Health: Are you mistaking 'heat stroke' for a normal fever? A doctor explains the real difference..
During the summer season, the scorching sun and rising temperatures often leave people feeling miserable. It is quite common for body temperature to rise during these days; however, did you know that people often overlook a dangerous condition—'heat stroke'—mistaking it for nothing more than a minor fever? Indeed, this can be a grave error.
Let us turn to Dr. Sunil Rana—Associate Director and Head of the Department of Internal Medicine at Asian Hospital—to understand the differences between the two conditions and how you can identify them in a timely manner.
**What Exactly Is a Fever?**
A fever is, in essence, our body's natural defense mechanism. When a virus, bacteria, or other pathogen attacks the body, the body raises its temperature to fight against it. In this state, the body's temperature rises above the normal level of 98.6°F (37°C). When you have a fever, you may experience chills, body aches, weakness, and symptoms such as a headache.
**What Is Heat Stroke?**
On the other hand, heat stroke is not a common illness, but rather a 'medical emergency.' It occurs when you remain exposed to intense sunlight or extreme heat for an extended period, and your body becomes unable to regulate its own temperature. In this condition, the body's cooling system begins to fail, and the temperature rises rapidly to 104°F (40°C) or even higher. If left unaddressed promptly, it can cause severe damage to the brain, heart, and other vital organs of the body.
**Distinguish Between Fever and Heat Stroke Based on These 4 Symptoms**
Although the body feels hot in both conditions, you can easily differentiate between them based on a few specific signs:
**Cause of Illness:** A fever is invariably triggered by an infection or an underlying illness, whereas heat stroke is caused by prolonged exposure to excessive heat and intense sunlight.
**Sweating and Skin:** With a fever, the patient often experiences chills and may also break into a sweat. In contrast, during a heat stroke, the skin becomes extremely hot, red, and dry (although, in cases of heat stroke caused by strenuous physical exertion or exercise, sweating may still occur).
Mental State:
Rate of Temperature Rise: With a fever, the body's temperature rises gradually, whereas in a heat stroke, the body suddenly becomes extremely hot.
What is the Doctor's Warning?
Doctors explain that during the summer months, it is not always safe to assume that a high fever is merely a common viral infection. They state, "If a person has been exposed to intense sunlight and feels their body becoming excessively hot—accompanied by dizziness, confusion, or symptoms resembling fainting—it could be a heat stroke. In such a situation, seeking immediate medical assistance is crucial, as any delay could prove fatal."
According to Dr. Rana, while body temperature rises in both conditions, in the case of a heat stroke, it spirals out of control. Early recognition and the immediate cooling of the patient can save lives.
Immediate Steps to Take if You Suspect a Heat Stroke
If you observe symptoms of a heat stroke in someone, do not panic; instead, take the following immediate measures:
Immediately move the patient to a cool location or into the shade.
Loosen any tight clothing to allow for better air circulation around the body.
Apply cool, wet compresses to the body or wipe the patient down with a damp cloth.
Place the patient in front of a fan or in an air-conditioned/air-cooled environment.
Prevention is the Best Cure
Doctors advise that, to protect yourself during this scorching heat, you should avoid venturing outdoors into the sunlight between 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM. Ensure you drink an adequate amount of water throughout the day and wear light, loose-fitting clothing. Furthermore, pay special attention to the children and elderly members of the household during this season, as timely identification and preventive measures are the only things that can safeguard you from any major complications.
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