The symptoms of heat stroke are varied but occur at different levels, find out what they are and take your precautions
With the first heat wave , which is ahead of summer itself with temperatures above 35 degrees, experts recommend avoiding certain activities, hydration (between 2 and 2.5 liters of water a day) in small sips and without waiting for being thirsty, and, above all, recognizing the symptoms of heat stroke in order to act in time, especially with vulnerable people.
In general, the symptoms of heat stroke are varied but occur at different levels. And they are generated by an increase in body temperature derived from prolonged exposure to the sun, high temperatures, lack of hydration or prolonged physical exertion.
In these situations, the body suffers significant losses of water and has difficulty regulating its temperature through the usual mechanisms such as sweating, producing, as a consequence, an increase in body temperature, explain the experts from the Water and Health Research Institute.
When the body reaches a temperature of more than 40°C (for periods of 10 or 15 minutes), these heat regulating mechanisms are overcome and go into shock, thus producing the dreaded heat stroke.
Three levels of heat stroke symptoms
The symptoms of heat stroke can occur at the time or after several days of risk exposure and are divided into three levels depending on their severity:
First level: These are the first warning signs of heat stroke, and can involve water loss of between 1 and 5% of body weight
Red, hot and dry skin.
Intense thirst and dry mouth.
Excessive sweating.
Sensation of suffocating heat.
Temperature greater than 40ºC.
Second level: In this case, the body has lost between 6 and 8% of body weight.
Muscle weakness and cramps.
Headache and dizziness.
Shortage of urine.
Anhidrosis (absence of sweat). Strong and accelerated pulse.
Stomach pain and lack of appetite.
Third level: the body has lost between 9 and 11% of body weight.
hyperventilation
Exhaustion.
Nausea or vomiting.
State of confusion and disorientation.
Loss of consciousness, delirium, or seizures.
Fainting or even coma.
The Water and Health Research Institute (IIAS) is a scientific and informative entity, whose purpose is to develop activities aimed at research and dissemination of the characteristics of mineral waters, providing relevant documentation based on studies and reports on this product. nature and its importance for health.