Heatstroke is one of the unfortunate conditions associated with extreme heat. Although the heatwave which saw unprecedented temperatures topping 40°C in parts of the UK has largely subsided, you can still suffer from heatstroke when temperatures have cooled.
There was a massive surge in interest in heatstroke on Monday (July 18) which was the first day of the heatwave. On this day, NHS Digital said there were 90,592 visits to the heat exhaustion and heatstroke section of the NHS website, which is around 63 visits every minute.
It is important to know that there are other factors apart from heatwave can cause heatstroke. If you exercise in the heat and wear clothing that prevents you from sweating, or if you drink alcohol and become dehydrated, this will also increase your chance of heatstroke.
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How long does heatstroke last?
Heatstroke can be debilitating and may become very serious if not treated quickly. Signs of heatstroke include shallow breathing and shortness of breath, high temperature, flushed skin, nausea, headache, dizziness, loss of appetite, excessive sweating, pale and clammy skin, cramps in the arms, legs and stomach and being excessively thirsty.
If these heatstroke symptoms last longer than 30 minutes, you may need to seek medical help by calling 999. According to consumer health information site emedicinehealth.com, many people will recover from heatstroke quickly in around one to two days in hospital.
emedicinehealth.com goes on to say recovery may be longer if organ damage is detected. Complete recovery from heat stroke and its effects on the internal organs may take two months to a year.
The Mayo Clinic say that taking fast action is key. Without a quick response to lower body temperature, heatstroke may cause your brain or other vital organs to swell, possibly resulting in permanent damage.
The NHS have more information about heatstroke with advice on how to prevent heatstroke and when to seek help.
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