When your body experiences overexertion in hot temperatures, it can reduce its ability to cool itself efficiently. Thus, it is unable to maintain a normal temperature. Heatstroke usually results from prolonged exposure to or physical exertion, especially in summer. Untreated heatstroke can damage vital organs like the brain, heart, kidneys, and muscles. That’s why; getting it treated urgently is critical. Prime Urgent Care in Missouri City is fully equipped to provide rapid diagnosis and quick treatment to bring the condition under control. If you or your near one is experiencing a heat stroke, waste no time in visiting Prime Urgent Care clinic in Missouri City.
Signs and Symptoms of Heatstroke
There are various symptoms of heat stroke. These include:
- A body temperature of 104 F (40 C) or higher.
- Confusion, slurred speech, agitation, irritability, seizures, or delirium.
- Skin that is either dry and hot to the touch or slightly moist.
- Nausea or vomiting
- The color of the skin changes to red
- Shallow and rapid breathing
- Increased pulse
- Headache
Who Are Most at Risk of a Heatstroke
The risk of heat stroke is highest among athletes. But besides them, there are also other sections of the population that are susceptible to heat stroke.
- Young children and adults over 65 years of age.
- Those on diuretics, tranquilizers, sedatives, and heart and blood pressure medicines.
- Individuals with the following health conditions;
- Heart, lung, or kidney disease
- Obese or underweight individuals
- People with high blood pressure
- Diabetics
- People with a mental illness
- Alcoholics
How to Treat Heatstroke
You must call urgent care and give them the directions to proceed. The most crucial action is to take away the person from heat and bring them into a cold area, such as an air-conditioned building or place where there’s shade above them. Make the affected person lie down and prevent them from moving. Drive the person to urgent care, where the medical professionals will use various methods to cool down the person.
Cold water immersion
The cold water immersion technique entails the patient bathing in cold water. This method reduces the body temperature of the patient very quickly. As the temperature lowers, the risk of serious sustaining severe damage also decreases.
Application of ice packs
The application of ice packs is another effective way to cool down a person’s body. In it, the patient is wrapped in a cooling blanket, and the medical professionals apply ice packs. The groin, back, neck and armpits are the major areas where the application of ice packs takes place.
Evaporation cooling techniques
Another good way to treat stroke is by spraying cool water on the patient’s body. Spaying occurs as mist, while a fan is used to blow warm air over the person’s body. It evaporates the water and cools the skin.
Usually, the needs of the affected person dictate the duration of the treatment and its type. If you find your near ones or yourself in the clutches of a heat stroke, don’t think twice before calling or visiting us.
How to Prevent Heatstroke
Here are some effective measures to prevent heatstrokes and other heat-related illnesses.
- Wear loose-fitting clothing. Excess clothing or one that fits you tightly does not let your body cool properly.
- Protect yourself from the sun outside with a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a good sun protection factor of a minimum of 30.
- Stay hydrated by drinking adequate water. It will help your body sweat and maintain the correct body temperature.
- Inquire with your healthcare team about the medications that can affect your body’s capability to remain hydrated and disperse heat.
- Do not leave anyone in a parked vehicle outside. When parked in the sun, the car temperature can rise to 20 degrees F in just 10 minutes. Leaving a person in a parked car in hot weather is extremely unsafe.
- Try to plan exercise or physical work of any sort for cooler parts of the day. Scheduling such activities in the early morning or evening is most appropriate.
- If you take medications or have a health condition that makes you more vulnerable to heat-related problems, avoid the heat as much as you can. Act quickly if you notice signs of overheating.
The heatstroke damage worsens the longer treatment is delayed. It increases your risk of serious complications and even death. Visit Prime Urgent Care in Missouri City if heatstroke symptoms do not rapidly improve. Our healthcare practitioners can effectively treat your heat exhaustion so your body cools down properly. As part of the treatment, we will replenish essential electrolytes lost through excessive sweating. Check-in online or walk into Prime Urgent Care in Missouri City today.
