What should you know about heat stroke cure at home?

Heat stroke occurs when the body can no longer control its temperature. Confusion, unusual drowsiness, fainting, seizures, hot skin, severe weakness, or loss of coordination are warning signs. A person may stop sweating, but sweating can still be present. This is more serious than heat exhaustion, which can cause heavy sweating, thirst, headache, and weakness without the same change in mental state.

Internal heat can affect the brain and other organs even after the skin begins to feel cooler. Do not wait to see whether rest or a drink solves the problem.

Move the person into shade or an air-conditioned place. Remove extra clothing and cool the skin with cool wet cloths, a fan, or water applied to the body. If available, place cold packs wrapped in cloth near the neck, armpits, and groin. Stay with the person and monitor breathing.

Do not give drinks to anyone who is confused, vomiting, having a seizure, or unable to swallow normally. Do not give fever medicines as a substitute for cooling and assessment. If the person is alert and swallowing safely, small sips may be reasonable while waiting, but this must not delay emergency help.

Call local emergency services immediately for suspected heat stroke, especially with confusion, collapse, seizure, severe headache, repeated vomiting, or difficulty breathing. Place an unconscious but breathing person on their side and keep cooling them. If breathing is absent or abnormal, follow the emergency operator's instructions for resuscitation.

Urgent assessment is also needed when symptoms began after strenuous activity or prolonged heat exposure and do not improve promptly in a cool setting. A clinician may need to check temperature, hydration, kidney function, and other organ effects; IV Fluid Therapy may be used when drinking is unsafe or insufficient.

Ask what symptoms suggest heat exhaustion rather than heat stroke, whether any blood or urine checks are needed, how long to avoid strenuous activity, and how to return safely to outdoor work or exercise. Tell the clinician about medicines, alcohol, recent illness, and the timing of heat exposure.