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Heat Stroke

Published on August 6, 2025 at 4:00 / Updated on August 27, 2025 at 8:01

Heat stroke occurs when the body temperature rises above 40°C. This can happen within minutes when exposed to very high temperatures. Without immediate medical attention, heat stroke can cause irreversible damage to the brain and other vital organs and can even lead to death.

Causes and triggers

Heat stroke is the result of the body's inability to control its heat-regulating mechanisms. This can occur during intense physical exertion, but also during periods of rest when the ambient temperature is extremely high.

Some people are at higher risk, such as children, the elderly or people who sweat very little or not at all. Additionally, certain risk factors predispose individuals to heat stroke. These include dehydration, alcohol consumption, cardiovascular and kidney disease and certain medications. Ask your pharmacist if you are taking medications that put you at greater risk of suffering from heat stroke.

Symptoms

Since heat stroke is a medical emergency, it is very important to recognize the most common signs and symptoms:

  • Body temperature over 40°C
  • Absent or excessive sweating
  • Irritability, confusion or loss of consciousness
  • Rapid pulse
  • Rapid, shallow breathing
  • Hot and red skin
  • Dizziness, weakness
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Severe headache
  • Seizures

Treatment

Immediate care must be provided in cases of heat stroke, and medical assistance is required as quickly as possible.

  1. Call emergency services immediately
  2. Get the person to a cool or shady area
  3. Remove or loosen the person's clothing
  4. Cool the person down using available means (e.g., with wet compresses, a garden hose, or in the shower)
  5. Provide vigorous ventilation (using an electric fan if possible)
  6. If the person is conscious, suggest that they drink some water

In case of vomiting, turn the person onto their side to prevent them from choking if they lose consciousness. Do not give fever-reducing medicine (e.g., Tylenol or Advil). They are ineffective for heat stroke and could further damage some organs.

Prevention

Here are a few tips to avoid heat stroke:

  • Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun and heat
  • Drink plenty of fluids
  • Avoid alcohol and caffeine before exercise
  • Avoid strenuous physical work and take frequent breaks in an air-conditioned area
  • Get informed about progressive heat acclimatization strategies before engaging in intense activities or travelling to a hot climate.

Never leave a person or an animal in a parked car on a hot day, even with the windows open. The temperature inside can rise by more than 10°C in just 10 minutes.

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