Symptoms of Heat Stroke in Humans

The body may stop controlling its temperature effectively. Skin can feel hot and may be dry, though sweating can still occur. A person may develop a severe headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, weakness, fast breathing, or a rapid heartbeat. The most concerning change is neurological: confusion, unusual speech, poor coordination, agitation, a seizure, fainting, or being difficult to wake. Heat exhaustion can progress to heat stroke, so a person who is worsening after heat exposure needs urgent attention.

Call emergency services immediately and move the person to a cool, shaded or air-conditioned place. Remove extra clothing and cool the skin with cool wet cloths, fanning, or a cool shower if this can be done safely. Stay with them and monitor their breathing. Do not give drinks to someone who is confused, vomiting, having a seizure, or unable to swallow normally; do not leave them alone to recover.

Seek emergency care for any suspected heat stroke, especially altered awareness, collapse, seizure, severe weakness, repeated vomiting, or a very hot body after heat exposure. Emergency clinicians may use active cooling and IV Fluid Therapy when fluids cannot be taken safely by mouth. A person who improves should still be assessed if confusion, faintness, vomiting, or marked weakness occurred.

Ask what may have triggered the overheating, whether medicines or a health condition increased risk, and how to prevent another episode during hot weather or exertion. Tell the clinician when symptoms began, how the person was cooled, and whether there was fainting, seizure, or vomiting.