{"id":104775,"date":"2026-05-19T16:01:56","date_gmt":"2026-05-19T11:01:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.marham.pk/healthhub\/?p=104775"},"modified":"2026-05-19T16:01:56","modified_gmt":"2026-05-19T11:01:56","slug":"heatstroke-symptoms-in-pakistan","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.marham.pk/healthhub\/heatstroke-symptoms-in-pakistan\/","title":{"rendered":"Heatstroke Symptoms in Pakistan: Treatment Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Heatstroke symptoms in Pakistan are being missed every day \u2014 and the delay is costing lives.<\/p>\n<p>Heatstroke is a life-threatening emergency in which the body&#8217;s core temperature rises above 40\u00b0C (104\u00b0F) and the sweating mechanism fails completely. According to the WHO, it can cause permanent damage to the brain, kidneys, heart, and muscles within minutes. Pakistan records thousands of heatstroke cases every summer, with Karachi alone reporting over 1,500 cases in a single season.<\/p>\n<p>With the Pakistan Meteorological Department warning of above-normal temperatures across Punjab, Sindh, and Balochistan in 2026, every Pakistani family needs to recognise these signs before it is too late.<\/p>\n<p><!-- AUTHOR: Reviewed by a Marham Medical Team Specialist | Published: 2026-05-19 | Last Updated: 2026-05-19 --><\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_82_2 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.marham.pk/healthhub\/heatstroke-symptoms-in-pakistan\/#%DA%AF%D8%B1%D9%85%DB%8C_%DA%A9%DB%8C_%D9%84%DB%81%D8%B1_%D8%A7%D9%88%D8%B1_%DB%81%DB%8C%D9%B9_%D8%A7%D8%B3%D9%B9%D8%B1%D9%88%DA%A9_%D8%A7%DB%81%D9%85_%D9%86%DA%A9%D8%A7%D8%AA\" >\u06af\u0631\u0645\u06cc \u06a9\u06cc \u0644\u06c1\u0631 \u0627\u0648\u0631 \u06c1\u06cc\u0679 \u0627\u0633\u0679\u0631\u0648\u06a9: \u0627\u06c1\u0645 \u0646\u06a9\u0627\u062a<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.marham.pk/healthhub\/heatstroke-symptoms-in-pakistan\/#Heatstroke_Symptoms_in_Pakistan_to_Watch_For\" >Heatstroke Symptoms in Pakistan to Watch For<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.marham.pk/healthhub\/heatstroke-symptoms-in-pakistan\/#Heat_Exhaustion_vs_Heatstroke_Key_Differences\" >Heat Exhaustion vs Heatstroke: Key Differences<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.marham.pk/healthhub\/heatstroke-symptoms-in-pakistan\/#Who_Is_Most_at_Risk_for_Heatstroke_in_Pakistan\" >Who Is Most at Risk for Heatstroke in Pakistan?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.marham.pk/healthhub\/heatstroke-symptoms-in-pakistan\/#How_to_Treat_Heatstroke_Step-by-Step_First_Aid\" >How to Treat Heatstroke: Step-by-Step First Aid<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.marham.pk/healthhub\/heatstroke-symptoms-in-pakistan\/#How_to_Prevent_Heatstroke_During_Pakistans_Heatwave_Season\" >How to Prevent Heatstroke During Pakistan&#8217;s Heatwave Season<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.marham.pk/healthhub\/heatstroke-symptoms-in-pakistan\/#Frequently_Asked_Questions\" >Frequently Asked Questions<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.marham.pk/healthhub\/heatstroke-symptoms-in-pakistan\/#What_are_the_signs_of_heatstroke\" >What are the signs of heatstroke?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.marham.pk/healthhub\/heatstroke-symptoms-in-pakistan\/#What_is_the_difference_between_heat_exhaustion_and_heatstroke\" >What is the difference between heat exhaustion and heatstroke?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.marham.pk/healthhub\/heatstroke-symptoms-in-pakistan\/#How_do_you_treat_heatstroke_at_home\" >How do you treat heatstroke at home?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.marham.pk/healthhub\/heatstroke-symptoms-in-pakistan\/#Who_is_most_at_risk_for_heatstroke_in_Pakistan\" >Who is most at risk for heatstroke in Pakistan?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.marham.pk/healthhub\/heatstroke-symptoms-in-pakistan\/#When_should_you_go_to_the_hospital_for_heatstroke\" >When should you go to the hospital for heatstroke?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/www.marham.pk/healthhub\/heatstroke-symptoms-in-pakistan\/#Conclusion\" >Conclusion<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"%DA%AF%D8%B1%D9%85%DB%8C_%DA%A9%DB%8C_%D9%84%DB%81%D8%B1_%D8%A7%D9%88%D8%B1_%DB%81%DB%8C%D9%B9_%D8%A7%D8%B3%D9%B9%D8%B1%D9%88%DA%A9_%D8%A7%DB%81%D9%85_%D9%86%DA%A9%D8%A7%D8%AA\"><\/span>\u06af\u0631\u0645\u06cc \u06a9\u06cc \u0644\u06c1\u0631 \u0627\u0648\u0631 \u06c1\u06cc\u0679 \u0627\u0633\u0679\u0631\u0648\u06a9: \u0627\u06c1\u0645 \u0646\u06a9\u0627\u062a<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>\u06c1\u06cc\u0679 \u0627\u0633\u0679\u0631\u0648\u06a9 \u0627\u06cc\u06a9 \u062c\u0627\u0646 \u0644\u06cc\u0648\u0627 \u0637\u0628\u06cc \u0627\u06cc\u0645\u0631\u062c\u0646\u0633\u06cc \u06c1\u06d2 \u062c\u0633 \u0645\u06cc\u06ba \u062c\u0633\u0645 \u06a9\u0627 \u062f\u0631\u062c\u06c1 \u062d\u0631\u0627\u0631\u062a 40 \u0688\u06af\u0631\u06cc \u0633\u06cc\u0646\u0679\u06cc \u06af\u0631\u06cc\u0688 \u0633\u06d2 \u0627\u0648\u067e\u0631 \u0686\u0644\u0627 \u062c\u0627\u062a\u0627 \u06c1\u06d2\u06d4 \u067e\u0627\u06a9\u0633\u062a\u0627\u0646 \u0645\u06cc\u06ba \u06c1\u0631 \u06af\u0631\u0645\u06cc \u06a9\u06d2 \u0645\u0648\u0633\u0645 \u0645\u06cc\u06ba \u06c1\u0632\u0627\u0631\u0648\u06ba \u0627\u0641\u0631\u0627\u062f \u0627\u0633 \u0628\u06cc\u0645\u0627\u0631\u06cc \u06a9\u0627 \u0634\u06a9\u0627\u0631 \u06c1\u0648\u062a\u06d2 \u06c1\u06cc\u06ba\u060c \u062e\u0627\u0635 \u0637\u0648\u0631 \u067e\u0631 \u06a9\u0631\u0627\u0686\u06cc\u060c \u0644\u0627\u06c1\u0648\u0631 \u0627\u0648\u0631 \u0633\u0646\u062f\u06be \u06a9\u06d2 \u0645\u06cc\u062f\u0627\u0646\u06cc \u0639\u0644\u0627\u0642\u0648\u06ba \u0645\u06cc\u06ba\u06d4 \u06c1\u06cc\u0679 \u0627\u0633\u0679\u0631\u0648\u06a9 \u06a9\u06cc \u0639\u0644\u0627\u0645\u0627\u062a \u0645\u06cc\u06ba \u062a\u06cc\u0632 \u0628\u062e\u0627\u0631\u060c \u067e\u0633\u06cc\u0646\u06c1 \u0628\u0646\u062f \u06c1\u0648\u0646\u0627\u060c \u0686\u06a9\u0631 \u0622\u0646\u0627\u060c \u0627\u0644\u062c\u06be\u0646 \u0627\u0648\u0631 \u0628\u06d2 \u06c1\u0648\u0634\u06cc \u0634\u0627\u0645\u0644 \u06c1\u06cc\u06ba\u06d4 \u0641\u0648\u0631\u06cc \u0637\u0628\u06cc \u0627\u0645\u062f\u0627\u062f \u0646\u06c1 \u0645\u0644\u0646\u06d2 \u067e\u0631 \u062f\u0645\u0627\u063a\u060c \u06af\u0631\u062f\u06d2 \u0627\u0648\u0631 \u062f\u0644 \u06a9\u0648 \u0645\u0633\u062a\u0642\u0644 \u0646\u0642\u0635\u0627\u0646 \u067e\u06c1\u0646\u0686 \u0633\u06a9\u062a\u0627 \u06c1\u06d2\u06d4 \u06af\u0631\u0645\u06cc \u06a9\u06cc \u0644\u06c1\u0631 \u06a9\u06d2 \u062f\u0648\u0631\u0627\u0646 \u062f\u0648\u067e\u06c1\u0631 11 \u0628\u062c\u06d2 \u0633\u06d2 4 \u0628\u062c\u06d2 \u062a\u06a9 \u0628\u0627\u06c1\u0631 \u0646\u06a9\u0644\u0646\u06d2 \u0633\u06d2 \u06af\u0631\u06cc\u0632 \u06a9\u0631\u06cc\u06ba \u0627\u0648\u0631 \u06a9\u0627\u0641\u06cc \u0645\u0642\u062f\u0627\u0631 \u0645\u06cc\u06ba \u067e\u0627\u0646\u06cc \u067e\u06cc\u062a\u06d2 \u0631\u06c1\u06cc\u06ba\u06d4<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Heatstroke_Symptoms_in_Pakistan_to_Watch_For\"><\/span>Heatstroke Symptoms in Pakistan to Watch For<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Heatstroke symptoms are distinct and escalate fast. Knowing them can save a life \u2014 yours or someone near you.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.marham.pk/healthhub\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/heatstroke-symptoms-in-pakistan-treatmen-content-1-1779188173.webp\" alt=\"Heatstroke Symptoms in Pakistan to Watch For\" \/><\/figure>\n<p>The seven key warning signs are:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Body temperature above 40\u00b0C (104\u00b0F) \u2014 skin feels hot and dry to the touch<\/li>\n<li>Stopped sweating \u2014 unlike heat exhaustion, the body can no longer cool itself<\/li>\n<li>Confusion or altered behaviour \u2014 agitation, slurred speech, or disorientation<\/li>\n<li>Severe headache \u2014 sudden and intense, often paired with dizziness<\/li>\n<li>Nausea and vomiting \u2014 the digestive system reacts to overheating<\/li>\n<li>Rapid heartbeat and fast breathing \u2014 the cardiovascular system under strain<\/li>\n<li>Loss of consciousness or seizures \u2014 a sign of advanced, critical heatstroke<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>According to a study published in the Journal of the Pakistan Medical Association, heatstroke patients in Pakistan most commonly present with fever, confusion, and cardiovascular instability \u2014 all of which worsen rapidly without cooling.<\/p>\n<p>For Pakistani patients managing <a href=\"https:\/\/www.marham.pk\/diseases\/diabetes\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">diabetes <\/a>or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.marham.pk\/diseases\/hypertension\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">hypertension<\/a>, the risk of rapid deterioration is significantly higher during heatwaves.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Heat_Exhaustion_vs_Heatstroke_Key_Differences\"><\/span>Heat Exhaustion vs Heatstroke: Key Differences<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Heat exhaustion is the warning stage before heatstroke \u2014 recognising the difference is critical.<\/p>\n<table>\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th>Feature<\/th>\n<th>Heat Exhaustion<\/th>\n<th>Heatstroke<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>Body temperature<\/td>\n<td>Below 40\u00b0C<\/td>\n<td>Above 40\u00b0C<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Sweating<\/td>\n<td>Heavy, profuse<\/td>\n<td>Absent (skin dry)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Mental state<\/td>\n<td>Normal or mild confusion<\/td>\n<td>Severe confusion, delirium, or coma<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Skin feel<\/td>\n<td>Cool and clammy<\/td>\n<td>Hot and dry<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Urgency<\/td>\n<td>Urgent first aid<\/td>\n<td>Medical emergency \u2014 call for help immediately<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Outcome if untreated<\/td>\n<td>Progresses to heatstroke<\/td>\n<td>Organ damage or death<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>A key difference is brain dysfunction: heatstroke causes persistent confusion, aggressive behaviour, and slurred speech that heat exhaustion does not. In Pakistan&#8217;s urban centres like Lahore and Karachi, where outdoor labourers work through peak heat hours, this distinction is often missed until the patient collapses.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.marham.pk/healthhub\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/heatstroke-symptoms-in-pakistan-treatmen-content-2-1779188177.webp\" alt=\"Heat Exhaustion vs Heatstroke: Key Differences\" \/><\/figure>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Who_Is_Most_at_Risk_for_Heatstroke_in_Pakistan\"><\/span>Who Is Most at Risk for Heatstroke in Pakistan?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Anyone can develop heatstroke, but certain groups face a much higher risk in our climate.<\/p>\n<p>High-risk groups in Pakistan include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Outdoor labourers and rickshaw drivers exposed to direct sun for hours<\/li>\n<li>Elderly adults over 60 \u2014 their bodies regulate temperature less efficiently<\/li>\n<li>Children under 5 \u2014 they heat up faster and dehydrate more quickly<\/li>\n<li>People with chronic illness \u2014 hypertension, diabetes, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.marham.pk\/diseases\/kidney-disease\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">kidney disease<\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.marham.pk\/diseases\/asthma\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">asthma<\/a> all increase vulnerability<\/li>\n<li>Residents with long load-shedding hours \u2014 homes without fans or air conditioning become heat traps<\/li>\n<li>Those observing Roza (fasting) \u2014 reduced fluid intake during Ramadan or summer fasts raises dehydration risk<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>A survey of healthcare workers in Karachi found that 78% attributed high heatstroke mortality to the absence of early warning systems and community preparedness, per a 2024 study in PMC.<\/p>\n<p>General physicians advising Pakistani patients recommend drinking at least 3 litres of water daily during heatwaves, avoiding chai and fizzy drinks as the primary fluid, and wearing loose, light-coloured cotton clothing outdoors.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_Treat_Heatstroke_Step-by-Step_First_Aid\"><\/span>How to Treat Heatstroke: Step-by-Step First Aid<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>First aid for heatstroke must begin immediately \u2014 do not wait for an ambulance to arrive before starting cooling.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.marham.pk/healthhub\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/heatstroke-symptoms-in-pakistan-treatmen-content-3-1779188182.webp\" alt=\"How to Treat Heatstroke: Step-by-Step First Aid\" \/><\/figure>\n<ol>\n<li>Move the person to shade or a cool indoor space \u2014 get them out of direct sun right away.<\/li>\n<li>Remove outer clothing \u2014 loosen or remove heavy garments to expose skin to air.<\/li>\n<li>Apply cold, wet cloths or ice packs \u2014 place on the neck, armpits, and groin where blood vessels are close to the skin.<\/li>\n<li>Fan the person continuously \u2014 fanning while misting with cool water speeds evaporative cooling.<\/li>\n<li>Give ORS (Oral Rehydration Solution) or cool water \u2014 only if the person is fully conscious and can swallow safely; never force fluids.<\/li>\n<li>Do NOT give paracetamol or ibuprofen \u2014 fever-reducing medicines are ineffective for heatstroke and may cause harm.<\/li>\n<li>Get emergency medical care \u2014 transport the patient to the nearest hospital immediately; cooling must continue during transit.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>Per WHO guidelines, early reduction of core body temperature is the single most important intervention in heatstroke management. In Karachi hospitals, patients arriving within 30 minutes of symptom onset have significantly better outcomes.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_Prevent_Heatstroke_During_Pakistans_Heatwave_Season\"><\/span>How to Prevent Heatstroke During Pakistan&#8217;s Heatwave Season<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Prevention is far simpler than treatment. These steps are practical for daily life in Pakistani cities and villages alike.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Avoid going outdoors between 11 AM and 4 PM during peak summer months (May\u2013July).<\/li>\n<li>Drink water consistently \u2014 do not wait until you feel thirsty; thirst is already a sign of mild dehydration.<\/li>\n<li>Eat water-rich foods: tarbuz (watermelon), khira (cucumber), and lassi help maintain hydration alongside meals.<\/li>\n<li>Wear loose, light-coloured, cotton shalwar kameez \u2014 it reflects heat and allows airflow.<\/li>\n<li>Use a wet dupatta or wet cloth on the back of the neck when outdoors \u2014 a low-cost, highly effective cooling method.<\/li>\n<li>Arrange cross-ventilation at home during load-shedding hours; keep windows open at night when temperatures drop.<\/li>\n<li>Check on elderly neighbours and relatives daily during heatwave alerts issued by the Pakistan Meteorological Department.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department&#8217;s May 2026 outlook, mean temperatures are expected to remain above normal across Punjab, Sindh, and Balochistan \u2014 making these prevention habits non-negotiable this season.<\/p>\n<p>Important: Stop home management and seek emergency care immediately if the person loses consciousness, stops responding to their name, has a seizure, or their body temperature remains above 40\u00b0C after 20 minutes of cooling. These are signs of severe heatstroke requiring hospital-level intervention. Do not delay \u2014 book or consult an emergency physician or general physician through Marham for guidance, or go directly to your nearest emergency department.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Frequently_Asked_Questions\"><\/span>Frequently Asked Questions<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_are_the_signs_of_heatstroke\"><\/span>What are the signs of heatstroke?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The main signs of heatstroke are a body temperature above 40\u00b0C, hot and dry skin, stopped sweating, confusion or disorientation, rapid heartbeat, and in severe cases, loss of consciousness. These symptoms differ from heat exhaustion in that the body has lost its ability to cool itself entirely. In Pakistan, outdoor workers in cities like Karachi and Lahore are most commonly affected during May to July.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_the_difference_between_heat_exhaustion_and_heatstroke\"><\/span>What is the difference between heat exhaustion and heatstroke?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Heat exhaustion is a milder condition where the body is struggling to cool down but the core temperature stays below 40\u00b0C and mental function remains mostly intact. Heatstroke is a medical emergency where temperature exceeds 40\u00b0C and the person shows brain dysfunction \u2014 confusion, aggression, or unconsciousness. In Pakistan, untreated heat exhaustion during long outdoor shifts frequently escalates to full heatstroke within hours.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_do_you_treat_heatstroke_at_home\"><\/span>How do you treat heatstroke at home?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>You cannot fully treat heatstroke at home \u2014 it is a medical emergency requiring hospital care. However, while waiting for help, move the patient to shade, apply ice packs to the neck and armpits, fan them continuously, and give ORS if they are conscious and able to swallow. Do not give paracetamol or ibuprofen. In Pakistani households, a wet cloth on the back of the neck combined with a hand fan is a practical immediate measure before reaching a hospital.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Who_is_most_at_risk_for_heatstroke_in_Pakistan\"><\/span>Who is most at risk for heatstroke in Pakistan?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Outdoor labourers, the elderly, young children, and people with chronic conditions like diabetes, hypertension, or kidney disease are at highest risk in Pakistan. People experiencing long load-shedding hours without fans or air conditioning are also highly vulnerable. A 2024 PMC study found that Karachi&#8217;s urban heat island effect and power outages significantly amplify heatstroke risk for low-income residents.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"When_should_you_go_to_the_hospital_for_heatstroke\"><\/span>When should you go to the hospital for heatstroke?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Go to the hospital immediately if the person is confused, unconscious, having a seizure, or their temperature stays above 40\u00b0C after 20 minutes of first aid cooling. Heatstroke can cause permanent brain and organ damage within 30 minutes of onset \u2014 delay is fatal. Consult a specialist on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.marham.pk\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Marham<\/a>\u00a0if you are unsure whether symptoms are serious, or proceed directly to the nearest emergency room.<\/p>\n<p>This article has been reviewed by the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.marham.pk\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Marham<\/a> Medical Team for clinical accuracy.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Conclusion\"><\/span>Conclusion<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Heatstroke symptoms in Pakistan are a growing public health emergency \u2014 and 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most dangerous summers on record. Recognising the difference between heat exhaustion and heatstroke, acting within the first 30 minutes, and staying hydrated in our extreme climate can mean the difference between full recovery and permanent organ damage.<\/p>\n<p>Do not ignore dizziness, stopped sweating, or sudden confusion during a heatwave. If you or someone around you shows these signs, cool them down immediately and get medical help fast. Connect with a verified doctor on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.marham.pk\/doctors\/endocrinologist\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Marham<\/a>\u00a0to discuss heat-related health concerns, especially if you or a family member has diabetes, hypertension, or kidney disease.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Heatstroke symptoms in Pakistan are being missed every day \u2014 and the delay is costing lives. Heatstroke is a life-threatening emergency in which the body&#8217;s core temperature rises above 40\u00b0C (104\u00b0F) and the sweating mechanism fails completely. According to the WHO, it can cause permanent damage to the brain, kidneys, heart, and muscles within minutes.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":104771,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[8684,8688,8685,8690],"class_list":["post-104775","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","placeholder-for-hentry","category-pakistan-healthcare-system","tag-diabetes","tag-hypertension","tag-pakistan","tag-symptoms"],"acf":[],"post_mailing_queue_ids":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.marham.pk/healthhub\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/104775","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.marham.pk/healthhub\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.marham.pk/healthhub\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.marham.pk/healthhub\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/6"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.marham.pk/healthhub\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=104775"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.marham.pk/healthhub\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/104775\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":104777,"href":"https:\/\/www.marham.pk/healthhub\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/104775\/revisions\/104777"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.marham.pk/healthhub\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/104771"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.marham.pk/healthhub\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=104775"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.marham.pk/healthhub\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=104775"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.marham.pk/healthhub\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=104775"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}