Intense heat can be a real problem for the human body. Many people move to or visit southern Florida because of its sun and fun, but the sun can also be a potentially dangerous thing. Especially for those who are over 50, heat stroke is a serious and potentially fatal problem.

Heat stroke, often called sunstroke, is a medical emergency. Heat stroke doesn’t come on unannounced, it is the result of a progression of heat-induced issues. Heat stroke can cause extreme damage to the brain and other internal organs and can even take down a healthy athlete.

Generally, before people experience heat stroke, they experience symptoms of heat exhaustion, fainting, and heat cramps. Most people experience these symptoms before the onset of actual heat stroke, but this is not always the case.

Heat stroke is often the result of extended exposure to intense heat, sunlight, and is often combined with dehydration to produce horrible results.

Dehydration in combination with the heat is really the ultimate culprit of heat stroke. A properly hydrated body can more easily regulate body temperature which is vital when in extreme temperatures. When dehydrated, however, the body starts to lose the ability to regulate body temperature, which can lead to fast overheating.

Technically, heat stroke occurs when the core body temperature exceeds 104 degrees and may be experienced with other symptoms such as confusion and disorientation, nausea and vomiting, seizures, and even loss of consciousness.

If you suspect someone of experiencing heat stroke, immediately call 911 and the try to cool the person down. First, move them out of the sun and into the shade or air conditioning if possible. You can cool down the victim by using a hose, fanning them with air, or applying ice packs to the person’s body. Basically, you want to try to aid the victim’s body in reducing its core internal temperature as much as possible.

Heat stroke is a real problem for older people and even healthy athletes who live and train in sunny, hot places. This can be a serious and even potentially fatal condition that leads to damage and even death of brain tissue and other internal organs. There are a variety of common symptoms associated with heat stroke that will help you determine if this is what you are dealing with. If you suspect someone is suffering from heat stroke, first call 911 and then work to cool the person as best as you can while you wait for help to arrive. The sooner help arrives, the better chance that the victim recovers without long-term damage.

If you believe you are experiencing an acute medical problem, please call 911 or visit the ER. If you need a doctor in the local Lee County area please visit www.ipalc.org/find for non– emergency visits.