sunstroke

Sunstroke symptoms

Sunstroke symptoms include:

• headache
• Pale skin
• nausea
• Vomit
• Durst
• dizziness
• Neck pain and neck stiffness
• ringing in ears
• clouded consciousness

Causes of sunstroke

Sunstroke is caused by an inflammatory reaction in the brain and meninges caused by exposure to sunlight. This is not the same as heat stroke or heat exhaustion.

With heat exhaustion, the body temperature rises above its normal values ​​of approx. 37°C. On hot days, the body can maintain its normal temperature of around 37 °C through perspiration. If the humidity is very high, sweating is no longer sufficient to lower your own body temperature. This leads to overheating of the body due to heat build-up with the following symptoms:

• Fever
• headache
• loss of appetite
• malaise
• chills
• muscle weakness
• Fast pulse
• visual disturbances
• Durst
• dizziness

If left untreated, heat exhaustion can progress to heat stroke. Heatstroke occurs when the internal body temperature exceeds 40°C. It comes to central nervous disorders with spasms, hallucinations and fainting.

sunstroke in children

Children are particularly sensitive to sunlight and excessive heat, as they cannot dissipate heat through sweating quite as well as adults. If your child is showing signs of sunstroke or heat exhaustion, you should place your child in the shade and give him/her enough fluids to drink. If the symptoms do not improve, you should consult a doctor as soon as possible.

diagnosis of sunstroke

To diagnose sunstroke, body temperature must be taken and a medical history taken. The doctor may ask you the following questions, among others, to find out when the event happened and the cause of your symptoms:

• When and how did the symptoms start?
• how long have you been in the sun
• Have you had similar symptoms in the past?
• Are there any medications that are taken regularly?
• Do you have any previous illnesses?

When to seek help for sunstroke

You should contact a doctor if:

• the symptoms persist despite measures you have taken yourself (cooling, going into the shade).
• you have clouded consciousness or fever.
• you feel personality changes (confusion, tiredness).
• additional symptoms such as B. an increased breathing or heart rate.

You can do that yourself with sunstroke

Various approaches have proven effective for cooling down if sunstroke is suspected:

• Find a cool, shady spot
• Drinking cool, non-alcoholic, and decaffeinated beverages (e.g., juice, spritzer, or water)
• Place cold, damp compresses on the head and neck
• To take a cold shower
• Take off tight-fitting clothing

Ways to prevent sunstroke

• Don’t stay in the sun for long.
• If you’re going to be exposed to direct sunlight for a long time, wearing light-colored hats can protect you from sunstroke.
• Avoid intense physical exertion on hot days.
• Make sure you drink enough fluids. It is best to always have a drinking bottle with you.
• Wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.

This is how Med-Healths can help you with sunstroke

What are the signs of sunstroke and how can you protect yourself from it? What complications can sunstroke be associated with? Can certain medications reduce your sensitivity to sun exposure? How much should you drink in warm weather? You can clarify these and other questions with a doctor via the Med-Healths video consultation.
If necessary, the doctor can issue you with a sick note or a referral to a specialist.

Danger! If you have a high fever, red and hot skin, a very fast heartbeat combined with low blood pressure and you become unconscious, you should call the emergency services!