What to Do for Heatstroke in Summer

Heatstroke can be classified into three categories: premonitory heatstroke, mild heatstroke, and severe heatstroke. Severe heatstroke is further subdivided into heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke.

When patients exposed to high-temperature environments exhibit clinical manifestations of premonitory or mild heatstroke—such as dizziness, headache, and excessive sweating—they should immediately be moved to a cool, well-ventilated area for appropriate rest. Effective cooling measures should be promptly initiated—for example, tepid sponging.

Patients should be instructed to orally ingest saline solution or electrolyte-containing beverages. Clinically, oral rehydration salts (ORS) are commonly used. With the above interventions, heatstroke symptoms typically resolve and improve effectively within several hours.

If patients develop symptoms such as muscle cramps in the hands and feet, perioral numbness, or even syncope, severe heatstroke should be strongly suspected. In such cases, in addition to the aforementioned supportive measures, prompt transfer to a hospital for definitive medical care is essential. Based on relevant diagnostic tests and laboratory parameters, targeted therapeutic interventions—including rapid cooling, blood purification, and prevention/treatment of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC)—should be implemented.