Heatstroke or hyperthermia is a condition when the body loses a significant amount of fluid, and reacts adversely to prolonged exposure to excessive heat. This happens when one works continuously for a long time in direct sunlight during the summer season. The body, in its attempt to regulate its temperature, sweats profusely but when there is no more fluid left in the system to be expelled as perspiration, the body temperature shoots up. In such a condition, the person’s skin becomes flushed, his breathing becomes labored, his pulse rate becomes rapid, and he suffers from nausea, disorientation, hallucination, seizures and may fall unconscious. Following the fainting fit, the person may experience a sudden drop in blood pressure, chills, and convulsions. In extreme cases, the person may even slip into coma. Heart patients and those who suffer from kidney or lung ailments are at a high risk of suffering from heatstroke. The best way to prevent heatstroke is to carry an umbrella or at least wear a hat if you are stepping out at daytime during the hot summer season. At any rate, you should not keep standing under a scorching sun for too long. You should drink plenty of water and homemade fruit juices in order to compensate for the fluids lost by the body through perspiration. This also has the added benefit of keeping the body temperature within normal limits. Avoid drinking too much coffee and alcohol, as they tend to dehydrate the body, and increase the risk of dehydration.
The first step for treating heatstroke is to bring the patient into a cool, shaded place and loosen his clothing. Following this, sponge his entire body with a soft towel soaked in cold water. This will help bring down the body temperature and help the patient relax. Simultaneously, fan the patient to stimulate evaporation of sweat from the body, which will automatically bring down the body temperature. It is also useful to put an ice pack under the armpits of the patient to bring him out of danger. Administering a glass of cool lemonade flavored with honey to the patient after he regains consciousness or has recovered from the convulsions is useful in re-energizing the body, and normalizing the blood pressure and the pulse rate. Alternatively, an oral rehydration solution may also be given to the patient to supply glucose to the bloodstream immediately, and thereby help him recover faster.
answered by G M