During the extreme heat of mid-summer, heat-related health conditions are increasingly common. Heat stroke is a serious condition that requires medical attention. Heat stroke, or sunstroke, is the body's reaction to an extremely hot temperature and can cause dizziness, confusion, and even fainting. Keep reading to learn more about signs of heat stroke and tips for preventing bay heat stroke.
If you’re suffering from symptoms of heat stroke, visit AFC Urgent Care Back Bay. Our walk-in clinic offers rapid care on a walk-in basis for a variety of health concerns. We never require that you schedule an appointment, simply walk into the clinic - we are open 7 days a week with extended business hours!
Signs of a Heat Stroke
Heat stroke occurs when you overdo it when it is hot outside. It happens when your body is unable to cool itself down fast enough due to too much physical exertion combined with exposure to high temperatures. Heat stroke symptoms can often appear mild at first, resulting in them going unnoticed and continuing to worsen. If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop all activity and try to cool your body down immediately:
- Dizziness
- Throbbing headache
- Trouble breathing
- Hot flashes
- Feeling Lightheaded
- Lack of sweating
- Extreme fatigue
- Usual changes in the heartbeat
- Confusion
How to Treat Heat Stroke
If you suspect someone has a heat stroke, it is vital that they receive urgent medical care. However, there are some steps you can take if you notice signs of heat stroke to help begin the process of cooling the body down to prevent the condition from worsening. Here are some tips for managing heat stroke:
- Move the person to a cool environment or provide a secondary air source by providing cool air using manual fans
- Remove any unnecessary clothing
- Place ice packs on areas with high blood flow like the neck, groin, and armpits
- Use a hose to cool the body's surface temperature
- Sit in the shade
How to Prevent Heat Stroke
Heat stroke is a serious condition that usually results from a lack of listening to the body. It is important to know the signs of heat stroke so that you can take action to cool the body down before symptoms worsen. Protect yourself this summer and avoid heat stroke by:
- Wear lightweight clothes that allow for proper air circulation.
- Drink enough fluids for your activity level
- Supplement your water intake with electrolytes
- Incorporate water-rich fruits into your diet
- Avoid exercise between 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., as the sun is at its highest during this period
- Remember to rehydrate throughout the day
Visit AFC Urgent Care Back Bay for Walk-In Urgent Care Services
Infants and children, as well as adults over 64, are vulnerable to heat stroke this summer. It is important to be aware of the signs of heat stroke and take steps to prevent it. At AFC Urgent Care Back Bay, we offer patients in the Boston, MA area with rapid care for signs of heat stroke on a walk-in basis. Our clinic is conveniently located in Boston’s Back Bay neighborhood and is open 7 days a week to treat students, working professionals and tourists in Boston, MA. We accept most medical insurance plans and offer affordable care. Simply walk into the clinic.
