When to Visit an Emergency Room for Heatstroke

Two of the most common heat related complications that people suffer from, are heatstroke and heat exhaustion. Although the two are slightly different in nature, they are all associated with the body’s inability to cope with too much heat.

Heat exhaustion is caused by too much heat in the body and the inability of the body to sufficiently offer a cooling mechanism when the temperatures soar too high. When one is suffering from heat exhaustion, their body is not able to produce enough sweat to cool off the body and this takes a toll on the individual.

If heat exhaustion is not addressed on time, then it escalates quickly and becomes heatstroke.  Heatstroke is far more serious than heat exhaustion and if not addressed, it can lead to organ damage and in severe cases, death. It is therefore important to report any signs and symptoms of heatstroke or heat exhaustion as soon as possible to the nearest emergency room.

If you are experiencing any of the following signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heatstroke, then report the same to the nearest emergency room;

Tips on when to go to the emergency room for heatstroke

Report any abnormal body temperatures

One of the first signs of an imminent heatstroke, is the drastic rise in body temperature. The body temperatures will soar to incredibly high levels. Anything above 100 degrees Fahrenheit should be indicative of a heat stroke and urgent medical care should be sought.

This should especially raise eyebrows if one has been spending long hours in the sun or in any other hot environment. It might be impossible to ascertain the body temperature but if you feel like your body temperature is rising to abnormal levels, it is only wise to report the same to the nearest emergency room.

Increased heart rate

The other indication that your heat exhaustion is nearing dangerous levels, is an increase in the heart rate. The heart rate will increase as the body attempts to circulate blood to all the organs. There will be a strong pulse and rapid than usual. This is a dangerous sign and medical care is urgently needed at this point.

Blood is essential when it comes to cooling the body. When the body temperature is very high, then blood vessels contract and blood flows closer to the surface of the skin to help dissipate as much of the heat as possible. In the event of a heatstroke, the heart rate will increase as the body tries to circulate as much blood to the surface of the skin to get rid of the heat within.

Reddening of the skin

When the temperatures get too high, then the skin becomes red and dry which is very painful. It almost feels like you are burning. This is a dangerous level and you should not let the exhaustion or heatstroke get to this point.

When you are exposed to too much heat for too long, the skin begins to get red and very painful. At this point, your skin is in serious danger and so are your other internal organs which are protected by the skin. Get as far away from the source of heat as you can and report the condition to the nearest emergency room.

Headache, nausea and vomiting

If you are experiencing high body temperatures coupled with headaches, nausea and vomiting, then you should report the same to the nearest emergency room. Headaches are a sign of dehydration in the body and an indication that a lot is going on within your body.

When the headaches are accompanied nausea and vomiting, then it all gets to a dangerous level which needs immediate addressing. If it ever gets to this point, drink as much water as possible, move away from the source of heat and head over to the nearest emergency room for medication.

Agitation and confusion

Heat strokes are also symptomized by agitation and clear confusion. This hormonal imbalance is as a result of insufficient fluids in the body. Water is a very important solvent in the body and is used for a number of physiological processes.

Comas are the ultimate sign that death is imminent

Although you should not wait for the heat exhaustion and stroke to get to this dangerous level, comas should tell you that you are in danger. If your loved one or friend is in a coma as a result of a heatstroke, you should dial 911 immediately because at that point, he/she is in a critical condition and can die at any point.

Report heatstroke and exhaustion to Frontline ER

Here at Frontline ER, we receive thousands of cases of heat exhaustion and heatstroke especially in the summer and we always offer the right emergency treatment to the victims. We are experienced in handling heatstroke and you should therefore not hesitate to give us a call in Dallas and Richmond concerning the same.

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