Do I Have Heatstroke?

Do you experience rapid and shallow breathing?

Do you have a flushed skin?

Do you experience a racing heart rate?

Do you experience an altered mental state or behavior (e.g., confusion, agitation, slurred speech, irritability, delirium, seizures or coma)?

Do you feel sick to your stomach or vomit?

Do you experience alteration in sweating?

Do you have a headache?

Do you have a high body temperature (40 or higher)?

While it is unlikely that you have heatstroke, you may be displaying one or two signs related to it. However, these signs may also be related to another health condition. If you aren’t sure about your symptoms, it may be important to visit your doctor. Heatstroke is a condition caused by your body overheating. Usually it’s a result of prolonged exposure to or physical exertion in high temperatures. It can occur if your body temperature rises to 40 C or higher. The condition requires emergency treatment, because untreated heatstroke can easily damage your brain, kidneys, heart and muscles.

Based on your answers, you are displaying some signs related to heatstroke. It may be important to visit your doctor to understand if you indeed are experiencing these symptoms because of heatstroke or something else. If you notice signs of heat-related illness, lower your body temperature and prevent the condition from progressing to heatstroke. Heatstroke is predictable and preventable. Prevent heatstroke by doing the following: wear lightweight clothing, drink plenty of fluids, protect against sunburn, and take it easy during the hottest hours of the day.

Unfortunately, you are displaying the symptoms typically seen among individuals who have heatstroke. You may need urgent medical treatment. Others should take steps to cool you off while waiting for help to arrive. Don’t drink any fluids while waiting. In heatstroke treatment centers, they will try to cool your body to a normal temperature to prevent damage to your vital organs. The longer the treatment is delayed, the worse the damage, increasing your risk of serious complications.