What's New - Heat exhaustion and heatstroke   Heat exhaustion and heatstroke   Heat exhaustion is a milder form of hyperthermia (abnormally elevated body temperature) but can lead to heatstroke if untreated. Signs of heat exhaustion include: headaches, dizziness, vomiting, muscle/stomach cramps, tiredness, loss of appetite, pale skin, weak pulse and high temperature. Heatstroke is a severe form of hyperthermia with physical and neurological symptoms, unlike heat exhaustion can be fatal if not treated promptly. Signs of heatstroke: abnormally high body temperature, with no sweat but red/flushed skin, difficulty breathing, strange behaviour, hallucinations, confusion, agitation, and this can go onto seizures/coma. Causes: when the body temperature rises quickly, due to high outside temperatures, physical exertion, extensive burns/sunburns, or overactive thyroid gland. A body temperature of 39.5C or higher in conjunction with the above symptoms is heatstroke. The young and elderly are particularly at risk. How to prevent heat exhaustion or heatstroke? Avoid being outside during the hottest time of day, between 11-3. Avoid stenuous activity like sport, and encourage your child to play in the shade, ensure your child is wearing a hat and loose fitting clothes. And finally check they drink plenty of water, little and often is best. How would I treat heat exhaustion or heatstroke? Remove all clothes, and cool child slowly with sponging with COOL water not COLD water, the room should be cool but not drafty and no direct fan treatment.     Return To Previous Page