What is heat stroke?
heat stroke known as sun stroke, is a severe heat illness, defined as hyperthermia with a temperature greater than 40.6 °C (105.1 °F) because of environmental heat exposure with lack of thermoregulation. This is distinct from a fever, where there is a physiological increase in the temperature set point of the body.
Who's at risk?
Seniors, children, athletes and outdoor workers.
Signs and symptoms
- Hyperthermia 40.6 °C.
- Disorientation.
- No sweating.
- Dry, hot, red skin.
- Dizziness, mental confusion, headaches and weakness.
- pinpoint pupils.
- vomitting.
- have seizures, unconsciousness.
Prevention
- Wear loosefitting, lightweight clothing.
- Protect against sunburn, using sun cream protector spf > 30.
- Drink plenty of fluids, avoid caffeine.
- Never leave anyone in a parked car.
- Cool showering.
- Limit outdoor time.
Diagnostic
It's usually apparent to doctors if you have heatstroke, but laboratory tests can confirm their diagnosis, rule out other causes for your symptoms and assess organ damage. These tests include:
- Blood test: to check blood sodium or potassium and the content of gases in your blood to see if there's been damage to your central nervous system.
- Urine test: to check the color of your urine, and to check your kidney function, which can be affected by heatstroke.
- Muscle function tests: to check for serious damage to your muscle tissue.
- X-rays and other imaging tests: to check for damage to your internal organs.
Treatment and drugs
Heatstroke treatment centers on cooling your body to a normal temperature to prevent or reduce damage to your brain and vital organs. To do this, your doctor may take these steps:
- Immerse you in cold water: A bath of cold or ice water can quickly lower your temperature.
- Use evaporation cooling techniques: In this technique, cool water is misted on your skin while warm air fanned over your body causes the water to evaporate, cooling the skin.
- Pack you with ice and cooling blankets: Another method is to wrap you in a special cooling blanket and apply ice packs to your groin, neck, back and armpits to lower your temperature.
- Give you medications to stop your shivering: Shivering increases your body temperature, making treatment less effective.
Does my insurance policy cover heat stroke treatment?
Yes. According to CCHI unified Policy terms and conditions, health insurance policies in Saudi Arabia cover heat stroke treatment (except the one related to profession).
Please Click Here to access the Unified CCHI Policy Wordings.References:
"Heat Stroke." Diseases and Conditions. N.p., July 2014. Web. Aug. 2016."Heat Stroke." Rules. N.p., n.d. Web. Aug. 2016.