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Heatstroke Symptoms, Causes, Prevention, and Treatment

From Christine Luff,
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Symptoms:

Heatstroke is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the body fails to regulate its own temperature and body temperature continues to rise, often to 104°F or higher. Someone suffering from heatstroke needs immediate medical attention to prevent brain damage, organ failure or death. A person with heatstroke may stop sweating. Other symptoms of heatstroke include confusion or unconsciousness, and skin that is red, hot and dry, even under the armpits.

Cause:

Heat exhaustion can sometimes lead to heatstroke. It can be brought on by hot climate, strenuous physical activity, or by other conditions that elevate body temperature.

Prevention:

The easiest way to avoid heat-related illnesses such as heatstroke is to drink fluids before, during and after exercise. The body's fluid needs vary with exertion, climate, humidity, terrain, and other factors. Fluid recommendations say that runners should "obey your thirst" and drink when their mouth is dry and they feel the need to drink. Drink before runs and make sure you have access to fluids if running longer than 30 minutes. During longer workouts, some of your fluid intake should include a sports drink to replace lost salt and other electrolytes.

More: Tips for Preventing Heat-Related Illnesses

Treatment:

This is a medical emergency! If you are suffering from heatstroke, you should be taken to the emergency room, where you will be treated with intravenous fluids and cooling methods. Before help arrives or you get taken to an emergency room, rest in a cool place, remove clothing to expose skin to air, apply ice packs or cool water to groin, underarms, neck.
Updated: April 22, 2008
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