What is Heatstroke? and How Can It Be Prevented?

 What is Heatstroke? Symptoms, Causes, and 

Precautions 

Pakistan is currently experiencing an intense heatwave. With scorching sunlight, lack of 

airflow, and temperatures rising to 45°C (113°F) or above, the risk of heatstroke 

significantly increases. Heatstroke typically occurs during extremely hot weather due to 

direct exposure to sunlight and hot winds.

When heat reaches dangerous levels, it becomes a serious medical condition that, if left 

untreated, can be life-threatening.

This post examines what heatstroke is, its warning signs, and the necessary preventive 

measures and immediate actions to take.

What is Heatstroke?

A heatwave is a weather condition characterised by prolonged and unusually high 

temperatures. During hot seasons, intense sunlight, lack of wind, and rising temperatures 

increase the risk of heatstroke.

At present, much of Pakistan is under extreme heat stress. These conditions raise serious 

health concerns, including the growing number of heatstroke cases.

Heatstroke is a critical condition in which the body temperature rises to 104°F (40°C) 

or higher, and the body’s cooling mechanism — sweating — stops working. As a result, 

the internal temperature increases rapidly, potentially damaging vital organs like the 

brain, heart, kidneys, and muscles.

It often occurs due to spending extended periods in the heat, dehydration, strenuous 

physical activity in direct sunlight, or poor ventilation. Heatstroke is a medical 

emergency. Without prompt treatment, it can lead to severe complications or death.

Immediate hospitalisation is crucial, as delayed treatment can be fatal.

 

Major Causes of Heatstroke:

1.     Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight

Staying under intense sunlight for long periods can dangerously raise 

body temperature.

2.     Strenuous physical labour (especially in the sun)

Labourers, farmers, traffic police, and outdoor workers are at high risk if they

don’t take breaks or stay hydrated.

3.     Dehydration

Inadequate water intake prevents the body from cooling through sweating, leading to

heat buildup.

4.     Inappropriate clothing

Dark or thick clothing traps heat and hinders body cooling.

5.     Age or physical weakness

Children, the elderly, and ill individuals have reduced ability to regulate their body

temperature.

6.     Poor ventilation or confined spaces

Sitting in hot, enclosed areas like parked vehicles can cause a rapid temperature spike.

7.     Certain medications

Drugs like diuretics, antidepressants, or blood pressure medicines can interfere with

hydration and sweating.

8.     Outdoor sports or exercise in the heat

Physical activity under the sun can dangerously raise internal temperature, especially

without fluid intake.

 

Early Symptoms of Heatstroke:

• Severe headache

• Dizziness or fainting

• Blurred vision

• Rapid breathing and heartbeat

• Dry skin due to a lack of sweat

• Red, hot, and dry skin

• Nausea or vomiting

• Confusion, unconsciousness, or seizures

• Dehydration

• Dark-colored urine

• Prolonged exposure to hot and dry weather

• Strenuous activity in heat or sunlight

• Outdoor work or excessive movement in direct sunlight

Seek immediate medical help if any of these symptoms appear.

 

Precautionary Measures to Prevent Heatstroke:

      1. Stay Hydrated and Eat Right:

        1.1 Drink plenty of fluids daily:

Even if you’re not thirsty, drink fluids regularly to avoid dehydration. Avoid vigorous

activities in hot conditions. The body loses electrolytes through sweat, so fluids should

include homemade fruit juices, lemon water, ORS, salted sugar water, milk, yoghurt,

lassi, smoothies, and fresh salads.

Only drinking plain water isn't enough; balance salt and sugar, especially after heavy

sweating.

Avoid cola, caffeinated drinks (tea/coffee), and alcohol as they worsen dehydration.

       1.2 Light, nutritious meals:

Eat light meals, especially those rich in water content, like watermelon, cantaloupe,

mangoes, tomatoes, cucumbers, pomegranate, and bananas.

Avoid roadside drinks and pre-cut fruits. If necessary, only buy from clean, reputable

vendors.

In case of severe symptoms (dizziness, vomiting, fainting), don’t rely solely on home

remedies, call an ambulance or go to the hospital.

 

       2. Avoid Direct Sunlight:

• Avoid strenuous outdoor work during peak heat (11 AM to 4 PM).

• Use an umbrella, hat, or a damp cloth on your head when going outside.

• Carry a water bottle at all times.

• Use sunglasses and sunscreen to protect your skin and eyes from sun damage.

• Never leave children or anyone in parked vehicles for more than 5–10 minutes.

• If unwell, seek immediate medical help — do not delay.

 

       3. Wear Light and Loose Clothing:

• Choose light-colored, loose-fitting, cotton clothes to stay cool and absorb sweat.

• Avoid dark or heavy clothing that traps heat.

 

       4. Stay in Cool, Ventilated Areas:

• Keep your living space well-ventilated and cool.

• Shower with cool water and avoid going out unnecessarily.

• Spend time in areas with fans, air conditioning, or coolers.

 

       5. Special Tips for Outdoor Workers:

• If you're a labourer, traffic officer, or farmer, rest in shaded areas hourly.

• Drink cold water and electrolyte-rich drinks frequently.

• Keep your head covered.

• Make sure nearby medical services are available in case of emergency.

 

Immediate Steps if Heatstroke Occurs:

• Move the person to a shaded, cool surface. Elevate their feet slightly to improve

         blood flow to the heart.

• Loosen tight clothing.

• Direct a fan toward the person, or fan them manually if power is unavailable.

• Give cool water or ORS if the person is conscious.

• Apply cold compresses to the forehead, neck, armpits, and legs.

• Avoid crowding — only one person should assist at a time.

• Try to keep the person awake and alert.

• If they are unconscious or drowsy, immediately call an ambulance or take them to

         the hospital. Delayed treatment can be fatal.

 

Disclaimer:

This content is intended for general awareness and not as a substitute for medical advice.

Causes, symptoms, and preventive measures of heatstroke may vary. Always consult a

doctor in emergencies.

Remember:

Prevention is better than a cure. Heatstroke is a medical emergency, but with a few

precautions, it can be avoided. Keep yourself safe and spread awareness to help others.

 

Summary:

This post provides a comprehensive guide on heatstroke, explaining what it is, its

symptoms, causes, and essential safety tips. It also includes steps for immediate care in

emergencies to help save lives.

 

Your feedback:

Stay safe in this extreme heat, and help others do the same. Share this valuable

information with your family, friends, and community to raise awareness and prevent

tragedies.

Spread awareness, save lives.

 

References:

Mayo Clinic: Heatstroke

Cleveland Clinic: Heatstroke

WebMD: Heat Illness Overview

World Health Organization (WHO): Heat and health