Definition
Heat stroke is a heat damage that occurs mainly at high temperatures. Other heat damages are sunstroke or heat cramps, which differ from heat stroke in their extent and origin. Heat stroke refers to the physical rise in temperature to over 40 degrees Celsius, caused by increased ambient temperatures.
Causes
The most important cause is a strong overheating of the body. In contrast to sunstroke, direct sunlight is not necessarily necessary for this, but greatly increased ambient temperatures may be sufficient. Normally the body has several possibilities to cool down the body temperature.
The most important of these methods at high temperatures is sweating. By releasing droplets onto the body surface, which evaporate there, the skin cools down considerably. In extremely intense heat, these regulatory mechanisms can no longer compensate for this.
Important factors for overheating are direct sunlight, a heat-storing environment and high humidity. Typical situations in which heat stroke can occur are visiting the sauna or leaving children alone in a closed car at high temperatures. In the latter situation, high temperatures of around 70 degrees can develop in the car.
The main cause of heat stroke is the processes taking place in the body due to the heat. The worst consequences of heat stroke are a collapse of the cardiovascular system and water retention from the blood vessels into the brain substance, so-called “brain edemas“. The latter lead to the frequently perceived symptoms such as drowsiness, impaired vision or unconsciousness.
Indications
It is extremely important to recognize the first signs of an impending heat stroke. Since it is a potentially life-threatening situation, measures must be taken at first signs. First, the affected persons themselves should be aware that their body temperature is rising and the feeling of glow and “unbearable” heat is getting stronger.
In children, where this is not possible, parents often notice that the face is flushed, the temperature rises and the skin becomes dry. The entire skin may turn a bluish-red color. This is a typical sign that the body no longer has control over temperature regulation. As a result, not only oneself, but also other people can increasingly experience disorientation, drowsiness and dizziness. These signs must be taken very seriously, as there may already have been effects on the brain.
