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Heat Stroke Treatment

Heat Stroke Treatment Clinic in Alexandria and Ruther Glen VA

Heat Stroke can be severe and dangerous and is very common during the hot summer months. Some common symptoms of heat stroke include confusion, loss of consciousness, sweating, high body temperature, and seizures. If you have signs or symptoms of heat stroke, visit our specialists, Dr. Khaled Said MD, and Dr. Walid Hammad today at PACS Urgent Care! For more information, contact us today or online check-in. We have convenient locations to serve you in Alexandria VA, and Ruther glen VA.

Heat Stroke Treatment Specialist Near Me in Alexandria, and Ruther Glen, VA
Heat Stroke Treatment Specialist Near Me in Alexandria, and Ruther Glen, VA

Table of Contents:

What causes heat stroke?
How do you treat heat stroke?
What happens to your body during heat stroke?
What is the difference between sunstroke and heatstroke?

Enjoying the warm weather is one of the most exciting things about the summer, but it also means that we have to take extra measures to stay in good health. While the sun’s rays on a hot summer day can instigate feelings of happiness and contentment, it can also cause the body to overheat. If the body is unable to effectively manage its temperature, symptoms of sickness can onset quickly, such as fatigue, nausea, headache, and dehydration. If the body is unable to cool down for long periods, permanent damage can occur. Staying hydrated and finding a cool place to rest are two of the most important things when enjoying the warm weather, and they can also prevent serious complications.

What causes heat stroke?


When the body’s temperature control system is overloaded, a heat-related illness is likely to occur. The body normally cools itself by sweating. Under some conditions, sweating is not enough alone. In such cases, body temperatures can rise rapidly. Excessively high body temperatures may damage the brain or other vital organs, such as the kidneys or liver. Several factors affect the body’s ability to cool itself during extremely hot weather, including the amount of clothing worn; the amount of liquids retained; the levels of humidity; and direct sunlight. When the humidity is high, sweat does not evaporate as quickly which prevents the body from releasing heat efficiently enough to cool down. Other conditions that can limit the ability to regulate temperature include old age (over 50); young age (0-4 years); obesity or overweight; dehydration; fever; heart disease; poor circulation; mental illness; sunburn; alcohol use; and prescription drug use.

How do you treat heat stroke?


The first-line treatment for heat stroke is to prevent it from occurring by drinking plenty of fluids and staying in a cool, dry place. This helps the body stay hydrated and maintain a normal temperature. In severe cases, a primary care specialist might use the following methods to treat a patient with heat stroke:

• Fully immerse their body in cold water
• Use ice and cooling blankets
• Use evaporation cooling techniques
• Give medications to stop shivering

What happens to your body during heat stroke?


Heat stroke has serious consequences and can cause severe body damage if not treated in a timely manner. If the body is unable to control its temperature:

• The body’s temperature rises rapidly
• The sweating mechanism fails
• The body is unable to cool down

In severe cases:

• Body temperature may rise to over 106°F
• Heat stroke can be fatal
• Can lead to permanent disability
• Organs begin to shutdown
• Cells begin to die

Warning signs that the body’s temperature is too high and could lead to heat stroke include:

• An extremely high body temperature (above 103°F)
• Red, hot, and dry skin (no sweating)
• Rapid, strong pulse
• Throbbing headache
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Confusion
• Unconsciousness

What is the difference between sunstroke and heatstroke?


Heat stroke and sunstroke are two terms for the same condition, however, heat exhaustion refers to a preliminary stage of heat stroke that can advance to the more dangerous condition if not treated properly. If you are experiencing the signs and symptoms of heat stroke, it is vital to receive prompt medical care. The kind and caring professionals at PACS Urgent Care are experienced in treating heat stroke and can help you stay cool, hydrated, and get back to your normal self. For more information, call us or online check-in today. We have convenient locations to serve you in Alexandria VA, and Ruther glen VA! We serve patients from Alexandria VA, Huntington VA, Arlington VA, Ruther Glen VA, Bagdad VA, Athens VA, Doswell VA, and surrounding areas.

Our Locations

Ruther Glen

  • 11073 Colonel Armistead Drive Suite 105 Ruther Glen, VA
  • View Details

Alexandria

Directions to Nearest Location