire family including; OB/GYN, Pediatrics, and Geriatrics. We specialize in Chronic diseases and that is offering Covid vaccines in our three locations: Magnolia, Mead Valley, and Montclair. Please call us at 855-505-7467 to schedule you today or visit our website https://www.clinicamedicafamiliardrrios.com/booking-calendar

Clinica Medica Familiar is NOW offering Telemedicine (Telehealth/video call) and Flu Shots. Please call us at 855-505-7467 to learn more about these amazing services and bilingual providers, we are now providing services throughout Corona, Montclair, Riverside, Perris, Moreno Valley, Lake Elsinore, Temecula, and Indio.