Sunstroke, also known as heatstroke, is a condition that occurs when your body overheats. This is usually a result of extended exposure to, or physical effort in, hot weather. Sunstroke is a heat injury that must be considered an emergency if your body temperature climbs to 40 degrees Celsius or above, as it can rapidly damage your brain, heart, kidneys, and muscles if left untreated.
The longer you wait for treatment, the worse the damage becomes, elevating your chance of serious complications or even death. Here are a few tips on how to identify symptoms of sunstroke, how to treat it, and ways to avoid it altogether.
Symptoms of sunstroke
- Extremely high core body temperature – If your body temperature reaches 40℃ and above, it is critical to seek treatment immediately. If the heatstroke is caused by exposure to the sun, you are likely to have very burned, red skin.
- Headache and nausea – Sunstroke may cause extreme throbbing headaches and vomiting.
- Alteration in mental or behavioral state – This can include things such as confusion, dizziness, lightheadedness, slurred speech, agitation, irritability, delirium, seizures, and even loss of consciousness.
- Elevated heart rate and rapid breathing – Your pulse may rise dramatically and your breathing can become rapid and shallow.
Treatment
When assisting someone with symptoms of heatstroke, make sure to get them out of the sun immediately and into the shade where it is cooler. Remove any clothing that may be increasing their body temperature and cool them down by any means necessary. This can include measures such as helping them to sit in a cold bath, standing under a cold shower, or placing ice packs or wet towels on the person’s head, neck, armpits, back, and groin.
How to avoid getting sunstroke
Avoid spending extended periods of time in the blazing heat. When the heat index is high, it’s best to stay in an air-conditioned or cool environment. When at the beach or in an extremely hot environment, avoid wearing excess clothing and drinking alcohol, as this will only serve to increase your body’s temperature and cause dehydration.
To avoid sunstroke, it is vital to stay as cool and as hydrated as possible. Drinking enough water will aid in sweating and maintaining a normal body temperature. It is also best to avoid going to the beach at the hottest time of the day and it’s important to remember to wear sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or more. Always wear a hat, no matter what time of the day you go.
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