What Should I Do If I Have Heatstroke?

Update Date: 2024-05-16 Source: Network

High temperatures during summer can lead to various issues with our bodily functions. Working for extended periods in high heat can easily result in heatstroke symptoms. Once heatstroke occurs, it is best to immediately rest in a shady place, replenish fluids in small amounts, and use an electric fan for cooling. If convenient, some Huoxiang Zhengqi medicine can also be used to alleviate the discomfort caused by heatstroke.

Heatstroke is an acute illness primarily manifesting as central nervous system and/or cardiovascular dysfunction caused by dysfunction of the temperature regulation center, failure of the sweat glands, and excessive loss of water and electrolytes in hot seasons, high temperatures, and/or high humidity environments. Based on clinical manifestations, heatstroke can be classified as pre-heatstroke, mild heatstroke, and severe heatstroke. Severe heatstroke is further divided into heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke, with heatstroke being the most severe type.

1. Treatment for pre-heatstroke and mild heatstroke involves immediately transferring the patient to a shady and ventilated area or under an electric fan, preferably to an air-conditioned room, to increase radiative heat dissipation. Cool, salted beverages should be provided, and cold compresses should be applied to those with high body temperatures.

2. Treatment for severe heatstroke:

(1) Rapid cooling is the primary treatment measure.

1) External cooling: Quickly remove the patient from the high temperature and high humidity environment and transfer them to a ventilated and shady area. Lay the patient flat and remove all clothing. Massage the skin and muscles to promote heat dissipation. For those without circulatory disorders, apply ice water baths or immerse the body in water at 27°C to 30°C for cooling. For those with circulatory disorders, use evaporative cooling by repeatedly wiping the skin with cool water while using an electric fan or air conditioning to accelerate evaporation.

2) Internal cooling: If external cooling is ineffective, gastric or rectal lavage with iced saline can be performed. Alternatively, sterile saline can be used for peritoneal lavage or hemodialysis. Another option is to cool autologous blood externally and then reinfuse it into the body.

3) Pharmacological cooling: Chlorpromazine can be administered intravenously if the patient experiences shivering, and blood pressure should be monitored simultaneously.