Heat stroke - symptoms, treatment

The normal temperature of the body is maintained due to the proper operation of the hypothalamic center of thermoregulation and the constant maintenance of the water-electrolyte balance. Otherwise, there is a heat stroke - the symptoms and treatment of this pathology should be known to every person, since the mortality rate for this lesion is quite high. When the temperature rises above 41 degrees, about 50% of the victims die.

Signs and treatment of heat stroke at home

Typical symptoms of the problem described depend on its severity. There are 3 forms of heat stroke:

1. Easy:

• severe nausea;
• dizziness;
• weakness in the body;
• headache;
• sensation of heat;
• desire to lie down, sleep.

2. Medium:

• seizures of nausea, vomiting;
• intense headache;
• a sharp weakness in the muscles, down to the numbness of the limbs;
• general retardation;
• increased heart rate and breathing;
• staggering gait;
• rarely - fainting;
• increase in body temperature up to 40 degrees;
• severe sweating;
• thirst;
• feeling of lack of air;
• hot and dry skin.

3. Heavy:

• sudden motor excitement;
• psychological disorders in the form of delusions, visual and auditory hallucinations;
• a weak but rapid pulse , up to 120 beats in 60 seconds;
• pallor of the skin;
• abundant release of sticky sweat;
• rapid breathing;
• deaf tones of the heart;
• very high temperature, 41-43 degrees Celsius;
• disorders of consciousness;
• fainting ;
• a sharp decrease in the amount of urine released per day;
• inhibition of muscle and joint reflexes;
• lack of sufficient pupillary response to light;
• severe vomiting;
• muscle spasms and cramps;
• comatose conditions;
• acute violations of cardiac and respiratory activity;
• pain in the limbs;
• dyspnea;
• sleep disturbance or complete absence of sleep;
• sometimes - involuntary defecation, urination.

With a mild and moderate degree of heat stroke, independent therapy is allowed, although it is always advisable to consult a doctor.

Therapeutic measures:

1. Place the victim in a cool place, allowing him to lie on his back or side, if there is vomiting.
2. Provide access to fresh and cool air. Remove tight and hot clothes.
3. Apply cold compresses to the forehead, neck and areas where large vessels are located, you can use a hypothermic package.
4. Cool the body, watering the victim with water (18-20 degrees) or wrapping a wet towel, a sheet. Allowed to take a cool shower or bath.
5. Give drinking cold water, tea, coffee.

The duration of treatment of symptoms after a heat stroke corresponds to their severity. As a rule, if the listed measures were carried out within an hour from the moment of defeat, the organism is restored quite quickly, throughout the day.

When is it necessary to treat a thermal shock in a hospital?

Hospitalization is needed in case of severe forms of the pathology in question, and also if the victim is at high risk of complications:

• child;
• old man;
• a person with cardiovascular diseases;
• pregnant woman.

In the hospital, in addition to the general symptomatic treatment, the therapy of muscle stimulation (Dymedrol, Aminazine), seizures (Seduxen, Phenobarbital) and disorders cardiac activity (Cordiamin, Strofantin). If necessary, the patient is transferred to the intensive care unit.

Treatment of consequences of heat stroke

After successfully overcoming the acute condition, threatening the life of a person, supportive therapy is carried out. Assign vitamins of group B, preparations of calcium and iron.

The victim is advisable to rest for at least 7 days after a heat stroke, observe a semi-fast regime and increase the daily amount of liquid consumed, avoiding repeated overheating.