Heat stroke treatment in Patong
Heat illness creeps up on people here. Patong runs hot and humid all year, and humidity is the dangerous part, because sweat cannot evaporate properly so your body cannot cool itself. Heat stroke treatment in Patong is urgent care, not something to sleep off, and knowing the difference between heat exhaustion and heat stroke matters a great deal.
Heat stroke is a medical emergency
Call an ambulance or get to hospital immediately if someone has a very high temperature, hot skin that may be dry or still sweaty, confusion, slurred speech, agitation or strange behaviour, seizures, or loss of consciousness.
Heat stroke means the body’s cooling system has failed and the core temperature is climbing. It damages the brain, kidneys and other organs, and it can kill. Confusion is the single most important warning sign. Anyone who has been in the heat and is not thinking clearly needs emergency help now.
Heat exhaustion comes first
Heat exhaustion is the stage before, and it is treatable. The signs are heavy sweating, cold clammy skin, feeling faint or dizzy, headache, nausea, muscle cramps, a fast weak pulse and extreme tiredness. The person is uncomfortable and unwell, but still thinking clearly.
Move them into air conditioning or deep shade, lie them down and raise the legs, remove excess clothing, cool the skin with damp cloths, and give small sips of water or rehydration solution. If they do not improve within thirty minutes, or if they start vomiting or become confused, get medical help immediately.
How we treat heat illness
We cool you actively and rehydrate you properly. Most people who reach us with heat exhaustion are significantly dehydrated and cannot drink fast enough to catch up, particularly if they have been vomiting, so we use an IV drip with fluids and electrolytes.
We check your temperature, blood pressure, pulse and oxygen, and run bloods where needed, because heat illness affects the kidneys and salt levels. We treat the headache and nausea, and we watch you rather than sending you straight back out.
Who gets caught out in Patong
Newly arrived visitors, because the body needs one to two weeks to adapt to this climate. People drinking alcohol, which dehydrates and hides the early warning signs. Anyone on a long day out, at a full-day tour, a Muay Thai session or a beach party.
Children and older travellers are more vulnerable, as are people on some blood pressure and diuretic medicines. Riding a scooter all day in direct sun catches out more people than you would think, because moving air feels cooling while you are still overheating.
Why alcohol makes it worse
Worth stating plainly in a town like this. Alcohol increases fluid loss, impairs your judgement about how hot you are, and masks early symptoms. A long afternoon of drinking in direct sun is the most common route to heat illness we see here, and people often mistake the early signs for a hangover.
Recovering and preventing it
After heat exhaustion, take it easy for a day or two and keep fluid intake high. Your tolerance stays reduced for a while, so going straight back out for another full day in the sun is a poor idea.
To avoid it: drink consistently through the day rather than catching up later, stay out of direct sun between 11am and 3pm, use shade and air conditioning, wear light loose clothing and a hat, and add electrolytes if you are sweating heavily.
Common questions about heat stroke in Patong
How do I tell heat exhaustion from heat stroke?
Confusion is the key. Uncomfortable but thinking clearly points to heat exhaustion. Confused, agitated or drowsy means heat stroke and emergency help.
Can I treat it with a cold shower?
Cooling helps, but a cold shower alone does not replace lost fluid and salts, and it is not enough for heat stroke.
How long does recovery take?
Heat exhaustion usually improves within a day with fluids and rest. Heat stroke needs hospital care and a longer recovery.
Can a doctor come to my hotel?
Yes for heat exhaustion, with fluids and drips. For confusion or collapse, call an ambulance.
How much does treatment cost?
It depends whether you need a drip and blood tests. Message us and we will quote.