Did You Know? 10 Signs of Heat Stroke

Heat stroke is especially dangerous for the elderly – know these signs

Visiting Nurse Association of Northern New Jersey (VNA) has been treating patients in their homes since 1898 – well before the invention of air conditioning. Even today many of our patients don’t have reliable air conditioning in their homes and we know that heat stroke is a very real danger, especially for the elderly. Heat stroke is a severe heat-related illness that requires immediate medical attention. Please be aware of these signs and symptoms of heat stroke for yourself or a loved one you care for:

1. High body temperature: The core body temperature may rise to 104°F (40°C) or even higher.
2. Altered mental state or behavior: Heat stroke can cause confusion, agitation, irritability, delirium, slurred speech, seizures, or coma.
3. Hot, dry skin: The skin may feel hot to the touch and appear flushed, but it may also be dry and not sweaty.
4. Rapid and shallow breathing: Breathing may become rapid and shallow as the body tries to cool down.
5. Rapid heartbeat: The heart rate may be significantly increased.
6. Headache: Intense throbbing headache is a common symptom of heat stroke.
7. Nausea and vomiting: Heat stroke can cause nausea, vomiting, and sometimes diarrhea.
8. Dizziness and lightheadedness: Feeling dizzy, lightheaded, or faint is common with heat stroke.
9. Muscle cramps or weakness: These can be an early sign of heat exhaustion which, if untreated, may lead to more dangerous heat stroke.
10. Unconsciousness: In severe cases, heat stroke can lead to loss of consciousness or coma.

Heat stroke is a medical emergency, and if you suspect someone is experiencing heat stroke, you should call 911 immediately. While waiting for help to arrive, move the person to a cooler environment, remove excess clothing, and try to cool them down by applying cool water or wet towels to the body and fanning them. Do not give them fluids to drink if they are unconscious. Prompt medical attention is crucial to prevent complications and potential organ damage associated with heat stroke.

---

Did you know that Visiting Nurse Association of Northern New Jersey (VNA) is the longest-serving VNA in the state of New Jersey? So we know a thing or two about helping seniors “age in place” to avoid hospitalization and nursing homes, and also what services people need to recover from illness and surgery at home. We suggest that you learn more about our home health care services and make a plan to age at home before you have a health emergency.

Medicare and supplemental insurance often do not cover all the care our patients and caregivers need. If you would like to help, please visit vnannj.org/donate or call VNA Foundation at 973-451-4148.

---

The Visiting Nurse Association of Northern New Jersey (VNA) is a leading provider of comprehensive home health care services in Morris, Hunterdon, Sussex, Warren, Somerset, and Passaic Counties in Northern New Jersey. Established in 1898, generations have known that just one call to VNA opens the door to quality, patient-centered home health care solutions that allow patients to remain in the comfort of their homes with dignity, health, and independence.

---

© All content on The Visiting Nurse Association of Northern New Jersey's website, including blog posts, may be reproduced only if attributed to our organization with a link to vnannj.org.

previous post by date

previous 'did you know' post