Heat stroke is a condition where the body's cooling mechanism, sweating and evaporation are overcome by heat resulting in high core heat usually above 104°F or40°C and accompanied  by mental status changes. It is the result of long, extreme, exposure to the sun in which a person does not sweat enough to lower body temperature. Dehydration on hot and humid weather, drinking alcohol, wearing excessive clothing,  sweat glands dysfunction, some cardiovascular  diseases  are common risk factors of heat stroke.

Heat stroke is a condition where the body's cooling mechanism, sweating and evaporation are overcome by heat resulting in high core heat usually above 104°F or40°C and accompanied  by mental status changes. It is the result of long, extreme, exposure to the sun in which a person does not sweat enough to lower body temperature. Dehydration on hot and humid weather, drinking alcohol, wearing excessive clothing,  sweat glands dysfunction, some cardiovascular  diseases  are common risk factors of heat stroke.

Features of Heat Stroke

•          High body temperature.

•          Absence of sweating with hot red and flushed dry skin.

•          Rapid pulse.

•          Difficulty in breathing.

•          Confusion.

•          Disorientation.

•          Coma.

First Aid to Victim of Heat Stroke

•          Victims of heat stroke must receive immediate aid to avoid permanent organ damage. First and foremost is to cool the victim.

 •         Get the victim to a shady area, remove clothing and spray cool water on the body.

•          Place ice packs under the armpits and groin.

•          If the person is able to drink liquids, have him drink cool water.

•          Monitor body temperature  with a thermometer and continue  cooling efforts until the temperature drops to 37°C.

•          Have the person lie down with the feet elevated.

Prevention

•          Avoid sun exposure for a long time.

•          Keep hydration maintained.

•          Bring water bottle with yourself to work place.

•          Wear wide brimmed hat and long sleeved clothing when outdoors.

•          Schedule heavy duty activities for the beginning or end of the day when it is cooler.

•          Eat fruits such as watermelon and musk melon having high water content.

Natural home remedies

•          Onions are good to gaurd from heat strokes. Extract  the juice of onion and apply behind ur ears.

•          Plums are best remedy for excessive  heat. Soak some plums in cold water, mash them in soaked water. The mixture  should be drained and the water must be consumed.

•          Coriander juice in any  form should be taken in summers. Chutney prepared from coriander and mint leaves is very effective in keeping the body cool.

•          Buttermilk is considered as one of the best remedies to reduce the increased  heat in the body.

•          Green coconut water is very good.

•          Sattu is tendering energy and easy to digest which is to be consumed in scorching summer days. It is a healthy summer drink made with roasted gram flour.

•          Tamarind drink - Tamarind is rich in vitamins, minerals and electrolytes and is very much beneficial in heat stroke.

•          Aam Panna - It is a refreshing drink that acts as a health tonic. It is made with raw mangoes and spices that cool your body.

•          A decoction of tulsi seeds mixed in some rose water is known to cool down your system instantly.

•          Fennel seeds are known as a cooling spice.

•          Apple cider vinegar - Add few drops of apple cider vinegar in your fruit juice or mix it with plain cool water and honey. This helps in replenishing the minerals and electrolytes that are lost.

•          Aloe vera juice - Aloe vera is high in vitamins and minerals. It is known as an adaptogen. It boosts the body's natural ability to adapt to the changes and stimulates the defensive mechanism of the body.

•          Mixed fruit juices are helpful in maintaining the electrolytes of the body.

•          Gulkand or rose petal jam, an ayurvedic tonic prepared by rose petals and sugar, kept indoor in a tightly sealed container. It has cooling properties and used in heat stroke to lower the body temperature.

•          Gound katira or Tragacanth gum has amazing cooling properties and is used with juices and drinks to lower down the body temperature and to prevent the heat stroke.