The term ‘syncope’ refers to the loss of consciousness due to reduced cerebral perfusion. In this article, we are going to discuss heat syncope. Heat syncope is the common medical term for fainting which results from overheating. 

It is also known as dizziness/ orthostatic dizziness. It is caused when someone experiences high temperature or also when someone is standing for a prolonged period without any body movement. 

Sign and symptoms of heat syncope

The sign and symptoms of heat syncope are enlisted below: 

• Faintness
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Tachycardia
• Restlessness
• Nauseous & vomiting 
• Weakness
• Sweaty or pale skin 
• Loss of consciousness

Causes 

The causes of heat syncope are enlisted below: 

• It occurs when an individual experiences high environmental temperature. 
• When a person stands for a prolonged period with any body movement. 
• It also occurs when an individual stands up quickly. 
• Athletes who perform strenuous exercises. 

Risk factors of heat syncope

The risk factors of heat syncope are

• Sudden changes in temperature
• High heat index
• Obesity
• Certain drugs like diuretics, sedatives, anticonvulsant and more.
• Young children less than 4 years of age and adults having ages more than 65 years. 

Diagnosis

The first stage of diagnosis is the physical examination of the patient. The physical examination includes both general examination and systemic examinations. In the general examination, the physician will measure the blood pressure and also check the pulse. The physician will get the low blood pressure and increased pulse rate in the dizziness patient. 

The physician may experience excessive sweating during his/her step of the general examination. He/she may also ask for the travel history along with another history. Mainly heat syncope will conclude the history of engaging in physical activity and high temperatures. 

Treatment

The basic principle of treatment of dizziness is the same as the treatment of other types of fainting. The treatment protocol of heat syncope is enlisted below.

• The patient will be advised to sleep in the supine position with their leg raised. 
• Fluid containing salt, or any other drink containing electrolytes will be administered in oral form or injectable form. It will depend on the patient’s condition. 
• The patient will be kept in a cooler area or under the fan. 
• Complete bed rest must be advice because it may lead to heatstroke or heat exhaustion. 

Prevention

• Strenuous exercises in extremely hot weather must be avoided. 
• Dehydration can be also the cause of dizziness so proper hydration is a must. 
• Alcohol beverages must be avoided in extremely hot weather. 
• Athletes should be given proper notional care during their training phase. 
• An additional way to prevent heat syncope is to wear clothes that block’s the sun rays. 

Home remedies to treat heat syncope

Some of the home remedies for heat syncope are discussed below: 

1. Onion paste

Onion paste is known as one of the best home remedies for heatstroke because it has great absorbing properties. you can apply onion paste on the forehead and also can try on the back of the ears or chest. It helps in keeping the body temperature down. 

2. Drink plenty of water

As we all know that dehydration is one of the major causes of heat syncope. So drink plenty of water can be the second-best home remedy for orthostatic fainting. It also helps to prevent hypovolemic shock and other heat illnesses. If you feel any of the above signs and symptoms, you can drink plenty of water. 

3. Raw mangoes

Here’s come the 3rd remedy for the fainting. It is one of the best fruit which helps in preventing heatstroke. You can drink raw mango juice which is also called aam Panna. 

4. Coconut water

Coconut water and buttermilk help replace lost electrolytes from the body. There are many other health benefits of drinking coconut water. One of them is it helps to improve skin quality. 

You can also read detail about Breathing problem remedies.