Heatstroke is the most severe of the heat-related illnesses, and is a medical emergency. It occurs when the body's temperature-regulating system breaks down. The victim can't sweat and is unable to cool himself. Internal body temperature can rise as high as 108 degrees, which can cause irreversible brain damage and death. High internal temperatures can injure almost every organ, including the 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 three 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 several variables, including how promptly treatment is sought.
- Mentally ill patients are a high-risk group. Some may not have the cognitive abilities to protect themselves; others may be 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 you can try include juice, Gatorade, and caffeine-free soda.
- Increase salt intake if there are no medical contraindications.
- If you take lithium, be sure to remain well-hydrated.
- 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 in the heat.
- Drink alcoholic beverages, coffee, and soda with caffeine (caffeine and alcohol increase water loss).
- Spend excessive time outside in the sun.
- Sleep or spend prolonged time 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
