Mild heat stroke: home treatment and when to get help

Heat stroke occurs when the body cannot control its temperature after heat exposure. Confusion, unusual drowsiness, fainting, a very hot body, severe weakness, or seizures are warning signs. Heat exhaustion can overlap with heavy sweating, headache, dizziness, nausea, and muscle cramps; it can worsen if cooling and fluids are delayed. A person who is confused or unable to drink safely should not be managed alone at home.

Move the person to shade or an air-conditioned place. Remove extra clothing and cool the skin with cool wet cloths, a fan, or a cool shower. If they are fully awake and can swallow, offer small sips of water or an oral rehydration drink. Do not force fluids, give alcohol, or leave the person unattended. Call emergency services while cooling if there is confusion, collapse, seizure, breathing difficulty, or inability to drink. Do not give anything by mouth to an unconscious person.

Get urgent medical help for altered behaviour, fainting, repeated vomiting, worsening weakness, a seizure, or skin that remains very hot despite cooling. Seek assessment if symptoms do not improve promptly in a cool setting. Clinicians may check temperature, hydration, mental alertness, and organ function; IV Fluid Therapy may be considered when drinking is unsafe or dehydration is significant.

Ask what likely caused the episode, how long to avoid strenuous heat exposure, whether medicines or illness increase your risk, and which drinks are suitable during recovery.