Sunstroke & Heatstroke
Sunstroke, also known as hyperthermia, is the most common type of heatstroke.
Prolonged exposure to the sun results in the body's thermoregulatory center becoming "disoriented," leading to the overheating of the body!
Our body, to maintain its temperature at normal levels, uses certain mechanisms such as:
- Sweating
- Increased breathing
- Vasodilation
When these mechanisms are insufficient to maintain body temperature, because we want to continue sunbathing or exercising outdoors, then sunstroke - heatstroke occurs.
And of course, sunstroke - heatstroke does not come alone! It is accompanied by certain symptoms, depending on its severity!
Sunstroke: Symptoms
Sunstroke can be mild, moderate (heatstroke), or severe.
Mild Sunstroke:
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Profuse sweating
- Redness of the skin
Moderate Sunstroke (Heatstroke):
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Nausea - Vomiting
- Reduced sweating
- Tachycardia
- Increased breathing
- Fever up to 39°C
- Fainting tendency
- Cramps
- Skin blisters - Sunburn
Severe Sunstroke:
- Paleness
- Mental confusion
- Hallucinations - Delirium
- Seizures
- Fainting
- Fever up to 41°C
- Brain damage
- Involuntary urination & defecation
« Sunstroke - heatstroke must be recognized and treated promptly, otherwise it can be life-threatening »
Sunstroke - Heatstroke: Treatment
- Ideally, go to a place with air conditioning! If this is not possible, find a cool, shady spot.
- Drink lots, lots and LOTS of water!
- Apply cold compresses to your body or at least to your neck.
- Lie down and keep your head slightly elevated.
- Take a cool shower for a good amount of time. We said cool!!! NOT freezing! Make sure you have someone with you in case you feel dizzy.
Prevention of Sunstroke & Heatstroke
- Do not go out in the sun between 12:00 & 15:00. During these hours, the sun is very high, and there is no shade anywhere!
- Stay in a shady and cool place! You can still get a tan there!
- Wear a hat and sunglasses.
- Drink water frequently and in large quantities!
- Eat a little salt! (With intense sweating, salt is expelled from the body, leading to a drop in electrolyte levels).
- Do not consume alcohol.
- Eat light meals. Preferably, fruits and vegetables.
- Take many dips or showers!
- Avoid physical exercise in the sun!
« Some groups of people are more vulnerable to sunstroke, including the elderly, children, and infants »
Useful Summer Tips
Prevention is the best cure! To avoid sunstroke, follow the guidelines below!
- Do not expose yourself to the sun for many hours.
- Wear light and light-colored clothes.
- Drink plenty of water.
- Eat fruits and vegetables, and generally follow a hydrating diet.
- Avoid physical exercise in the sun and when there are high temperatures.
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