Associated symptoms
Apart from the obvious overheating, dehydration and reddening of the skin, increasingly accompanying symptoms can be observed as the heat stroke progresses. The cardiovascular system also shows reactions to the high temperature and fluid loss. The blood thickens and the heart rate increases.
Due to the anemia, in an emergency there can also be a drop in blood pressure, which ends in unconsciousness. This condition is called “hypovolemic shock“. If the heart rate exceeds the upper value of the blood pressure, this can be an indication of an acute circulatory collapse.
The brain is also affected by heat stroke. It can lead to water retention in the brain, so-called “brain edema”. This can initially result in drowsiness, dizziness, dizziness and unconsciousness.
Headaches, seizures, nausea, impaired vision, ringing in the ears, restlessness and fatigue can also occur. Diarrhea is a rarer symptom of acute heat stroke. The exact connection is not clear.
A possible cause is the imbalance in the electrolyte balance caused by the increased temperature. Just as the fluid flows from the blood vessels into the brain, the stomach cannot absorb the fluid, which leads to diarrhoea. With diarrhea, you are in a vicious circle, as diarrhea in turn increases the effects of heat.
Severe diarrhea and dehydration together with high temperatures can trigger a heat stroke again. In addition to this, the number of illnesses and gastro-intestinal infections increases, especially in the summer months when high temperatures persist for a long time. In the case of heat stroke, which occurs in connection with previous diarrhea, one must therefore always think of an accompanying intestinal infection.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis must be made quickly, as sometimes life-threatening acute medical situations are involved.The medical history after high temperatures and strong solar radiation together with a rectal temperature of more than 40 degrees is sufficient for the diagnosis of heat stroke.
First aid measures
The most important measure is the immediate avoidance of heat and cooling of the body temperature. An ambulance should also be called immediately, so that therapy can be initiated for potential brain edema that has already developed. An important measure to cool down the body temperature despite high outside temperatures is to store it in the shade and remove all heat-storing clothing.
The body should then be washed with cool water. Cold compresses and ice packs should also be applied to the neck, forehead and the rest of the skin. Cold air generated by fanning can also cool the body considerably. The legs should not be elevated if possible, as this can promote potential brain edema. Afterwards, to balance the fluid and electrolyte balance, any amount of water must be drunk, including electrolyte-containing drinks if available.
