Texas summers can get hot. And with those temperatures comes the risk of heat stroke which can send many patients of all ages to an Abilene ER for treatment. If you’d like to learn more about this condition so you can take preventative measures against it, you’ll probably find the following information helpful.
Understanding the Condition
Before we get into the ways to prevent heat stroke from affecting you or a family member, let’s first tale a closer look at the condition itself. Simply stated, a heat stroke is a form of hyperthermia that results from long exposure to hot temperatures without ingesting enough water to counter the onslaught of heat. Although most commonly associated with outdoor activities like sports or yard work, heat stroke can also occur from too much alcohol being consumed in hotter than usual temperatures. For this reason, it’s important to note that drinking beer when outdoors on a hot day is not a substitute for drinking water.
Most Common Symptoms of Heat Stroke
- Sudden headache
- Light-headedness
- Paid heartbeat
- Inability to sweat
- Nausea and vomiting
- Skin that is red in appearance and hot to the touch
If you notice one or more of the above symptoms, you should seek emergency care from a facility such as Express ER in Abilene. Also, it’s recommended that you put these immediate cooling approaches into action:
- Apply ice packs to critical areas of the body like the groin, neck, armpits, and back
- Fan cool air over the individual while also applying cool water
A cautionary note here is to NOT USE ICE since it can cause more serious complications without medical supervision.
Avoid Having to Search for an “Emergency Room Near Me” with This Most Important Tip
Although there are a number of different ways to avoid heat stroke, like wearing light-colored clothing or cancelling activities when the temperature or humidity levels are extreme, the single most important factor to prevent the condition is to stay hydrated. The general guideline is to prepare your body by consuming 24 ounces of fluid two hours in advance of the scheduled activity. Then, when the activity begins, consume another 8 ounces of water. And last, drink a minimum of 8 ounces of water – or sports drink – every 20 minutes while the activity is being performed. This practice should be strictly adhered to even if you do not feel thirsty. Remember, one of the signs of heat stroke is the inability to sweat, so the importance of hydration can not be overstated.
