Heat stroke is a severe condition in which the body cannot cool itself through sweating and becomes overheated. This serious medical emergency occurs when body temperature rises rapidly—up to 103°F (39.4°C) or higher. Nowadays, prolonged periods of excessive heat, and excessive humidity in summer seasons, has become a typical cause of heat stroke.  

Heat Stroke: What Does Research Say? 

Research on heatstroke shows that

Heat stroke usually progresses from other heat-related illnesses, such as heat cramps or heat exhaustion. It can also strike suddenly without prior symptoms. Research also suggests that over 600 people die yearly due to heat stroke and other heat-related illnesses. 

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Heat Stroke Symptoms

Heat stroke is a serious, life-threatening condition characterized by the following symptoms:

Body temperature above 39.4°C
Red, warm, dry skin (without sweating)
profuse sweating
rapid breathing
severe headache
Dizziness
nausea
confusion
lose consciousness
weak
epileptic seizure
Thirsty

Which People pose a higher risk of having Heat Stroke?

People at greatest risk for heat-related illness include: 

1. Infants and children up to 4 years old.
2. Older adults aged 65 years and older.
3. People who are overweight or have existing medical conditions, such as diabetes and heart disease.
4. People who are socially isolated and poor.
5. Athletes and individuals who participate in strenuous physical activities during hot weather.
6. People who drink alcohol and take medications that impair the body's ability to regulate its temperature or that inhibit perspiration.
7. People in high-temperature seasons. For example, Hong Kong's heat wave is between May to September. 

   

How can I Prevent Heat Stroke in Hot Summer?

7 Things You Should Do 

Turn on the air conditioner or stay in an air-conditioned place, such as a cooling center, mall, or library

Use electric fans for comfort when temperatures are below 35°C. Fans allow sweat to evaporate from the body faster, and the more it evaporates, the more heat is dissipated.

take a cool bath to help cool down

Minimize direct exposure to sunlight

Stay hydrated by drinking water or beverages without caffeine, sugar, or alcohol

Eat more light, cool and digestible foods, such as fruit or salad

wear loose, light-colored clothing

6 Things You Should Not Do

Leaving children, pets, or people with reduced mobility in the car for extended periods of time

trying to cool down by drinking

Eating strong, hot, or difficult-to-digest foods

Wear heavy, dark-colored clothing that absorbs the sun's heat

Exercising outside during the hottest hours of the day (usually 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.)

Use an electric fan when the temperature exceeds 35°C. Electric fans do not prevent heat-related illness when temperatures reach above 35°C

 

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