Heatstroke and Recognizing the Signs Someone You Love Has It!

Heat stroke is a tricky thing, you don't always know that its crept up on you, you just know you don't feel good. Recognize the symptoms in you or someone you love before it gets serious.

Heatstroke is caused by being out in extreme heat for extended periods of time or exerting yourself in the heat.

Heatstroke will require medical attention as it can damage your brain, heart and muscles. In fact, the longer you wait to be treated the worse the damage can be. This is why it is important to recognize the symptoms and tell them apart from just being too hot and tired.

RECOGNIZING THE SYMPTOMS OF HEATSTROKE

• A rise in your body temp, not just how you feel, but actual temp. If your temp reaches 104 F it is important to get help
• If you become confused or agitated, if your speech begins to slur or you suffer delirium... it could be heatstroke
• You could feel sick to your stomach and even vomit
• Your skin will or can turn red as your temp rises
• It may be difficult to breathe, your breathing could become rapid and shallow
• As the strain on your heart increases your heart rate could rise in an effort to cool your body down
• Headache

Everyone has felt at least one of these things at one time, but if you feel any of these symptoms and have been subjected to high temperatures or strenuous activities in the heat, you may need to see a doctor. If you suspect you or someone you love has heatstroke, get indoors or at least the shade, take off any extra clothing and try to cool them off with ice packs, fans or even an ice bath and call 911.