Heatstroke Symptoms, Causes, and Prevention: Stay Safe This Summer in South Africa

heatstroke-symptoms-causes-prevention-tips

As summer arrives in full force across South Africa, December brings not just festive cheer but also rising temperatures. With the heat often reaching its peak during this time, heat-related health concerns like heatstroke become a pressing issue. At Charava, we’re committed to keeping you informed and prepared to safeguard your well-being, no matter the season.

This blog post highlights everything you need to know about heatstroke, including its symptoms, causes, and preventative measures. By staying informed and taking proactive steps, you can enjoy the summer months safely and protect yourself and your loved ones from the risks associated with extreme heat.

Understanding Heatstroke

Heatstroke is a serious condition caused by the body overheating, often due to prolonged exposure to high temperatures or strenuous physical activity in hot weather. It represents the most severe form of heat-related injuries, with a core body temperature of 104°F (40°C) or higher typically indicating its onset. Heatstroke is most common during the summer months and requires immediate attention to prevent life-threatening complications.

Why Heatstroke Requires Immediate Attention

Heatstroke is a medical emergency. Without prompt treatment, it can cause severe damage to vital organs such as the brain, heart, kidneys, and muscles. The longer treatment is delayed, the higher the risk of complications or even death.

Recognizing Symptoms of Heatstroke

Awareness of heatstroke symptoms is vital for timely intervention. Key indicators include:

High Body Temperature: A core temperature of 104°F (40°C) or higher is a primary sign.
Mental or Behavioral Changes: confusion, agitation, slurred speech, irritability, delirium, seizures, or coma.
Sweating Irregularities: hot and dry skin in heat-induced cases; excessive sweating in exercise-induced cases.
Nausea and Vomiting: often accompanied by a sensation of sickness.
Flushed Skin: Skin may turn red due to elevated body temperature.
Rapid Breathing: shallow, quick breaths.
Racing Heart Rate: Heat stress causes a rapid pulse as the heart works harder.
Headache: Often a throbbing headache accompanies other symptoms.

Immediate Actions in a Heatstroke Emergency

If you suspect someone has heatstroke:

Move them to a cooler area, preferably indoors or in shade.
Remove excess clothing.
Cool them using one of these methods:
- Immerse them in a cool bath or shower.
- Spray them with a garden hose.
- Apply ice packs or cold, wet towels to their head, neck, armpits, and groin.
- Fan them while misting with cool water.

In a lesser heat emergency, such as heat cramps or heat exhaustion, the following steps may lower your body temperature:

Get to a shady or air-conditioned place.
Cool off with damp sheets and a fan. If you're with someone who's experiencing heat-related symptoms, cover the person with damp sheets or spray with cool water. Direct air onto the person with a fan.
Take a cool shower or bath.
Rehydrate. Drink plenty of fluids. Also, because you lose salt through sweating, you can replenish salt and water with some sports drinks. If your health professional has restricted your fluid or salt intake, check with your health professional to see how much you should drink and whether you should replace salt.
Don't drink sugary or alcoholic beverages to rehydrate. These drinks may interfere with your body's ability to control your temperature.

What Causes Heatstroke?

Heatstroke can occur due to various reasons:

Environmental Heat: Nonexertional or "classic" heatstroke happens after extended exposure to hot, humid conditions, often affecting older adults or those with chronic health issues.
Strenuous Activity: Exertional heatstroke results from intense physical activity in hot weather, especially in those unaccustomed to high temperatures.
Heavy Clothing: wearing heavy or restrictive clothing traps sweat and prevents it from evaporating efficiently. This can cause body heat to build up rapidly, especially in hot or humid conditions.
Alcohol Use: Alcohol disrupts the body’s ability to regulate temperature by affecting multiple systems:
- Dehydration: Alcohol increases urine production, causing the body to lose essential fluids that are critical for cooling.
- Vasodilation: Alcohol dilates blood vessels, creating a false sense of cooling by bringing more blood to the skin. This can lead to heat loss in mild conditions but exacerbates overheating in hot environments.
Dehydration: Sweating is vital for regulating body temperature, but excessive sweating without fluid replacement leads to dehydration, which hinders the body’s ability to cool itself effectively.
- Physiological Impact: Dehydration reduces blood volume, making it harder for the body to transport heat to the skin’s surface for dissipation. This can lead to heat exhaustion and, if untreated, progress to heatstroke.
- Signs of Dehydration: Dark urine, dry mouth, dizziness, fatigue, and reduced sweating despite heat exposure.

While sunburn itself does not directly cause heatstroke, it can contribute to the risk of developing heatstroke. Here’s how:

Impaired Cooling Mechanisms: Sunburn damages the skin, which is essential for regulating body temperature. Healthy skin helps cool the body by allowing sweat to evaporate, but sunburnt skin is less effective at this process.
Dehydration Risk: Sunburn can cause fluid loss through the skin, leading to dehydration. Dehydration makes it harder for the body to regulate temperature, increasing the likelihood of heat-related illnesses, including heatstroke.
Prolonged Sun Exposure: People who get sunburnt are often exposed to the sun for extended periods without adequate protection, such as shade, hydration, or appropriate clothing. This increases overall heat exposure, a key factor in heatstroke.

Risk Factors for Heatstroke

While anyone can develop heatstroke, some are more vulnerable:

Age: Young children and older adults are less able to regulate body temperature effectively.
Sudden Weather Changes: Heatwaves or travelling to a hotter climate increase susceptibility.
Lack of Air Conditioning: Fans alone may not suffice during prolonged heat exposure.
Certain Medications: Drugs like beta blockers, diuretics, or stimulants can impair temperature regulation.
Chronic Conditions: Heart disease, obesity, and inactivity elevate risk.

Complications

If untreated, heatstroke can lead to:

Organ Damage: Brain swelling and damage to other vital organs.
Death: Without prompt intervention, heatstroke can be fatal.

Preventing Heatstroke

Heatstroke is preventable with these strategies:

Dress Appropriately: Wear loose, lightweight fabrics like cotton or linen.
Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids to support sweating and temperature regulation.
Avoid Sunburn: Use sunscreen with SPF 15+ and wear protective gear like hats and sunglasses.
Never Leave People in Parked Cars: Temperatures can rise dangerously in minutes.
Plan Activities Wisely: Avoid strenuous exercise during peak heat.

Take extra precautions if you’re taking medications or have health conditions that increase your risk. Gradually acclimate to hot weather by limiting time spent outdoors until your body adjusts.

Conclusion

Heatstroke is a life-threatening condition, but with the right knowledge and preventative measures, it is both predictable and preventable. Recognising symptoms early, taking immediate action, and seeking medical help when needed can make all the difference.

This December, as South Africa heats up, stay vigilant by wearing appropriate clothing, hydrating consistently, and planning wisely. At Charava, we’re here to support your health journey, empowering you to enjoy the summer safely and stress-free.