17/05/2025
Patient information leaflet
Heat stroke:
What is heat stroke ?
Heat stroke is a dangerous medical condition which results due to prolonged exposure to high temperatures or high humidity. Luckily, it is a preventable condition.
What are the symptoms of heat stroke ?
Heat stroke can present with subtle or non-specific symptoms like
- Nausea and vomitting
- Head ache
- Giddiness
- High body temperature
- Hot and dry skin
- Extreme tiredness
- Rapid heart rate
- Rapid breathing
- Confusion
Who are at risk for heat stroke ?
- Elderly
- Infants
- Athletes
- People who work or live outdoor for prolonged duration
How to prevent heat stroke ?
- Drink plenty of fluids (water, thin buttermilk, tender cocunut water, salted lime juice, ORS, fresh sugar cane juice without extra sucrose etc) Take fluids even if you don’t feel thirsty. Generally it is advisable to take 2-3 litres of fluids per day for healthy individuals.
(If you have diabetes, high blood pressure, heart or kidney problem discuss with your Physician about the choice and quantity of fluids permissible for you)
- Avoid alcohol
- Avoid too much caffeine (1-2 cups of coffee may be allowed in a day)
- Avoid heavy exertion mid-day (11 am – 5 pm).
Complete your daily walking or gym exercises during early morning or late evening.
Stay indoors during mid day if possible. If you have to work or travel outdoors during this time, protect against sunburns by using cap or umbrellas.
Use sunglasses and sun screen.
Hydrate yourself well.
- Wear loose and light clothing. Prefer light coloured clothing (which reflect heat) when you travel outside. Avoid tight or multiple clothings which choke you.
- Never stay inside a parked car for a long time.
- Even within the house, stay in a cool, well ventilated environment ( use AC or fan).
- Close curtains and shades during the hottest parts of the day and open windows at night to create cross-ventilation.
- Take cool showers atleast twice a day.
- Avoid heavy meals. Take multiple, small, light eats.
Take medical attention and discuss with your health care provider about further course of action if symptoms persist or worsen.
Dr. Balaji Venkatachalam.
Physician – Intensivist - Diabetologist