Heat stroke awareness

Overview

Heat stroke is a life-threatening condition that happens when your body overheats and cannot cool itself down. Your internal temperature rises to 104°F (40°C) or higher, which can damage your brain, heart, kidneys, and muscles. It is a medical emergency that needs immediate treatment.

Heat stroke is not common in the general population, but it becomes more frequent during heat waves and in certain high-risk groups. With rising global temperatures, heat-related illnesses are becoming a growing public health concern.

Anyone can get heat stroke, but it is more likely in young children, older adults, people with chronic health conditions (like heart disease or obesity), those who work or exercise in hot environments, and those taking certain medications that affect heat regulation.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• High body temperature – 104°F (40°C) or higher (taken with a thermometer)
• Hot, red, dry skin (sweating may have stopped)
• Rapid, strong pulse
• Headache
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Nausea and vomiting
• Confusion, disorientation, or strange behavior
• Loss of consciousness

Symptoms in children

• Irritability or excessive crying
• Lethargy (unusually sleepy or hard to wake)
• Skin that feels hot and looks flushed
• Rapid breathing
• Refusing to drink or eat

Symptoms in older adults

• Confusion or agitation that is new or worse than usual
• Weakness or trouble walking
• Dry, hot skin (older adults may not sweat as much)
• Rapid heart rate
• Low blood pressure

Causes

Main causes

• Prolonged exposure to high temperatures, especially in direct sun or poorly ventilated spaces
• Strenuous physical activity in hot weather without enough rest or fluids
• Dehydration – not drinking enough water to replace fluids lost through sweat

Risk factors

• Infants and young children, whose bodies heat up faster
• Older adults, especially those over 65
• People with chronic medical conditions like heart disease, diabetes, or obesity
• Use of certain medicines, including diuretics, antihistamines, beta-blockers, and some antidepressants
• Alcohol or drug misuse
• Wearing heavy clothing that traps heat
• Sudden exposure to hot weather without time to adjust (acclimatise)

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• Call your local emergency number if you suspect heat stroke in yourself or someone else.
• Do not drive to the hospital – an ambulance can start cooling treatment on the way.

Book a routine appointment if:

• If you have had heat exhaustion or mild heat illness and are concerned about recovery, make an appointment with your general practitioner.
• Follow-up care may be needed if you have underlying health conditions that could make you more vulnerable to heat.

Diagnosis

Doctors diagnose heat stroke based on your symptoms, a physical exam, and your body temperature. They will ask about your recent activity and exposure to heat.

Tests that may be done

• Body temperature measurement – usually with a rectal thermometer for accuracy
• Blood tests to check kidney function, electrolyte levels, and signs of organ damage
• Urine tests to look for dehydration or muscle breakdown
• Electrocardiogram (ECG) – a test of your heart's electrical activity
• Imaging tests like CT scans if there is confusion or neurological symptoms

What to expect at your appointment

Diagnosis happens quickly in an emergency setting. You will be cooled down while tests are done. The medical team will monitor your vital signs and organ function closely.

Treatment

Treatment for heat stroke focuses on rapidly lowering your body temperature and supporting your organs until they recover. This is done in a hospital, often in the intensive care unit.

Self-care at home

• While waiting for emergency help: move the person to a cool, shaded area or indoors with air conditioning.
• Remove excess clothing and apply cool water to the skin – using a spray, sponge, or cloth.
• Fan them while skin is wet to help evaporation.
• Place ice packs on the armpits, groin, neck, and back if available.
• Do NOT give anything to drink if the person is confused or unconscious.

Medical treatments

In hospital, doctors use cooling techniques such as cold IV fluids, cooling blankets, and sometimes ice-water immersion. They also give extra fluids via a drip to rehydrate and correct electrolyte imbalances. Medications may be used to control shivering (which raises body temperature) or seizures. Close monitoring of heart, kidneys, and brain function is standard.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is not typically needed for heat stroke itself. In rare cases, if heat stroke causes severe complications like kidney failure or muscle breakdown that damages tissues, procedures such as dialysis or surgery to relieve pressure in muscles (fasciotomy) may be necessary.

Living with this condition

After heat stroke, recovery can take days to weeks. You may feel tired and weak. It is important to avoid heat and strenuous activity until your doctor says it is safe. Gradually return to normal activities as your strength improves.

Lifestyle tips

• Stay in cool environments during hot weather.
• Wear lightweight, light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing.
• Take cool showers or baths to lower body temperature.
• Plan outdoor activities for cooler parts of the day (early morning or evening).
• Never leave children or vulnerable adults in a parked car, even with windows open.

Diet and exercise

Drink plenty of water throughout the day – aim for pale or clear urine. If you sweat a lot, consider drinks with electrolytes (like sports drinks), but avoid alcohol and caffeine. During exercise, take breaks in the shade or indoors. Listen to your body: if you feel dizzy or nauseous, stop and cool down.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Going through a life-threatening medical event can be stressful. You may feel anxious about getting too hot or about future heat waves. Talk to your doctor or a counsellor if these feelings affect your daily life. It is normal to need support.

Prevention

Yes, many cases of heat stroke can be prevented by taking simple precautions during hot weather. Stay in air-conditioned spaces, drink enough fluids, avoid strenuous activity in the heat, and check on people who are at higher risk.

Complications

If left untreated

• Permanent damage to the brain, causing confusion, memory loss, or even coma
• Damage to the heart, kidneys, or liver
• Muscle breakdown (rhabdomyolysis) that can lead to kidney failure
• Seizures or convulsions
• Multiple organ failure and death

Long-term outlook

With rapid cooling and hospital care, the outlook for heat stroke is good. Most people recover fully. The key is acting quickly – call for emergency help at the first signs. After recovery, be extra careful in the heat because your body may be more sensitive for a while.

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