How Do You Treat Heat Stroke and Heat Exhaustion?

QUESTION: The heat wave is murder. Can you offer any information about its
causes, and treatment? I doubt that even you can make the weather cool off.
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ANSWER: You're right, I can't change the weather, but I will give you the
information I think you are looking for.
Usually your body is able to handle the heat. But when humidity goes
beyond 75% sweat evaporation, which is the body's mechanism for cooling,
becomes less effective, and heat stroke becomes more likely.
A number of factors can contribute to heat stroke. People who are very
old, very young, obese, or with congestive heart failure are at greater risk.
Certain drugs, including tricyclic antidepressants, amphetamines, and cocaine
or LSD, can make you more vulnerable. Not only can being in a very hot place
bring on heat stroke, so can fever, exertion, or simply not being used to the
heat. Since circulating blood cools you, a poor cardiovascular system will
make you prone to heat-related illness.
Heat stroke requires prompt treatment to cool the patient and replace
fluids. Its a "no joke" medical emergency, so get a call out for an ambulance
at once. Spraying cool water on the patient's skin can increase cooling by
evaporation, for a victim of heat stroke does not perspire, and the skin is
hot and dry. Using ice packs can help bring down body temperature rapidly,
if it's available. Because heat stroke that results in seizure is extremely
dangerous, emergency medical personnel may use anticonvulsant medications to
prevent seizure.
Heat cramps can be helped by resting in a cool place, stretching (but not
massaging) the cramped muscles, and drinking an electrolyte solution, such as
Gatorade. Salt tablets may not be helpful; they can upset your stomach and
make you even more dehydrated.
Heat exhaustion, which can mimic heat stroke, is usually indicated by a
slight temperature and mild symptoms such as headache, dizziness, or
giddiness, as well as flu-like stomach upset. It may be treated by the same
methods of cooling as heat stroke, but your doctor may choose to give you
intravenous electrolyte solution to get your fluid balance back to normal.
If you are prone to heat stroke, try to avoid situations that might cause
it. And even if you are healthy, don't overexert or allow yourself to become
dehydrated during extremely hot, humid weather. Remember the basic rules of
prevention: stay where its cool, or at least get out of the sun; reduce
activity to prevent additional strain and heat build up, and make sure you are
getting enough fluids to drink. If, despite all your efforts, you begin to
feel some of the symptoms I've described, don't delay seeking medical
attention.