As temperatures rise, the heat has started to affect people more. Experts note that the main symptoms of heatstroke include dizziness, nausea, vomiting, headache, confusion, speech disorders, and seizures, adding that an increased heart rate or palpitations, muscle cramps, and fainting can also be observed.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ali Cankut Tatlıparmak, Head of the Department of Emergency Medicine, noted a significant increase in the number of patients admitted to emergency rooms due to heatstroke in recent days, but that patients were unaware they were experiencing heatstroke. “The person should be immediately taken to a cool, shaded area, and their clothes should be removed to cool the body. A cold water bath is also an effective method,” he said.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ali Cankut Tatlıparmak, Head of the Department of Emergency Medicine at Üsküdar Üniversitesi Faculty of Medicine, shared important information about the symptoms, risk groups, prevention methods, and first aid steps for heatstroke.
What are the symptoms of heatstroke?
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ali Cankut Tatlıparmak stated that the human body attempts to maintain its temperature at a certain degree regardless of the external environmental temperature, adding, “The fundamental problem in heatstroke is the loss of this ability due to direct or indirect sunlight and high ambient temperature. The main symptoms of heatstroke include dizziness, nausea, vomiting, headache, confusion, speech disorders, and seizures, which result from damage to central nervous system organs, especially the brain, due to impaired thermoregulation. Additionally, an increased heart rate or palpitations, muscle cramps, and fainting can also be observed.”
What physical changes are observed in a person experiencing heatstroke?
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ali Cankut Tatlıparmak stated that heatstroke manifests itself across a broad spectrum, from mild to severe symptoms. He said, “The severity of the illness varies depending on the amount and duration of heat exposure. Mild cases typically present with symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and headache. These symptoms may not always be evident through physical examination or blood tests. The person may feel tired and weak, sweating may continue, and the skin may remain moist.”
Body temperature exceeding 40 degrees requires emergency intervention
Noting that symptoms become more severe in advanced cases of heatstroke, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ali Cankut Tatlıparmak explained, “Body temperature rapidly rises above 40 degrees Celsius, which requires immediate intervention. The person's skin is typically dry, hot, and red because the sweating mechanism is impaired. The central nervous system is affected, leading to symptoms such as confusion, agitation, loss of coordination, speech difficulties, convulsions, and loss of consciousness. Additionally, cardiovascular changes such as a rapid and weak pulse, rapid breathing, and low blood pressure may be observed. These physical changes indicate the severity of heatstroke and the need for urgent medical attention.”
Infants at high risk
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ali Cankut Tatlıparmak also stated that infants, the elderly, and individuals with certain health conditions are among the most at-risk groups for heatstroke, and continued as follows:
“Infants, especially those under 6 months old, are at high risk because their thermoregulation, or the ability to balance body temperature, is not fully developed. The elderly also carry a high risk as their bodies' ability to maintain fluid balance decreases.
Individuals taking medication for heart conditions are also more susceptible to heatstroke as these medications can affect the body’s temperature regulation capacity. Patients with kidney failure or those under surveillance due to elevated kidney values also risk impaired kidney function due to fluid loss, which can necessitate dialysis treatment. Furthermore, individuals with impaired thirst mechanisms or those struggling to meet their fluid needs due to conditions like Alzheimer’s are also at risk of heatstroke. These groups require extra attention and care during hot weather, as adequate fluid intake and staying in cool environments are vital in reducing these risks.”
What measures can be taken to prevent heatstroke?
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ali Cankut Tatlıparmak stated that to prevent heatstroke, it is crucial to avoid direct sunlight during the hottest hours of the day (generally between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM). He advised, “Wearing light-colored, lightweight, and loose-fitting clothing, along with a hat and sunglasses, is beneficial. It is important to drink plenty of water, cool down regularly, and avoid alcohol. During physical activity, frequent breaks should be taken, and rest should be sought in shaded areas. Additionally, protecting the skin from the harmful effects of the sun by using sunscreen is also important.”
Avoiding the sun is not enough!
“Heatstroke and sunstroke have similar mechanisms, so simply avoiding the sun is not enough; it is also necessary to keep the ambient temperature under control,” said Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ali Cankut Tatlıparmak. He added, “If the temperature of your environment is very high, measures such as opening windows and doors to ensure airflow, using fans, and air conditioning should be taken to cool the area. Resting in cool places and keeping body temperature under control are effective methods for preventing both sunstroke and heatstroke.”
What should be done as first aid in case of heatstroke?
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ali Cankut Tatlıparmak pointed out that there is no direct cure for heatstroke, and provided the following information:
“When heatstroke occurs, it is not possible to simply go to the hospital and recover with medication. Therefore, preventing heatstroke and knowing first aid steps are vital. In recent days, we have observed a significant increase in the number of patients admitted to emergency rooms due to heatstroke. However, our patients generally state during admission that they believe their complaints are due to other causes, such as food poisoning, and are almost never aware that they are experiencing heatstroke. Although our general health literacy as a country is at a good level, we lack sufficient knowledge about heatstroke. This negatively impacts our first aid skills in this regard. In this context, the first aid steps to be taken in cases of heatstroke are of vital importance.
Clothes should be removed to cool the body!
The person should be immediately taken to a cool, shaded area, and their clothes should be removed to cool the body. For this purpose, cold water or towels soaked in cold water can be used, and a cold water bath is also an effective method. However, ice should be used cautiously and applied by trained medical personnel. If the person is conscious and able to drink fluids, plenty of water should be given. Oral fluids should not be attempted for patients with confusion or active vomiting; in such cases, intravenous fluid therapy may be necessary. In mild cases, oral fluids and methods such as a cold shower are usually sufficient.”
Heatstroke is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition
Emphasizing that heatstroke is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ali Cankut Tatlıparmak concluded, “Especially during summer months, when heatwaves become more frequent, being aware of this issue is vitally important. Simple precautions taken to prevent heatstroke can avert serious health problems. Extra care should be given to protecting individuals in risk groups, and medical assistance should be sought when necessary. It should be remembered that early intervention saves lives. Diseases like heatstroke and heat illness have started to be observed more frequently not only in our country but all over the world in the last 10-20 years.”