What is Heat Stroke ?
Heat stroke is a life-threatening condition that occurs when a person becomes extremely overheated. Basically, the body's temperature rises while its ability to cool off shuts down. Babies and young children are especially vulnerable to heat stroke. Your baby might get heat stroke if he is outside too long in very hot weather, for example, especially if he becomes dehydrated or if he's dressed too warmly. Riding in a hot car — or leaving him in a parked car, which you should never do — would put him at risk, too. (In fact, heat stroke can occur within minutes in a car, where the temperature quickly climbs much higher than the outside temperature.)
What causes heat exhaustion and heatstroke?
Heat-related illnesses, such as heat exhaustion and heatstroke, occur when your body can't keep itself cool. As the air temperature rises, your body stays cool when your sweat evaporates. On hot, humid days, the evaporation of sweat is slowed by the increased moisture in the air. When sweating isn't enough to cool your body, your body temperature rises, and you may become ill.
What should I do if I think I have heat exhaustion?
Heat exhaustion happens when your body gets too hot. It can be caused by exercise or hot weather. You may feel weak, dizzy or worried. You also may have a headache or a fast heartbeat. You may get dehydrated and have very little urine.
If you think you have heat exhaustion, get out of the heat quickly. Rest in a cool, shady place. Drink plenty of water or other fluids. Do NOT drink alcohol. Alcohol can make heat exhaustion worse. If you do not feel better within 30 minutes, you should contact your doctor. If heat exhaustion is not treated, it can progress to heatstroke.
Click here for the article
