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How you can tell if you have heat stroke


Heat can kill more Australians than a natural disaster and heat stoke can be deadly in 80 per cent of cases, health authorities say.

Australia’s scorching summer is continuing today following a day of extreme heatwave conditions which pushed temperatures in some areas to 80-year highs and people are urged to be aware of the signs of heat-related illnesses.

Towns in far western NSW saw temperatures climb as high as 48 degrees in some towns on Thursday.

On Wednesday, 16 people with heat-related conditions presented at hospital emergency departments across South Australia, with seven admitted for further treatment.

Temperatures have reached an 80-year high in some areas. Source: AAP
Temperatures have reached an 80-year high in some areas. Source: AAP

A 10-year-old boy in NSW was also treated at Liverpool Hospital for heat exhaustion after he and two girls almost fainted while playing in a park.

Heatwaves can cause illness, hospitalisations and in severe cases, death.

The Victorian Government says on its website during a heatwave in 2009, the number of deaths increased by almost 400 people.

How do I know if I have heat stroke?

NSW Health says on its website a person can suffer a heat-related illness if the body temperature rises above 37.8C.

People sweat in hot conditions to keep themselves cool, but if it is humid and a person is dehydrated, that can lead to heat exhaustion.

Heat exhaustion can then develop into heat stroke, an emergency that requires urgent medical attention.

Heat exhaustion causes excessive sweating which reduces a person’s blood volume. The initial symptoms include nausea, anxiety, weak and rapid pulse, raised body temperature, fatigue and headaches.

People suffering heat stroke will experience headaches, nausea and vomiting, dry and swollen tongue, disorientation and dizziness, slurred speech, body temperature of more than 40C, convulsions or seizures and sweating or having skin that feels deceptively cool.

What do I do if I am suffering from heat stroke?

To stop heat exhaustion from becoming heat stroke, South Australian Health suggests having a cool shower or bath, using a cool compress or tea towel, drinking water or laying down in shade or air-conditioning.

Those with heat stroke however should call triple-0 immediately and attempt to reduce body temperature until an ambulance arrives.

People should spend time in the shade to avoid heat exhaustion. Source: Getty Images
People should spend time in the shade to avoid heat exhaustion. Source: Getty Images

The Victorian Government’s Better Health Channel suggests people with heat stroke should remove their clothes and wet their skin with cool water.

How do I prevent a heat-related illness?

The Better Channel urges people to drink plenty of water, avoid exposure to the heat and restrict activity to the coolest parts of the day.

People are advised to stay in cool areas and eat small, cold meals like salads.

It also suggests people keep in touch with elderly people or frail family members to ensure they are not unwell.

People are urged to stay cool in the extreme heat. Source: AAP
People are urged to stay cool in the extreme heat. Source: AAP

Who is most at risk?

According to NSW Health, elderly people and young children are most at risk of heat stroke.

However pregnant and breastfeeding women, those who are overweight, people who exercise in the heat and those who work in a hot environment can also suffer heat-related illnesses.

People with acute illnesses like gastro and people who are not very mobile are also at risk.