At its most basic, you suffer a heatstroke when your body overheats. This may be a result of too much physical activity in the sun (or other hot environments) or simply being exposed to the heat for a long period of time. When exposed to hot outdoors weather, humid weather can exacerbate your risk of heatstroke, especially if you are exposed to this weather for multiple, consecutive days. While heatstroke caused by strenuous physical activity can occur to anyone, those who are not accustomed to hot weather are at greater risk. Regardless of the direct cause, other exacerbating factors include wearing too much clothing, drinking alcohol, or not properly hydrating your body.

What Are the Symptoms of Heatstroke?

There are many possible symptoms of heatstroke. Symptoms can be as mild as a headache or as obvious as a high body temperature — if your body is at 104 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, you may be experiencing heat stroke. If your body is overheated due to exposure to hot weather, another possible symptom is that your skin will be dry to the touch. Heatstroke due to strenuous exercise, however, may still result in normal sweat. You may experience a racing pulse (due to your body frantically trying to cool itself down) or out of character behavior. This behavior can range from slurred speech and confusion to agitation. Other physical symptoms include flushed skin, nausea, and vomiting. More extreme symptoms can include delirium or even falling into a coma.

Who Is at Greater Risk?

Age can be a risk factor for heatstroke. Those who are very young and those who are over 65 are both at increased risk due to their bodies not being able to adjust to the heat and not being able to hydrate as easily as other groups. Certain medical conditions may place you at higher risk, such as having heart or lung disease. Those with obesity or who have had previous heatstrokes are also at greater risk. Certain medication may place you at higher risk as well. These medications include beta blockers, vasoconstrictors, diuretics, or antidepressants. Those facing a sudden change of environment are also at greater risk. These changes may occur due to a broken air conditioner during extremely hot weather or sudden changes in the weather itself, such as an unexpected heatwave in your area.

How Do You Treat Heatstroke?

The most important thing you can do to treat a heatstroke is to contact emergency services immediately. Before they arrive, you can take certain steps to improve the victim’s condition. This includes getting the person away from the heat (such as taking them indoors), removing excessive clothing (such as someone with a hoodie on in a hot Summer day), and cooling the person off. You can do so with a water hose, wet towels, ice packs, or other methods at your disposal.

For more information about heat stroke and overheating, contact your trusted doctor.