10 Signs and Symptoms of Heat Stroke

Home
Local News
10 Signs and Symptoms of Heat Stroke

Heat stroke is a very seriously and potentially dangerous heat injury that requires medical attention immediately. This is the most severe form of heat-related condition that stems from milder illnesses such as heat cramps and heat exhaustion. The medical definition of heat stroke is a core body temperature of 105 degrees Fahrenheit or higher combined with central nervous system complications resulting from overexposure to high temperatures.

If you’ve spent a lot of time in the sun and you’re experiencing any of the symptoms below, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately.

Here are 10 Signs and Symptoms of Heat Stroke:

1. Incredibly Hot Skin

Incredibly hot, red skin is one of the most popular signs of heat stroke. If your skin is hot to touch and you have an internal body temperature 105 degrees or higher, you will need to see a doctor as soon possible. A simple sunburn will also present this symptom (red, hot skin) but the situation becomes dangerous when your body temperature stays higher than 105.

2. Dizziness and Fainting

In addition to an internal body temperature greater than 105 degrees Fahrenheit, dizziness and fainting are the next most common symptoms of heat stroke. If you’ve spent several hours in the sun and you experience this symptom, contact your doctor immediately.

3. Extreme Fatigue

Spending a day in the sun can be exhausting at the best of times, however, if you’re experiencing some of the other symptoms on this list along with extreme fatigue, it may be a sign of heat stroke. If this is the case, it’s always best to seek medical help, just in case your heat exhaustion has progressed into heat stroke.

4. Nausea

Nausea is another indication that your heat exhaustion has progressed into heat stroke. A constant nauseous or uneasy feeling in your stomach (especially combined with dizziness) may mean your condition is worse than you initially thought. Drink lots of water to help treat the nausea and, as always, contact your doctor for assistance.

5. Vomiting

Feeling nauseous is one thing, but actually vomiting is another. If your nausea has progressed into vomiting, this is a definite sign of heat stroke and it’s critical that you seek medical attention immediately. Drink as much water as possible on your way to seek help.

6. Rapid Heartbeat

A rapid heartbeat after spending time in the sun can be an indication of a serious problem. If you’re experiencing some of the other symptoms on this list in addition to a rapid heartbeat, you will want to make sure you get checked out immediately. When it comes to the heart, you don’t want to take any chances.

7. Mental Confusion

Individuals who have heat stroke often feel dizzy but mental confusion is also a popular symptom. If you’re having difficulty thinking, remembering or focusing, it may be an indication that you’re suffering from heat stroke. If this is the case, contact your doctor or seek medical help as soon as possible.

8. Seizures

Seizures are a very serious (and very dangerous) symptom of heat stroke that requires immediate medical attention. This symptom often presents itself abruptly and offers few warning signs. If someone you know has suffered a seizure, get them to the hospital as soon as possible.

9. Lack of Sweating

One of the differences between heat exhaustion and full-blown heat stroke is a lack of sweating. If you’ve spent too much time in the sun, you’ll likely feel very hot and perspirate a lot. However, if you’re suffering from heat stroke, your body will not produce sweat, despite feeling incredibly hot.

10. Severe Headache

If you’ve spent time in the sun and you’re experiencing a severe headache, you may be suffering from heat stroke. It’s common for individuals to have a slight headache after spending time outdoors in the summer but a severe headache, combined with at least one other symptom on this list is an indication you need to seek medical attention immediately.