Heat Stroke and Hyperthermia: Symptoms, First Aid and Prevention
Hyperthermia means the body is overheating because it cannot release enough heat. Heat stroke is a medical emergency: overheating affects the brain and can injure other organs. It can develop during exercise or exposure to hot conditions; it does not always follow a predictable sequence of milder symptoms.
Confusion or collapse after heat exposure? Call 112.
Start cooling immediately while emergency help is arranged. Do not wait for an outpatient appointment or a particular temperature reading. A person with heat stroke may still be sweating.
Call 112 for emergency help
Heat exhaustion and heat stroke: the important difference
Heat exhaustion commonly causes thirst, headache, weakness, dizziness, nausea and heavy sweating. The person needs rest in a cool place, cooling and assessment if symptoms persist. New confusion, unusual behaviour, seizures or unconsciousness suggest a more serious emergency.
| What you notice | What to do |
|---|---|
| Alert person with dizziness, thirst or weakness after heat exposure | Stop activity, move somewhere cool, loosen clothing and cool the skin. Offer small sips of water only if fully alert and able to swallow. |
| Confusion, seizure, collapse or reduced responsiveness | Call 112 immediately and continue cooling. Do not give anything by mouth. |
First aid while waiting for emergency help
- Move the person out of the heat and remove unnecessary outer clothing.
- Wet the skin or clothing with cool water and fan them. Apply cool wet cloths; wrapped cold packs can be placed at the neck and armpits. Keep cooling while help is on the way.
- Stay with them and follow the emergency dispatcher's instructions. If unresponsive but breathing normally, place them in the recovery position. If they are not breathing normally, begin CPR as directed.
- Do not force drinks into a drowsy, confused, vomiting or unconscious person. Do not leave them alone or let them drive.
If a person with milder symptoms is not improving after about 30 minutes of cooling, or deteriorates at any time, seek urgent help. Serious warning signs require immediate action rather than a 30-minute wait.
What doctors may assess
Tell the emergency team about heat exposure, activity, medicines, existing illnesses and any loss of consciousness. Assessment and treatment depend on the person's condition. Hospital care may involve temperature monitoring, rapid cooling and tests for dehydration, electrolyte disturbance or organ injury. Severe illness may require intensive monitoring; the treating team decides the appropriate setting.
Reducing heat exposure in Hyderabad
- Plan strenuous activity for cooler hours and take regular breaks in shade or a cool room.
- Wear light, loose clothing and arrange access to drinking water.
- Check on children, older adults and people with long-term illnesses. Never leave someone in a parked vehicle.
- If you have a prescribed fluid restriction or take regular medicines, ask your clinician for an individual hot-weather plan. Do not change medicines yourself.
General medicine consultation at KPHB
Dr. Ch. Srujith
MBBS, MD – General Medicine
General Physician & Diabetologist
12+ years of experience
Kukatpally (KPHB): 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
For non-emergency concerns or follow-up after treatment, call the branch to confirm availability.
Confirm KPHB appointment General medicine servicesFrequently asked questions
Can heat stroke happen while someone is sweating?
Yes. Sweating does not rule out heat stroke. Confusion, collapse or seizures after heat exposure need emergency help.
Should I wait for a temperature reading of 40°C?
No. If heat exposure is followed by altered awareness or collapse, call 112 and begin cooling without waiting for a thermometer.
Can heat stroke happen indoors?
Yes. Hot, poorly ventilated rooms and parked vehicles can cause dangerous overheating, even without direct sunlight.
Can paracetamol treat heat stroke?
Do not rely on fever medicines to treat overheating. Heat stroke needs immediate cooling and emergency assessment.
How long does recovery take?
Recovery depends on illness severity and whether organs were injured. A clinician should advise when work, exercise and heat exposure can safely resume.
Who can I consult after the emergency has been treated?
For a routine general medicine consultation at KPHB, Dr. Ch. Srujith is listed from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Confirm the appointment with the branch. Do not wait for an outpatient appointment during an emergency.
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