Heatstroke is a medical emergency when the body's temperature-regulating system breaks down. The victim can't sweat and is unable to cool himself. Internal body temperature often rises as high as 108 degrees, which can cause irreversible brain damage and death. High temperatures injure endothelial* cells and damage almost every organ, including liver, kidneys, lungs, heart, and muscle.
A Few Facts About Heatstroke:
- It's more likely when the outside temperature is very hot. A heat wave is defined by the National Weather Service as 3 or more consecutive days of temperatures at or above 90°F (32.2°C ).
- Hyperpyrexia (core temperature greater than 105°F [40.6°C ]) and central nervous system impairment causing delirium or coma are characteristic.
- The death rate for heatstroke ranges from 10% to 75%, depending on other variables, but averages 25%.
- Mentally ill patients are a high-risk group. Some may not have the cognitive abilities to protect themselves; others are taking psychotropic medications that affect heat regulation.
- Antipsychotics - especially:
- Chlorpromazine (Thorazine)
- Thioridazine (Mellaril)
- Mesoridazine (Serentil)
- Clozapine (Clozaril)
- Risperidone (Risperdal)
- Olanzapine (Zyprexa)
- Quetiapine (Seroquel)
- Ziprasidone (Geodon)
- Antiparkinson drugs such as:
- Benztropine (Cogentin)
- Trihexyphenidyl (Artane)
- Procyclidine (Arpicolin, Kemadrin)
- Biperiden
- Antihistamines such as:
- diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
- chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton, Sinutab Sinus Allergy)
- Antidepressants, especially tricyclics such as:
- Imipramine (Tofranil)
- Amitriptyline (Elavil)
- Nortriptyline (Pamelor)
- Doxepin (Sinequan)
- Desipramine (Norpramin)
- Protriptyline (Vivactil)
- Sleep in a cool place.
- Drink extra fluids. Water is best because the body absorbs cooler solutions fast. Other fluids are juice, Gatorade, caffeine-free soda.
- Increase salt intake if no physical problems.
- If you take lithium, use extra salt in addition to extra fluids.
- Spend time in cool places (shopping malls, movies, etc.)
- Wear loose, light-colored summer-weight clothing.
- Use fans or air conditioning.
- When feeling warm, use cool wet compresses or sit in a tub of cool water.
- Remain with another person.
- Engage in strenuous exercise.
- Drink alcoholic beverages, coffee and soda with caffeine (caffeine and alcohol increase water loss).
- Spend time outside in the sun.
- Sleep or sit in hot conditions.
- Nausea, headache, feeling poorly, weakness
- Irritability, anxiety
- Fast pulse, rapid breathing, dizziness
- Hot OR dry skin, confusion, vomiting, diarrhea
Next: Medications and Sunburn
