Heat Stroke
What is Heat Stroke?
A heat stroke, also known as sun stroke, is a condition that is caused by body overheating, which happens due to exposure to high temperatures or physical activity in high temperatures for too long. There are a few stages of heat related conditions, of which heat stroke is the most serious and can happen if body temperature rises to 104 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, and is most common during the summer season.
This condition, if not treated, can quickly damage the brain, heart, kidneys and muscles. The damage gets worse the longer treatment is delayed, which increases risk of serious complications of death.
There are two types of heat stroke – non-exertional heat stroke and exertional heat stroke.
When a heat stroke happens due to being in a hot environment, it is known as non-exertional/classic heat stroke, and it causes a rise in core body temperature. It happens after exposure to hot, humid weather for a long period of time and happens most often in older adults and people with ongoing health conditions.
Exertional heat stroke is caused by an increase in core body temperature, which is brought on by intense physical activity in hot weather conditions. Anyone exercising or working in hot weather can get this condition, but it is most likely to occur if you are not used to high temperatures.
Heat Stroke Causes
- Wearing heavy and/or synthetic clothing can prevent sweat from evaporating and cooling the body, which can cause core body temperature to rise
- Consumption of alcohol, which can affect the body’s ability to regulate temperature
- Dehydration brought on by not drinking enough water, leading to loss of fluids through sweating
Symptoms
High body temperature
A core body temperature of 104 degrees Fahrenheit or higher is the main symptom
Change in mental State
Change in mental state or behaviour, such as confusion, agitation, slurred speech, irritability, delirium, seizures and coma
A change in the pattern of sweating
In non-exertional heat stroke, skin may feel hot and dry to the touch, and in exertional heat stroke, one may start sweating more profusely
Nausea and Vomiting
during heat stroke, one may feel sick to the stomach or vomit
Flushed skin
as body temperature increases, skin may turn red
Rapid Breathing
due to the body heating up, breathing becomes rapid and shallow
Racing heart rate
due to heat stress, extreme burden is put on the heart to help cool the body, which results in a significant increase in pulse rate
Headache
the head may start to throb due to heat stroke
Heat Stroke First Aid
If someone gets heat stroke, immediate action is required to help cool that person down.
Shift the person into a shaded area or take them indoors
Excess clothing should be removed to help in evaporation of sweat
The person should be placed in a cool tub of water or cool shower, sprayed with garden hose, sponge with cool water, fan while misting with cool water or place ice packs or cold, wet towels on person’s head, neck, armpits and groin
Ice should not be used to older patients, young children, patients with chronic illness, or anyone whose heat stroke is non-exertional
How To Prevent Heat Stroke
To avoid heat stroke, the following precautions can be taken during hot weather conditions:
- Wear loose-fitting and light weight clothes
- Use sunscreen to protect yourself against sunburn
- Consume plenty of fluids to keep yourself hydrated
- Take extra precautions with certain medications that can hamper your body’s ability to stay hydrated and cool down
- Avoid beverages containing caffeine or alcohol, as both of these work as diuretics and lead to more loss of fluids
Heat Stroke Treatment in Ayurveda
Ayurvedic treatment of heat stroke is not limited to alleviating the symptoms but is focused on thorough treatment of the disease.
Herbal Remedies
Ayurvedic herbs like Amla, Guduchi and Shatavari are known for their cooling properties and can help in both preventing and managing heat stroke.
Dietary Adjustments
Following a Pitta-pacifying diet that includes cooling foods such as cucumbers, melons and leafy greens can help to regulate body temperature and prevent heat stroke.
Panchakarma Therapies
Takradhara (continuous pouring of medicated buttermilk on forehead) and Chandanadi Abhyang (full-body massage with sandalwood oil) helps to cool the body, calm the mind and balance Pitta dosha, which is vitiated during heat stroke.
Meditation & Yoga
Asanas and Pranayama that can balance Pitta dosha as well as relax and cool down the body are great for managing heat stroke, and can also prevent it.
Nature Care Ayurveda’s Evidence-Based Treatment Process
Nadi Pariksha
Starting with Nadi Pariksha, Jiva’s certified Ayurvedic doctors use this traditional pulse diagnosis to detect imbalances and assess organ health, which is crucial for diagnosing Heat Stroke accurately.
Prakriti Analysis
Understanding your unique physical and psychological pattern allows us to create a Heat Stroke treatment plan that not only addresses symptoms but aligns with your inherent constitution for lasting health.
Samprapti Ghatak (Pathogenesis)
Our practitioners investigate the progression of heat stroke by examining hygiene, dietary habits, lifestyle and mental health factors. This thorough analysis helps identify specific triggers that need to be addressed for targeted and individualised treatment.
Chikitsa Sutra - Personalised Treatment Plan
We then create a detailed Heat Stroke treatment plan, which consists of diet modifications, lifestyle adjustments, herbal medications, and specific therapies that aim to restore dosha balance and enhance overall health.
Continuous Monitoring & Amendments
Continuous tracking of the effectiveness of the treatment allows us to make necessary adjustments, ensuring that you achieve the best results from your personalised and Ayurvedic Treatment for Heat Stroke with Jiva’s ongoing support.
