Sunstroke? Heat stroke? - Calm down!
Sunstroke or hyperthermia, is the most common type of heat stroke.
The prolonged exposure to the sun has the effect of "detuning" our thermoregulatory center, thus causing the body to overheat!
Our body in order to maintain its temperature at normal levels, uses some mechanisms such as:
- Sweating
- Increased breathing
- The dilation of the vessels
When these mechanisms are not sufficient to maintain our body temperature because we want to continue sunbathing or exercising outdoors, then sunstroke occurs.
And of course it does not come alone! It is accompanied by some symptoms, depending on its severity!
What are the symptoms of sunstroke?
Sunstrokes can be mild, moderate, or severe.
Mild sunstroke:
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Intense sweating
- Redness of the skin
Moderate sunstroke (heat stroke):
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Nausea - Vomiting
- Reduced sweating
- Tachycardia
- Increased breathing
- Fever up to 39 ° C
- Fainting tendency
- Cramps
- Blisters on the skin - Sunburn
Severe sunstroke:
- Paleness
- Mental confusion
- Hallucinations - Delusion
- Convulsions
- Fainting
Fever up to 41 ° C
- Brain damage
- Involuntary urination & defecation
Sunstrokes must be recognized and treated in time, otherwise it can be life threatening!
What can I do when there is a suspicion of sunstroke?
- Ideally, go somewhere with air conditioning! If this is not possible, find a cool place with some shade.
- Drink lots, lots of water!
- Put cold compresses on your body or even on your neck.
- Lie down and keep your head slightly raised.
Take a cool shower for a long time. We said cool !!! NOT cold! Make sure you have someone by your side in case you get dizzy.
How to avoid sunstrokes?
- Do not go out in the sun between 12:00 & 15:00. These hours, the sun is very bright and there is no shade anywhere!
- Sit in a shady and cool place! You can tan even there!
- Put on a hat and sunglasses.
- Drink water often and in large quantities!
- Eat some salt! (With heavy sweating, the salt in the body is eliminated and so the electrolyte levels fall).
- Do not consume alcohol.
- Eat lightly. Preferably, fruits and vegetables.
- Take many dips in the water or showers!
Avoid physical exercise in the sun!
Did you know? Some groups of people are more vulnerable to sunstrokes, including the elderly, children and infants!
Useful tips for the summer months
Prevention is the best treatment! To avoid sunstrokes, follow the instructions below!
- Do not expose yourself to the sun for many hours
- Wear light and light colored clothes
- Drink plenty of water
- Eat fruits, vegetables and generally follow a moisturizing diet
- Avoid physical exercise in the sun and when there are high temperatures
