Skip to main content

Heat Stroke, causes and Symptoms

Heatstroke is the most severe of heat-related problems, after heat cramps and heat exhaustion. Heatstroke often results from exercise or heavy work in hot environments combined with inadequate fluid intake.
Young children, older adults, people who are obese and people born with an impaired ability to sweat are at high risk of heatstroke. Other risk factors include dehydration, alcohol use, cardiovascular disease and certain medications.
What makes heatstroke severe and potentially life-threatening is that the body's normal mechanisms for dealing with heat stress, such as sweating and temperature control, become inadequate. The main sign of heatstroke is a markedly elevated body temperature — generally greater than 104 F (40 C) — with changes in mental status ranging from personality changes to confusion and coma. Skin may be hot and dry — although if heatstroke is caused by exertion, the skin may be moist.
Other signs and symptoms may include:
  • Rapid heartbeat
  • Rapid and shallow breathing
  • Elevated or lowered blood pressure
  • Cessation of sweating
  • Irritability, confusion or unconsciousness
  • Feeling dizzy or lightheaded
  • Headache
  • Nausea
  • Fainting, which may be the first sign in older adults
If you suspect heatstroke:
  • Move the person out of the sun and into a shady or air-conditioned space.
  • Call for emergency medical help.
  • Cool the person by covering with damp sheets or by spraying with cool water. Direct air onto the person with a fan or newspaper.
  • Have the person drink cool water or other nonalcoholic beverage without caffeine, if he or she is able.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

http://www.eastafricaphysiotherapy.co.ke/

This our new Physiotherapy and Sports Injury clinic based at the Kenya Sports Science Research Institute (KSSRI) and Human Performance Centre (HPC) in Nairobi, Kenya. Take your time to book an appointment with the sports physiotherapists specialist just at your door step: We offer the following Services: Physiotherapy Treatment for Sports injuries, Low Back Pain, Neck Pain, Knee and Hip Pain and Stroke rehabilitation Sports Injuries Diagnosis and Assessment Sports Injuries prevention consultancy Sports Events on field Medics Fitness Training and Assessment for sports teams Personal Training Weight Management Fitness Testing Short courses in Sports Physiotherapy/sports medicine Pre rehabilitation of injuries Rehabilitation of previous and current injuries Designing of pre-season training programs for sports teams Nuchal Rigidity treatment Dry Needling  Sports Tapping  Kinesio Tapping Orthopaedic Manual Therapy Sports prevention research Consultancy Come and we

THE IMPORTANCE OF THE SKINFOLD MEASUREMENT TEST

After assessing the Kenya XVs Rugby team for body compositions and injury profile, we now have a deeper look on the importance of conducting skinfold test. First of all skinfold measurement test is one common method of determining athlete's individual body composition and body fat percentage.  This test estimates the percentage of body fat by measuring skinfold thickness at specific locations on the body. The thickness of these folds is a measure of the fat under the skin, also called subcutaneous adipose tissue. Skinfold thickness results rely on formulas that convert these numbers into an estimate of a person's percentage of body fat according to a person's age and gender. Skinfold measurements are generally taken at specific sites on the right side of the body. The tester pinches the skin at the location site and pulls the fold of skin away from the underlying muscle so only the skin and fat tissue is being held. Special skinfold calipers are then used to

Sports Medicine: Behind the Sport Scenes

Sports Physiotherapy Have you ever wondered what happens behind the Sports scenes in terms of athlete preparation during pre season to in season? Here is a preview in the sports medicine perspective. Our role as Sports Physiotherapists involve in the prevention and management of injuries resulting from sport and exercise participation at all ages and at all levels of ability. Our specialization provides evidence-based advice on safe participation in sport and exercise. Furthermore, we promote an  active lifestyle  to aid individuals in improving and maintaining their quality of life. Sports and Exercise Physiotherapists also play a huge role in helping athletes of all ages and all levels of ability to enhance their performance. The Key Roles of Sports Physiotherapists 1. Injury treatment 2. Injury prevention 3. Rehabilitation 4. Performance enhancement These are some of the Competencies and Standards that are related to the various overlapping role