Warning Signs of Heat Stroke: What You Should Know

According to the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), heat stroke was responsible for 7,415 deaths between 1999 and 2010, which translates into approximately 618 deaths per year. Professions which require employees to work outdoors during the hot summer months experience the highest rates of this potentially deadly condition.

Whether you work in a 'hot' environment or not, though, it's always a good idea to familiarize yourself with the warning signs of heat stroke. If you're lounging by the pool or on the beach this summer and notice someone exhibiting these symptoms, for instance, you can take action to help lower their core temperature. Depending on the severity of the condition, it may be controlled through hydration, placing a cold wet towel around the individual's neck, and taking the person into an air-conditioned facility.

Regardless of whether you can lower the person's body temperature down to a safe level, you should immediately call 911 if you believe someone is suffering from heat stroke. Heat stroke is a serious condition that can result in death without medical attention. In the meantime, you can cool the individual off by following the advice mentioned above.

Now, let's go over some of the most common warning sighs associated with heat stroke...

Warning Signs of Heat Stroke:

• Severe headaches (comparable to a throbbing migraine)
• Dry, sweat-free skin
• Chills
• Nausea
• Confusion / lethargy
• Dizziness
• Rapid heart beat
• Shallow breathing

One particular symptom of heat stroke that's worth noting is dry skin. Normally, the body perspires when exposed to heat. Sweating is the body's own form of air conditioning, as the moisture cools the skin while lowers the individual's core temperature. When a person's core temperature exceeds 104 degrees Fahrenheit, however, he or she may no longer sweat, at which point the heat stroke begins to set in.

Heat Stroke vs Heat Exhaustion

Head exhaustion is a less severe variation of heat stroke. This condition occurs when the body loses an excessive amount of water and salt; thus, triggering a variety of adverse reactions, such as nausea, cramps and sweating.

With heat exhaustion, the individual's core body temperature is still under control. But unless measures are taken to cool the individual down, the condition may turn into heat stroke.

Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are both serious conditions that people need to be aware of as we get closer and closer to the summer season. Knowing the signs and symptoms of these conditions could end up saving lives.