Heatstroke is a life-threatening condition that happens when your body temperature rises above 104 degrees Fahrenheit (40 degrees Celsius). It’s usually the result of overexertion in hot, humid conditions. Symptoms can include confusion, seizures or loss of consciousness. Untreated, heatstroke can lead to organ failure, a coma or death. Show
OverviewWhat is heatstroke?Heatstroke is a life-threatening condition that causes your body to overheat. It’s defined as a body temperature above 104 degrees Fahrenheit (40 degrees Celsius). Heatstroke, also called sunstroke, is the most severe form of hyperthermia, or heat-related illness. Heatstroke can lead to brain damage, organ failure or death. Are there different types of heatstroke?There are two types of heatstroke:
Are heat exhaustion and heatstroke the same thing?Heat exhaustion and heatstroke are both types of hyperthermia. Heat exhaustion can develop into heatstroke if left untreated. But heat exhaustion isn’t as severe as heatstroke, doesn’t cause neurological problems and usually isn’t life-threatening. Who gets heatstroke?Anyone can get heatstroke. But infants and the elderly are at especially high risk because their bodies may not be able to regulate temperature effectively. Athletes, soldiers and people with occupations that require physical labor in hot environments are also susceptible to heatstroke. Other factors that increase your risk of heatstroke include:
How common is heatstroke?Studies suggest that heatstroke occurs in about 20 out of 100,000 people each year in the U.S. It’s most common in urban areas during periods of very hot weather. Heatstroke causes between 240 and 833 deaths in the U.S. annually. Symptoms and CausesWhat causes heatstroke?Heatstroke occurs when your body can’t cool itself down. Your hypothalamus (a part of your brain that controls many bodily functions) sets your core body temperature. It typically sets your temperature at about 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit (37 degrees Celsius). But if your body takes in more heat than it releases, your internal temperature rises above this set-point. What are the signs and symptoms of heatstroke?Heatstroke is a medical emergency. If you or someone you know exhibits any of the following signs or symptoms, call 911 immediately:
What are the potential complications of heatstroke?People with heatstroke can develop shock or slip into a coma. High body temperature can lead to:
Diagnosis and TestsHow is heatstroke diagnosed?Healthcare providers typically diagnose heatstroke in the emergency department. They review your symptoms, perform a physical exam and take your temperature. They may also order blood tests or urinalysis. Additional tests might include a chest X-ray or electrocardiogram (EKG) to monitor the electrical activity in your heart. Management and TreatmentHow is heatstroke treated?Heatstroke requires immediate medical treatment. If you’re waiting for an ambulance to arrive, try to cool the person as much as possible by:
At the hospital, the person with heatstroke may receive:
Sometimes cold-water lavage is necessary. This treatment uses catheters (thin, flexible tubes) to fill body cavities with cold water. This helps lower the body temperature overall. The catheter may go into the rectum or down the throat. Healthcare providers stop cooling treatments once the body reaches about 102 degrees Fahrenheit (38.9 degrees Celsius). The length of time you stay in the hospital depends on the severity of your heatstroke and how well your organs are functioning. PreventionHow can I prevent heatstroke?In most cases, it’s possible to prevent heatstroke by:
Outlook / PrognosisWhat’s the prognosis (outlook) for people who’ve had heatstroke?Your outlook after heatstroke depends on a variety of factors, including:
Between 10 and 65% of people with non-exertional heatstroke die from the illness. The outlook is better for exertional heatstroke, which has a mortality rate of 3 to 5%. Some people experience permanent organ damage or neurological dysfunction. During your recovery after heatstroke, you can expect changes in your body temperature for several weeks. You should avoid physical activity for at least a week. You will also need periodic tests to monitor your kidney and liver function. Even temporary complications of heatstroke can take several months to go away. After you’ve had heatstroke once, you’re more likely to get this heat illness again. Take preventive measures any time you plan to be in hot conditions. Living WithWhen should I contact my doctor?If you’ve had heatstroke and are recovering, contact your doctor right away if you experience anything abnormal such as:
A note from Cleveland Clinic Heatstroke is a life-threatening condition that occurs when your body temperature gets too high. It’s usually the result of overexertion in hot, humid weather. Symptoms may include confusion, seizures or loss of consciousness, among others. If you or someone you know has heatstroke, seek immediate medical attention and try to lower the person’s body temperature as quickly as possible. Share Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Print Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 09/13/2021. References
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How do you treat heat stroke at home?Treatment for heat stroke
Get the person to a shaded area. Remove clothing and gently apply cool water to the skin followed by fanning to stimulate sweating. Apply ice packs to the groin and armpits.
What is the most important thing to do for someone suffering a heat stroke?Heat exhaustion and heatstroke treatment
Get out of the heat quickly and into a cool place, or at least shade. Lie down and elevate your legs to get blood flowing to your heart. Take off any tight or extra clothing. Apply cool towels to your skin or take a cool bath.
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