A severe heatwave has grappled most parts of India with temperatures rising more than 46 degrees Celsius in many areas – making even survival difficult. And so, the doctors are warning that heatstroke symptoms are not always obvious. Contrary to popular belief, heatstroke does not always begin with extreme sweating or a burning sensation. In many cases, your body’s warning signs can be subtle, unusual, or even unrelated to heat - causing dangerous delays in treatment.

And so, it is important to understand these hidden symptoms of heatstroke - crucial during intense heatwaves, especially for children, elderly people, outdoor workers, and those with chronic illnesses.

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Heatstroke is the most severe form of heat-related illness. It occurs when the body loses its ability to regulate temperature, causing body temperature to rise rapidly - often above 40°C (104°F). Without immediate treatment, heatstroke can damage the brain, heart, kidneys, and muscles.

According to doctors, heatstroke is a medical emergency and can become life-threatening within minutes.

Many people expect heatstroke to look dramatic, but experts say early symptoms can be surprisingly confusing. Some of the unusual signs include:

You may suddenly become disoriented, unusually angry, forgetful, or unable to concentrate. Doctors say the brain is extremely sensitive to overheating, making mental confusion one of the earliest warning signs.

Heatstroke can affect the digestive system, leading to nausea, stomach cramps, or vomiting. Many people mistake this for food poisoning or acidity.

Some patients report feeling cold or developing goosebumps even in scorching temperatures. Experts say this happens because the body’s temperature regulation system begins malfunctioning.

A racing pulse is another overlooked symptom. As the body struggles to cool itself, the heart works harder to maintain blood circulation.

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