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Heat stroke is a severe form of hyperthermia in which the body temperature rises considerably. This condition can be fatal if not treated promptly. It is unlike heat cramps and heat exhaustion which are less severe. Heat stroke or sun stroke causes the body temperature to rise above 104 F. The body is generally able to dissipate the heat through the skin in the form of sweat which instantly cools the body and brings down the temperature. However, under extremely hot and humid conditions under the sun, for a prolonged time, the body is unable to drive away the intense heat and the body temperature rises as high as 106 F. If a person is dehydrated, the amount of sweat produced is not enough to dispel the heat quickly and thus lower the body temperature.
People who work strenuously under the sun for long hours, the elderly people and those who have heart diseases, lung diseases or kidney diseases are more susceptible to heat stroke. The main symptoms of this condition are dizziness, nausea, fatigue, weakness, vomiting and headaches. Sometimes with the high fever, the pulse too becomes rapid and there is difficulty in breathing. There is also confusion, disorientation, agitation and strange behavior.
Home Remedies For Heat Stroke
Water
It is important to bring down the body temperature instantly. Since there is no sweating, there is a need to wet the skin to mimic perspiration. Spray water on the patient’s body with a spray bottle than fan the patient vigorously to help the water to evaporate and promote cooling of the skin. If you don’t have a spray bottle, just sprinkle the water on the patient with your hands or apply cool compresses all over arms, legs chest and back.
Raw Mango
Raw mango has been used since time unknown for keeping the body cool and well hydrated. The season of mangoes is summer and heat stroke also occurs during the hot summer months. People generally consume a drink made out of raw mangoes to prevent heat stroke. Boil three or four raw mangoes in one liter of water until they are soft.
Remove the skin and the seeds and mash the pulp into the water. Strain the liquid and season it with salt, sugar, cumin powder and dried mint. Drink this healthy and nourishing drink two or three times daily.
Buttermilk
Buttermilk not only provides the body with key nutrients and healthy bacteria but it also keeps the body cool and well hydrated at all times. Take a glass of fresh buttermilk and add half a teaspoon of cumin powder to it. Give this cool beverage to the patient three or four times during the day.
Cold Milk
Take a glass of cold milk and add one teaspoon of sugar and three teaspoons of ground almonds to it. Add one teaspoon of dried rose petals and give the patient this nourishing milk two or three times daily. Milk and almonds will provide instant energy to the weakened body and will also help to cool the dry, hot and flushed skin.
Coconut Oil
Rub coconut plenty of coconut oil on the scalp and the limbs. Coconut oil will cool the skin promptly and will reduce the body temperature.
