| Heat stroke is a form of hyperthermia (abnormally | | | | · What to Watch For |
| elevated body temperature) with accompanying | | | | · Noisy breathing that may indicate upper airway |
| physical and neurological symptoms. Unlike heat | | | | obstruction |
| cramps and heat exhaustion, two less-severe forms | | | | · Excessive panting |
| of hyperthermia, heat stroke is a true medical | | | | · Bright red mucous membranes (gums, conjunctiva |
| emergency that can be fatal if not properly and | | | | of the eyes) |
| promptly treated. | | | | · Weakness |
| People most at risk of heat stroke. Anyone can suffer | | | | · Collapse |
| from heat stroke, but those most at risk are: | | | | · Coma |
| · People over 65 years, particularly those living | | | | · Altered mentation |
| alone or without air-conditioning | | | | · Petechiae (pinpoint hemorrhages on the gums and |
| · Babies and young children | | | | or skin) |
| · Pregnant and nursing mothers | | | | How long will the effects last? |
| · People who are physically unwell, especially | | | | Heatstroke is a very serious problem. Depending on |
| with heart disease or high blood pressure | | | | your general health and age, the effects can last as |
| · People on medications for mental illness. | | | | long as a day or two. The fever and disturbance of |
| Types of Heat Strokes? | | | | body temperature should be treated as soon as |
| There are two main types of heat stroke: external and | | | | discovered. |
| classic | | | | People with true heatstroke will need to be hospitalized |
| . | | | | in most cases. |
| Exertional heat stroke | | | | Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke Treatment |
| People who have exertional heat stroke are usually | | | | Self-Care at Home |
| people who are exercising in excessively warm | | | | Home care is appropriate for mild forms of heat |
| conditions. | | | | exhaustion. Heat stroke is a medical emergency, and |
| Classic heat stroke | | | | an ambulance should be called immediately. |
| People with classic heat stroke are usually elderly, very | | | | · For mild cases of heat exhaustiono Rest |
| young (infants and toddlers) or debilitated people who | | | | in a cool shaded area.o Give cool fluids such as |
| are in warm environments for too long. The elderly are | | | | water or sports drinks (that will replace the salt that |
| especially vulnerable to the heat. | | | | has been lost). Salty snacks are appropriate as |
| What are heat exhaustion and heatstroke? | | | | tolerated. |
| Heat exhaustion occurs when the body cannot lose | | | | Prevention |
| heat fast enough. If not treated quickly, it can lead to | | | | Any pet that cannot cool himself off is at risk for |
| heatstroke which is amuch more dangerous condition. | | | | heatstroke. Following these guidelines can help prevent |
| The signs of heat exhaustion include: | | | | serious problems. |
| · feeling faint, | | | | · Keep pets with predisposing conditions like |
| · dizziness, | | | | heart disease, obesity, older age, or breathing problems |
| · rapid heartbeat, | | | | cool and in the shade. |
| · nausea, | | | | Even normal activity for these pets can be harmful. |
| · headache, | | | | · Provide access to water at all times. |
| · low blood pressure, | | | | · Do not leave your pet in a hot parked car |
| · tiredness, | | | | even if you're in the shade or will only be gone a short |
| · confusion, | | | | time. The temperatureinside a parked car can quickly |
| · loss of appetite, and | | | | reach up to140 degrees. |
| · general discomfort | | | | |