Sunstroke symptoms and treatment

Heat stroke happens when the body cannot shed heat effectively. The person may have a severe headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, weakness, confusion, unusual behaviour, fainting, or a seizure. Skin may feel very hot; sweating may be present or absent, so sweating does not rule it out.

Heat exhaustion can cause heavy sweating, thirst, cramps, and fatigue without the same level of altered awareness. Symptoms can overlap, and heat stroke cannot be safely excluded at home when the person is deteriorating.

Call emergency services, move the person out of the heat, remove extra clothing, and cool the skin with water, wet cloths, fans, or air conditioning. Keep checking breathing and responsiveness. Do not give drinks to anyone who is confused, unconscious, having a seizure, or unable to swallow safely.

A medical team may continue active cooling, monitor vital signs, and treat dehydration or organ stress. IV Fluid Therapy can be considered when fluids are needed through a vein. Do not delay emergency care while trying home remedies.

Treat confusion, collapse, seizure, severe weakness, breathing difficulty, or very hot skin with altered behaviour as an emergency. Seek urgent assessment for persistent vomiting, worsening headache, faintness, or inability to keep fluids down after heat exposure. A person who improves should still be watched closely for symptoms returning.

Ask what level of monitoring is needed, how to resume activity, whether tests are required, and how to prevent another episode. Share the timing of heat exposure, the symptoms observed, cooling steps taken, and any medicines or health conditions that may affect temperature control.