HEAT STROKE (HYPERTHERMIA): CAUSES, SYMPTOMS & TREATMENTS

Heat stroke, also known as hyperthermia, is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition that occurs when the body’s temperature regulation fails to cool down the body in extreme heat. Heat stroke requires immediate medical attention, unlike a simple heat rash (Small red bumps or blisters, often appearing on areas like the neck, chest, back, or thighs, also known as “prickly heat” or “miliaria”, especially when the body sweats excessively) or mild dehydration. If not treated promptly, it can lead to severe organ damage or even death.

While hyperthermia typically results from external heat exposure, it’s important to note that certain medical conditions, such as malignant hyperthermia, can also trigger dangerous rises in body temperature.

In this blog, you will explore the causes, symptoms, and treatments of heat stroke and other forms of hyperthermia, with a special focus on residents of the UAE, where temperatures can soar.

What Is Hyperthermia?

Hyperthermia is a condition in which the body’s core temperature rises above the normal range (around 37°C or 98.6°F). When the body temperature exceeds 40°C (104°F), it becomes a medical emergency.

There are several forms of hyperthermia:

Type	Description
Heat Exhaustion	Early stages of heat-related illness with symptoms like heavy sweating and dizziness.
Heat Stroke	Most severe form, with confusion, unconsciousness, and potential organ failure.
Malignant Hyperthermia	A rare but life-threatening genetic disorder that causes a severe and rapid increase in body temperature and severe muscle contractions when a person is exposed to certain anesthesia drugs, especially during surgery. It’s not related to external heat like heat stroke; instead, it’s a reaction triggered by specific anesthetics or muscle relaxants.

Did You Know? Heat stroke is more than just feeling overheated, it can affect your brain, muscles, heart, and kidneys.

What Causes Hyperthermia?

Hyperthermia occurs when your body generates more heat than it can release. This imbalance can be caused by two main factors:

1. Environmental Heat Exposure
   • Spending long hours outdoors in direct sunlight
   • Physical activity during high temperatures
   • Dehydration, which reduces your ability to sweat and cool down
   • Wearing tight or dark clothing that traps heat
   • Indoor risk: Poor ventilation, high humidity, and lack of air conditioning can cause dangerous indoor heat buildup, especially in older buildings or shared accommodations
2. Medication and Genetic Triggers (Malignant Hyperthermia)
   • Triggered by certain anesthesia drugs like succinylcholine or halothane during surgery
   • Caused by a genetic mutation, most commonly in the RYR1 gene (This gene provides instructions for a protein involved in muscle contraction; mutations in it can trigger malignant hyperthermia during anesthesia.)
   • People often don’t know they have the condition until surgery
   • Important to inform doctors if a family member has had anesthesia-related complications

Who Is at Risk for Heat Stroke in the UAE?

While anyone can suffer from heat stroke, certain groups are more vulnerable:

• Elderly individuals and young children
• Outdoor workers (construction, delivery)
• Athletes training outdoors
• People with chronic conditions like heart disease or diabetes
• Tourists and expats unaccustomed to the UAE heat

Due to the region’s extreme climate, those who spend extended periods indoors without proper cooling systems—such as in older buildings or spaces without adequate airflow—may also be at risk. Even staying indoors doesn’t guarantee protection if cooling and ventilation are insufficient.

Early Symptoms of Hyperthermia

Recognizing symptoms early can prevent complications. Symptoms often appear in stages:

Stage	Symptoms
Heat cramps	Muscle spasms in legs, arms, or abdomen
Heat exhaustion	Heavy sweating, weakness, nausea, headache, dizziness
Heat stroke	High body temperature (>40°C), confusion, dry skin, rapid heartbeat, loss of consciousness

Did you know? One of the advanced and most critical signs of heat stroke is confusion or altered mental state. If someone becomes disoriented in the heat, seek emergency care immediately.

Loss of consciousness is a medical emergency that occurs when the body overheats and cannot regulate its temperature, typically exceeding 104°F (40°C). It signifies that the brain is no longer functioning properly due to extreme internal heat.

What It Indicates:

• Potential damage to the brain, heart, kidneys, and muscles
• Without urgent cooling and treatment, it can lead to permanent disability or death

First Aid Response:

If someone loses consciousness due to heat stroke:

1. Call emergency services immediately (e.g., 911).
2. Move the person to a cool, shaded, or air-conditioned place.
3. Begin active cooling:
   • Remove excess clothing
   • Apply cold packs to the neck, armpits, and groin
   • Douse with cool (not ice-cold) water or place wet cloth on the skin
   • Use a fan to circulate air
4. Do not give fluids if the person is unconscious, to avoid choking

How Is Heat Stroke Diagnosed?

Doctors diagnose hyperthermia through:

• Physical examination
• Measuring body temperature
• Blood tests (to assess organ function)
• Electrolyte tests (to detect imbalances)
• Urine tests (to check dehydration levels)

In the case of suspected malignant hyperthermia, muscle biopsy or genetic testing may be done to confirm the diagnosis.

At Reem Hospital Abu Dhabi, we offer advanced diagnostic services and emergency care for heat-related illnesses, including lab testing and continuous monitoring.

Treatment Options for Hyperthermia

Immediate treatment is crucial to lower the body temperature and prevent organ damage.

First Aid for Heat Stroke:

• Move the person to a cool, shaded place
• Remove excess clothing
• Apply cold compresses to neck, underarms, and groin
• Use fans or misting sprays
• Offer cool (not ice-cold) fluids if conscious

Medical Treatment:

• IV fluids for rehydration
• Cooling blankets or ice packs
• Medication to control seizures or muscle spasms
• Oxygen therapy if needed

Hyperthermia is curable when caught early and treated appropriately. Most people recover fully, though more severe cases may result in lasting effects or require longer recovery periods.

Why Ice-Cold Water Should Not Be Used in Heat Stroke, Especially When the Person Has Lost Consciousness

Using ice-cold water on someone suffering from heat stroke may seem like a good idea to cool them down quickly, but it can actually be harmful, particularly when the individual has lost consciousness. Here’s why:

1. Risk of Shock
   • Pouring ice-cold water on a person in heat stroke can cause sudden narrowing of blood vessels.
   • This reduces heat loss from the skin and can trap heat inside the body, slowing down internal cooling.
   • It can also send the body into shock state, especially if the person is unconscious or already has unstable blood pressure.
2. Dangerous Drop in Core Temperature
   • Rapid cooling with extreme cold can lead to hypothermia, particularly if done excessively or inconsistently.
   • In unconscious individuals, it’s harder to monitor core body temperature, increasing the risk of overcooling.
3. Cardiac Risks
   • A sudden temperature drop from ice water can stress the heart, especially in vulnerable individuals like the elderly, children, or those with heart conditions.
   • It may trigger abnormal heart rhythms or exacerbate heat stroke–induced cardiovascular strain.
4. Muscle Cramping and Shivering
   • Ice-cold water may induce shivering, which generates more heat, counteracting the goal of cooling.
   • This increases metabolic activity and oxygen demand, the opposite of what the body needs during heat stroke.

What Happens If Heat Stroke Goes Untreated?

Untreated heat stroke can cause:

• Brain damage
• Organ failure
• Coma
• Death

Recovery time varies depending on the severity of hyperthermia. Mild cases resolve within a few days, while severe cases may require hospitalization and physical therapy.

How to Prevent Heat Stroke in the UAE

Given the high temperatures, especially in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, prevention is critical:

Prevention Tip	How It Helps
Stay hydrated	Drink water every hour, even if you’re not thirsty
Wear loose, light clothing	Allows sweat to evaporate and body to cool
Avoid peak sun hours	Stay indoors or in shade between 11 am and 4 pm
Use sun protection	Wear a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen
Avoid strenuous activity	Exercise early in the morning or after sunset
Use air conditioning	Keep your living space cool during summer months

If you must go outdoors in the UAE summer, take breaks in the shade and carry water with you. Limit time in the sun and wear UV-protective clothing.

Conclusion:

Hyperthermia, including heat stroke and malignant hyperthermia, is a serious condition that demands awareness and action, especially in the UAE’s extreme climate. By understanding the symptoms, causes, and prevention strategies, you can protect yourself and your loved ones.

If you or someone near you experiences signs of heat stroke, don’t delay—seek medical care immediately.

Reem Hospital Abu Dhabi offers expert diagnostics, emergency care, and long-term support to help you recover fully.