Sunstroke: Everything you need to know about it. What to do with sunstroke or heat stroke, providing the right care at home Medical care for sunstroke

Health 19.07.2017

Dear readers, the long-awaited summer has come, which we so dreamed about in the cold season. We are in a hurry to enjoy being outdoors: we go on various trips, go to the forest, relax in the country or near the water. But very often, due to our carelessness, we forget elementary precautions, the failure to comply with which can lead to serious health problems.

Today we will talk about sunstroke - what it is, what are the causes of its occurrence, what are the symptoms, what should be done at the first sign of it. We will also discuss with you what recommendations you need to follow in order to completely avoid sunstroke.

What is sunstroke

Sunstroke is a type of heat stroke that develops as a result of prolonged exposure to the sun on the uncovered surface of the head.

Sunstroke usually occurs during the hot season during prolonged exposure to direct scorching sunlight on the unprotected head. But it can also happen at a relatively low temperature, for example, in the mountains, when there are conditions for overheating the head in the sun.

A distinctive feature of sunstroke from heat stroke is that only the head is exposed to overheating, and not the whole body.

Why is sunstroke dangerous?

Most of us treat such a phenomenon as a sunstroke rather lightly. Let's look at what happens in the body with such exposure in order to understand whether it is worth worrying about this or not.

Due to prolonged exposure to sunlight on the head, overheating of all parts of the brain occurs, the cooling and sweating systems are disrupted. The vessels expand, an increased volume of blood enters the brain, it stagnates, blood pressure rises (in some cases, the pressure may decrease). There are swelling of the brain, which compress it, which is why a hemorrhage in the brain (stroke) is possible, the supply of oxygen to all organs of the body is disrupted.

As a result of all of the above, damage occurs to the nerve centers of the brain responsible for important vital functions of the body: first of all, the central nervous system suffers, as well as the vascular, respiratory, etc.

In especially severe cases, severe disorders of the vital functions of the whole organism occur, an extensive cerebral hemorrhage occurs, acute cardiovascular failure, a person falls into a coma, and cardiac arrest and death are also possible.

Even if a person has suffered moderate sunstroke without tangible disturbances in the functioning of the body, chronic headaches, difficulty in coordinating movements, visual impairment, diseases of the cardiovascular system, etc. can occur in the future. Serious consequences include violations of individual brain functions, such as reflex, sensory, conductive.

So is it worth worrying about the danger of getting sunstroke or not?

A few more statistics for clarity. According to statistics from the World Health Organization, 60,000 people die from sunstroke every year. I think these numbers speak better than any words about how dangerous this condition can be.

Heat stroke and sunstroke are dangerous conditions that, without timely help, directly threaten human health and life.

Symptoms of sunstroke in adults

The presence of certain symptoms of sunstroke, as well as their severity, depends on the intensity of solar radiation, the level of humidity in the air, and the time spent in direct sunlight.

Doctors distinguish three degrees of development of sunstroke, in which the following symptoms occur:

• mild degree- general weakness, headache, nausea, increased heart rate (tachycardia) and respiration, dilated pupils, loss of coordination;
• average degree- severe adynamia, severe headache with nausea and vomiting, feeling of stupor, dizziness, uncertainty of movements, unsteady gait, semi-fainting / fainting state, increased heart rate and respiration, nosebleeds, fever up to 38-40 ° C;
• severe degree comes suddenly - there is confusion, hallucinations, delirium, convulsions, involuntary excretion of urine and feces, an increase in body temperature to 41-42 ° C, coma and death are possible. Mortality from this degree of sunstroke reaches 20-30%.

Symptoms and signs of sunstroke in children

• Increased irritability;
• lethargy - the child loses interest in everything he was doing, weakness appears;
• elevated body temperature.

I repeat once again that children should be very attentive! If you see something wrong with your child, take action right away! We will talk about them a little lower.

Causes of sunstroke

In addition to direct and prolonged exposure to the sun on the surface of the head unprotected by a headdress, there are a number of factors provoking the occurrence of sunstroke. Let's take a look at them.

First of all, young children (especially under one year old) and the elderly suffer from this painful condition, since thermoregulation in the first case has not yet been established, and in the second it is already weakly performing its functions. Also at risk are people suffering from serious chronic diseases, such as vegetative-vascular dystonia, heart disease, hypertension and other cardiovascular diseases, endocrine disorders, CNS diseases, etc.

The next provoking factor is the air temperature above 30˚С and / or high humidity of the environment, as well as increased physical activity or hard physical work.

People with overweight (obesity), in the stage of alcohol or drug intoxication, with nervous tension and in a stressful state are also at risk of getting sunstroke.

Taking certain medications, such as central nervous system stimulants, antiallergic drugs, etc., as well as a lack of fluid in the body, smoking, and excess clothing on the body, can also lead to sunstroke.

First aid for sunstroke

When we encounter such a painful condition, we first of all ask ourselves the question: how to help a person correctly, what to do with a sunstroke? And you should act immediately and confidently, because the health and life of a person depends on it.

We transfer to the shade and properly lay the victim

The very first thing to do is to move the victim to the shade, ideally it should be a room with a comfortable air temperature and normal humidity.

Lay it down by raising your legs slightly at the ankles. To do this, you can use folded things or a bag. If a person is vomiting, then his head must be turned to the side so that he does not choke on vomit. In case of loss of consciousness, the mouth should be released to restore normal breathing.

When providing first aid for sunstroke, do not raise the head of the victim! Raise only the legs above the level of the head.

Provide air circulation

Provide good air circulation. To do this, use an air conditioner, a fan, or open windows and doors, thus creating a draft. If this is not possible, then fan the victim with a newspaper or a damp towel. Also free the space around from people.

We release from squeezing clothes

Release the patient from squeezing clothes, belts, etc. Unbutton the shirt, blouse on the chest. If the clothes are dense, synthetic or rubberized, then we take them off completely. With a large amount of clothing, you should also remove part of it or all of it.

Cool compresses

We apply cool (room temperature), but not cold (not ice!) Compresses on the back of the head, forehead and neck. Ice and cold water should not be used, as in this case, the temperature contrast creates an additional burden on the body and can aggravate the condition. Wet your face with cool water.

Pat a piece of cloth (towel) soaked in cool water on the chest. In a serious condition, the whole body is doused with water at room temperature or wrapped in a wet sheet.

Ear massage and ammonia

It is good to massage the ears. They have many active points. Massage intensively!

If a person is unconscious, then we bring a cotton swab (10-15 cm) dipped in ammonia to his nose. Good rub and whiskey.

Give the victim water to drink

Then the patient should be given to drink cool mineral water without gas or ordinary water, in which salt is dissolved on the tip of a teaspoon. This will ensure the restoration of the water-salt balance of the body.

As a rule, these actions are enough to normalize the condition of the victim. Otherwise, you should urgently call an ambulance.

Before the arrival of doctors, if necessary, perform artificial respiration and chest compressions until breathing and pulse appear.

Should I call an ambulance?

Many people ask the question: should I call an ambulance when a sunstroke occurs. Here, the opinions of experts differ: some believe that this should be done in any case, others - that it is worth resorting to this only in a state of moderate and severe degree.

Rather, here it can be argued as follows - if a young healthy person was injured and the impact was light, then there is no need to call an ambulance. If the injured child, an elderly person or suffering from any chronic diseases, then an ambulance should be called in any case, even if the patient's condition has returned to normal!

After suffering a stroke of any severity, it is not superfluous to consult with your doctor or a specialist you trust in order to avoid the development of possible hidden negative consequences of this condition.

I suggest watching a video about the symptoms and first aid for sunstroke.

How to behave after suffering a sunstroke?

After a sunstroke, doctors advise rest and bed rest for one to two days to restore the function of the nervous and circulatory systems, as well as the level of metabolic processes. You should continue to drink cool water in sufficient quantities. The temperature in the room where the patient is located should be comfortable, and the room itself should be well ventilated.

Meals should be light, food at room temperature or warm, but not hot.

Prevention of sunstroke

Finally, let's look at measures to help prevent sunstroke.

In hot weather, be sure to wear a hat, preferably in light shades, as they reflect sunlight better. When choosing clothes, opt for natural non-dense material, also in light colors. Such clothes will allow the skin to breathe.

Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight. Remember that the sun is especially active from 12.00 to 16.00 (adjusted for local features). At this time, it is better not to go outside, and if this is not possible, then stick to the shade.

When working under the scorching rays of the sun, if it is not possible to postpone it for another time, take frequent breaks, which you spend in a shady, cool place with good air circulation.

Start visiting the beach with 15-20-minute sunbathing, which is gradually brought up to two hours, but MANDATORY with breaks.

It is better to sunbathe not lying down, but in motion, alternating with swimming and not earlier than an hour after eating. Do not forget about an umbrella preferably in light colors, dark glasses and sunscreen. About that, you can read in my article.

Stick to a light diet, do not eat a lot. Give preference to fruits, vegetables, dairy products. We also do not forget about the need to replenish the loss of body fluid, because in summer it is significant. About 2.5-3 liters (some more) of cool, but not cold (ice) water should be consumed per day, evenly distribute its intake throughout the day. A large amount of liquid drunk at once is poorly absorbed by the body.

To quench your thirst, it is better to choose simple, mineral (without gas) water. Sugary carbonated drinks are not recommended. Strong tea, coffee and alcohol in any form are also contraindicated.

We recently talked about. In this article, I wrote about the various ways to use it and that many people prefer it to sweet carbonated drinks, kvass, and even homemade compote in the summer to quench their thirst.

From time to time, wipe your face with a handkerchief dipped in cool water. Based on my own experience, I can advise - if the first signs of overheating (sunstroke) begin in extreme heat, compresses the head and heart, then you need to apply a handkerchief dipped in cool water to the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe upper left chest - the pain recedes very quickly and the general condition returns to normal .

If possible, during the day, take a cool shower, wash your face, hands, feet with cool water. In extreme cases, you can wipe the whole body with a wet towel.

And for the soul, today we will listen to a wonderful song performed by Galina Khomchik "Just Summer" .

see also

Sunstroke is a form of heatstroke that occurs when exposed to sunlight. It can be provoked by prolonged exposure to the scorching sun (work, walks, sports). In this case, there is a feeling of weakness, drowsiness and lethargy, headache, nausea, dizziness, a sharp increase in body temperature, disturbances in the functioning of the heart, an increase or decrease in blood pressure. Conservative therapy is used to treat and eliminate symptoms - the victim must be cooled and protected from direct sunlight, and also given plain water to drink. However, in severe cases, emergency medical attention may be required.

Description of this lesion

Sunstroke is a brain disorder caused by severe overheating of the head under direct sunlight. It differs from thermal in that it causes only the head to overheat, and not the whole body. That is why it is possible to suffer from it even at low air temperatures, but while being under the scorching sun. Sun damage can develop at any age and regardless of gender. The disease is most dangerous for children, the elderly and patients suffering from certain chronic ailments.

What is dangerous?

Sunstroke leads to violations of sweating and blood circulation (including cerebral) due to vasodilation, as well as a lack of oxygen in the tissues. The nervous and cardiovascular systems suffer more than others from overheating, cardiac arrest, coma and even death are possible. That is why it is very important to recognize the defeat in a timely manner and provide the necessary assistance for both heat and sunstroke.

Reasons for development

The disease is caused by direct exposure to sunlight when the sun is at its zenith. At this time, the rays are minimally scattered and almost at a right angle fall on the surface of the earth. The direct causes of sunstroke are most often work, active physical exercise and outdoor recreation in sunny weather, being on the beach at lunchtime (from 10 to 15 hours). The risk of damage increases in stuffy calm weather, in the absence of a hat, non-compliance with the drinking regime, taking vasodilator drugs and drinking alcohol, and overeating. Patients suffering from hypertension, VSD, diseases of the cardiovascular system, overweight are more susceptible to the development of pathology.

First aid for sunstroke is very important. More on this later.

How does pathology occur?

Under the influence of direct sunlight falling on the head, there is a strong increase in the temperature of the brain. This provokes swelling of the membranes. At the same time, blood pressure increases, the vessels of the brain expand, ruptures of small vessels can occur. The normal work of vital centers responsible for respiratory and cardiac activity is hindered. Against this background, both acute and delayed pathological changes can develop. Signs of sunstroke need to be identified in a timely manner.

For severe injuries

In severe lesions, there is a high risk of developing asphyxia, acute heart failure, heart attack, and extensive cerebral bleeding. After some time, serious disturbances in the functioning of the brain may appear, in particular sensory, conductive and reflex functions. Also among the delayed effects are headaches, impaired coordination, neurological problems, diseases of the cardiovascular system, visual impairment.

Sunstroke symptoms

The symptomatology of the pathology and its severity are directly related to the duration of exposure to the scorching sun, the intensity of light, the age and state of health of the victim. Common signs of damage are weakness, dizziness, shortness of breath, dry mouth and thirst, increasing headache, lethargy and drowsiness. Ophthalmic manifestations are also possible, for example, double vision or flickering of "flies" in the eyes, darkening, inability to focus the gaze. The temperature increases, redness of the face. Blood pressure may rise or, conversely, fall, which is accompanied by nausea and vomiting. Without the necessary assistance, the condition can worsen significantly, up to loss of consciousness and coma.

Degrees of illness

Depending on the severity of symptoms, three degrees of severity of sunstroke are distinguished.

1. Mild degree is characterized by general weakness, headache, nausea, tachycardia, rapid breathing and dilated pupils.
2. The average degree is characterized by an increasing headache, unsteady gait, increased breathing and heart rate, nausea and vomiting, impaired coordination of movements, severe muscle weakness and lethargy. It is also possible to bleed from the nose and lose consciousness, while the body temperature is greatly increased (38-40 degrees).
3. With the most dangerous - severe - degree of sunstroke, a sudden change in consciousness occurs, hallucinations, tonic and clonic convulsions, uncontrolled urination, fever up to 41-42 degrees, coma.

It is especially important to timely notice the characteristic signs of overheating in a child. Symptoms of heat and sunstroke in young children may differ from the usual manifestations of pathology in an adult, which is explained by the underdevelopment of the thermoregulation system, weak protective functions and increased sensitivity of the scalp to heat exposure. Most often, children experience sudden drowsiness and lethargy, less often irritability. Perspiration is noticeable on the face, nausea and vomiting occur, the temperature rises rapidly. In severe cases, fainting, heart failure and respiratory arrest are possible.

First aid for sunstroke

The first thing to do to help the victim is to take or (in case of loss of consciousness) transfer him to a cool, shady place with good airflow and lay him down. The victim's head should be turned to one side, especially if nausea and vomiting are present. This is necessary so that a person does not choke on his own vomit. Compresses soaked in cool water should be applied to the face and neck. You can also spray the victim with water to cool down. You can not use too cold water and ice for this, since a sharp temperature drop is dangerous for the body and can provoke vasospasm.

A conscious person can drink plenty of salted water to replenish the water and electrolyte balance. Non-carbonated mineral water is well suited for this purpose. In case of fainting, a cotton swab moistened with ammonia is used. If there is no improvement in the condition, you need to call an ambulance as soon as possible.

In case of sunstroke in a child, an elderly person or suffering from severe chronic diseases, an ambulance should be called immediately. Even if the condition of the victim returned to normal.

What is the medical care for sunstroke?

medical treatment

Professional medical assistance is necessary first of all to restore the vital functions of the body. Artificial respiration may be required. To normalize the water-salt balance, intravenous injections of sodium chloride solution are used. In case of heart failure and suffocation, subcutaneous administration of caffeine is required. Drugs are used to lower blood pressure. In case of severe damage and severe symptoms, hospitalization is necessary with a full range of resuscitation, including pulmonary intubation, intravenous injections, stimulation of cardiac activity.

Contacting a doctor

After suffering a sunstroke, even a mild one, you should consult a doctor in order to timely detect possible dangerous consequences and exclude the latent course of chronic ailments that could provoke the development of such a pathology. In the next few days, you should limit being in the heat, especially in cloudless weather, reduce physical activity, otherwise the risk of recurrence of sun or heat stroke increases. It is desirable to observe rest and bed rest, which will allow the body to normalize the functioning of the nervous and cardiovascular systems and restore blood counts.

Prevention

Preventive measures depend on the state of human health, age, weather conditions and many other factors. There are general recommendations, following which you can significantly reduce the risk of developing sunstroke. When outdoors on a sunny day, protect your head from direct sunlight with a hat, panama or scarf in light shades. It is also recommended to wear light-colored clothing made from natural fabrics (such as cotton or linen). You should not go out in the sun during its greatest activity, that is, from 10 am to 4 pm.

If you still need to stay in the sun, you need to periodically rest and "cool down" in the shade, drink enough fluids (at least one glass every hour). It is best to quench your thirst with plain clean water or unsalted mineral water.

But it is better to refuse sweet carbonated drinks and packaged juices, as well as coffee, strong tea and alcohol. It is also important to monitor the amount of food, since overeating in the heat additionally burdens the body. It is advisable to take a cool shower on a hot day, or at least wet your face and hands with water.

We looked at first aid for heat and sunstroke.

Sunstroke means a painful condition, a disorder in the functioning of the brain due to prolonged exposure to intense sunlight on the uncovered surface of the head. This phenomenon is referred to as a peculiar form of thermal shock.

The human body is arranged in such a way that when the norm of absorbed heat is exceeded with the help of sweat glands, automatic cooling occurs, and when hypothermia, warming mechanisms are activated. But sunstroke has a greater impact, which is extremely difficult for the body to cope with on its own. The body receives an enormous amount of heat, as a result of which sweating, blood circulation and nervous activity are disturbed. Under the influence of aggressive sunlight, the vessels dilate, while the blood can “stagnate” in the brain, which sometimes causes strokes. Also, cases of cardiac arrest are not uncommon. Sunstroke can be obtained on vacation most often at sea, while walking in open areas (steppe, desert), as well as when performing professional activities that involve exposure to the sun.

The probability of getting a sunstroke increases closer to the middle of summer, and only at the end of September begins to decline. Also, the time spent in the sun plays a significant role. So, the period from 10 am to 5 pm is considered the most dangerous, although many tourists choose this particular period for sunbathing, while, first of all, they forget about the headgear.

Sunstroke symptoms

Sunstroke is manifested by lethargy, headache, dizziness, nausea and vomiting. In more severe cases, a person falls into a coma, and death can occur. If the ambient humidity rises, the symptoms worsen.

Depending on the degree of sunstroke, the symptoms are as follows:

• In mild form, headache, nausea, increased respiration and pulse rate, general weakness, dilated pupils are noted. At this stage, help with sunstroke consists in moving a person to a safe area, eliminating the position of the body in which the victim can choke on vomit;
• The average degree is characterized by severe headache with vomiting and nausea, severe adynamia, unsteady gait, uncertainty of movements, stupor, nosebleeds, rapid pulse and respiration, periodic fainting, fever up to 40 degrees;
• With a severe degree of sunstroke, the face turns red, then turns pale, there is involuntary excretion of feces and urine, hallucinations, delirium, a critical increase in temperature to the maximum allowable levels, convulsions. In 30 percent of cases, getting this degree of sunstroke ends tragically. The danger also lies in the fact that this stage can come quickly and suddenly, that is, with the first mild symptoms, the patient may fall into a coma after a short period. Therefore, help with sunstroke is urgently needed when the first signs of overheating appear.

Risk factors

The likelihood of negative solar exposure increases in the following situations:

• Increased humidity of the ambient air;
• Direct influence of sunlight on the surface of the head (lack of headgear);
• Some health problems, in particular heart disease, endocrine disorders, obesity, vegetovascular dystonia and some others;
• Younger (up to 1 year old) or advanced age. In babies, the body is not yet able to independently carry out thermoregulation, and in the elderly it no longer copes with its tasks;
• Smoking;
• Excess body weight;
• Stress and nervous tension;
• Alcohol intoxication.

First aid for sunstroke

First aid for sunstroke should be provided immediately if even the most minor symptoms occur. It is best to call an ambulance as soon as possible, but until the specialists arrive at the scene, the following measures must be taken:

• Take or carry the victim to a cool room or at least to the shade. Crowds of people are best avoided;
• Put the person in a comfortable position, but excluding the ingress of vomiting into the respiratory tract;
• It is very important to put a pillow or things under the victim's legs so that the limbs are slightly raised in relation to the whole body;
• Remove jewelry and clothing from a person, especially those that squeeze the chest;
• Before the arrival of an ambulance in case of sunstroke, it is imperative to give the person a lot of cool liquid, preferably ordinary water with a little sugar and salt. In the absence of the latter, offer any drinks;
• Moisten face with cold water;
• If possible, pour cold water over the entire body and apply a dampened cold cloth or an ordinary towel, especially on the chest;
• Apply a cold compress to the head, which can be made from pieces of ice, an ordinary bottle from the refrigerator or a frozen product from the freezer. Distribute the cold mainly in the back of the head and forehead;
• To fan a person with intense movements, as if creating a fan effect;
• If possible, bring ammonia or ammonia solution to the nose for a few seconds;
• When breathing stops, it is necessary to do artificial manipulations and heart massage.

First aid for sunstroke is especially important when a gag reflex occurs, because a person can suffocate. It is necessary to free the airways from excess secretions.

After the critical moment has passed (subject to assistance with sunstroke), complete rest and bed rest is indicated. The body needs several days to restore nervous activity, biochemical reactions and blood circulation.

Prevention of sunstroke

First of all, it is necessary to be in the sun only in a hat, if the time of stay is not limited to 10 minutes. In especially hot weather, hats and caps made of light materials are suitable, because they better reflect the sun's rays. For women, kerchiefs and scarves made of lightweight materials are suitable as a comfortable alternative. Also, don't forget to wear sunglasses.

On the beach, it is not recommended to stay in the sun for a long time during rush hour to avoid sunstroke. Sunbathing is only beneficial in the early morning hours and after 5 pm. The first time you can sunbathe no more than 15 minutes a day, gradually increasing the duration.

It is best to tan if a person is in motion - swimming, walking, playing sports. At the same time, clothing should be light and light, only in the sea or river can you swim in a bathing suit or swimming trunks. It is better to give preference to natural materials that allow air to pass through and do not prevent sweat from evaporating.

It is also not recommended to overeat in the heat and drink vasodilating drinks. Fresh fruits and vegetables, fermented milk products and light grilled meat dishes will benefit. Do not forget about the sufficient amount of fluid consumed.

Heat stroke is the result of a significant overheating of the human body, which leads to a violation of the thermal balance. The main causes of heat stroke are elevated ambient temperature, sufficiently high humidity, and waterproof clothing, usually rubberized or tarpaulin.

Heat stroke symptoms

A type of heat stroke is sunstroke. It occurs when a person stays in the sun for a long time with his head uncovered. Overheating of the body contributes to its occurrence, so the signs of sunstroke are often similar to heat stroke. Heat stroke and sunstroke can also be caused by exercising in hot weather.

The main signs of heat stroke are:

• general weakness;
• headache;
• drowsiness;
• dizziness.

A little later, symptoms of heat stroke occur, such as redness of the face, fever (sometimes even up to 40 ° C), diarrhea and vomiting appear. If at this stage the causes that caused overheating are not eliminated, a person has hallucinations, loss of consciousness, and a violation of the pulse rate.

If a person continues to arrive in the sun, he shows such signs of sunstroke:

shortness of breath;

• stunned;
• disruption of the heart;
• unsteady movements and unsteady gait;
• burns on the skin (redness, blisters);
• nosebleed.

Help with heat and sunstroke

PMP for heat stroke is a set of measures that are aimed at normalizing the general condition of the victim and providing him with everything necessary before the arrival of medical personnel. If a person is overheated in the sun, they will need emergency treatment for heatstroke, so take the victim to a cool place, remove their clothes and lay them down so that their head is elevated.

To avoid the consequences of heat stroke, there is not a minute to lose, you must immediately call an ambulance, and before it arrives, do the following:

• put a cold compress on the patient's head;
• wipe the body with a cloth soaked in cold water or wrap it with a wet sheet.

It is important that first aid for heat stroke be performed as soon as possible.

What to do next with heat stroke if qualified help has not yet arrived, and the victim has lost consciousness? Do not be alarmed, he needs to be given a sniff of ammonia. A good remedy for heatstroke in a conscious patient is a large cool drink, to which a little sugar can be added.

Comprehensive treatment of heat stroke includes monitoring the patient in a hospital for 5-10 days with daily measurement of blood pressure, pulse rate and temperature, and, if necessary, the use of medications to stabilize the general condition.

Prevention of heat stroke

As a preventive measure, follow these recommendations:

Remember that people with metabolic disorders, suffering from cardiovascular diseases, vegetative-vascular dystonia, endocrine disorders and young children are especially susceptible to any kind of overheating. Control your sun exposure during summer peak hours and no one will need first aid for sunstroke!

Sunstroke is the result of prolonged exposure to direct sunlight on an uncovered head.

The body receives an excessive dose of heat, ultraviolet radiation, not having time to cope with heat transfer. This provokes the appearance of negative consequences.

When overheated, sweating is disturbed, the normal rhythm of blood circulation is disturbed, the concentration of free radicals in tissues and cells increases, causing intoxication of the body, and the general condition worsens.

Especially sunstroke is dangerous for people with heart disease, pressure can rise up to, cardiac arrest occurs.

Sunstroke symptoms

If sunstroke occurs, mild symptoms are as follows:

• thirst;
• unbearable weakness;
• headache with nausea, vomiting;
• and rapid pulse
• dilated pupils.

Help at this stage is to provide coolness, move to the shade. Give the patient a position so that he cannot choke on vomit.

The average degree is characterized by the following features:

• a sharp decline in strength, muscle weakness;
• stuffiness in the ears;
• an increase in headache that causes vomiting, nausea;
• loss of confidence in movements, the appearance of dizziness;
• nosebleeds;
• tachycardia;
• high temperature, up to 40 degrees;
• unsteady gait.

The severe form comes on suddenly. The face at first turns very red as a result of hyperemia, and then, on the contrary, turns pale and cyanosis appears near the lips.

In rare cases, when there is no doctor nearby and first aid was not provided in a timely manner, a fatal outcome is possible.

Symptoms in children may include:

• unexpectedly appeared irritability, tearfulness, hysteria in behavior. Excessive sun greatly affects the psyche of the child, disrupting the normal state of the body. Bring the baby to an open sunny space, for a maximum of 20 minutes, alternating time with being in the shade.
• after the stage of overexcitation, there comes a phase of lethargy, with the appearance of headache, shortness of breath. Nausea and vomiting may occur.
• a sharp rise in temperature to the highest levels, up to 40. The pulse either quickens, or vice versa slows down. There are hallucinations, delusions.
• the most dangerous moment is loss of consciousness. The skin becomes cyanotic, cool to the touch, moist, despite the high temperature. Cold perspiration covers the whole body. This condition is in danger of death. If you faint, you must immediately run to the doctor, or call an ambulance. With irritability, lethargy without fainting, you can try to cope with overheating on your own, but not with loss of consciousness.

Causes and risk factors for sunstroke

The following patients are at risk for easy sunstroke.

• excess weight.
• prolonged stay in stressful situations, increased emotionality;
• inappropriate clothing;
• alcohol intoxication and excessive smoking;
• the presence of diseases of the cardiovascular system;
• the presence of neurological diseases;
• children and the elderly.

Children under the age of three are easily at risk of getting sunstroke. They have additional causes that cause hyperthermia. Of course, older children can overheat in the sun, but babies are at risk. A child under one year old has not yet developed its own thermoregulation.

It is difficult for him to cope with the high ambient temperature, so you should not walk with the baby at 35 and above.

Sunstroke in infancy comes from a lack of water in the body. Increased attention should be paid to overweight children who have excessive sweating ().

Children with nervous system problems are also overly sensitive to heat, due to the large loss of fluid, and the effect of direct sunlight on the CNS (central nervous system).

people aged- a separate risk group. They have a whole range of chronic diseases that react differently to hyperthermia.

Especially dangerous is exposure to the sun with problems of the central nervous system - epilepsy. They have convulsions added to other symptoms of hyperthermia. Elderly people should immediately call a doctor, even when their condition improves.

To avoid getting hit, limit exposure to the sun to a maximum of 20 minutes a day, sunbathing is strictly prohibited, or choose a place under a tree, awning, umbrella, where the wind and coolness.

First aid for sunstroke

It seems to some that such a condition is not a serious problem and you can help yourself.

It is difficult for a person without medical knowledge to assess the severity of the condition, and delay is fraught with complications. Timely assistance will help save the patient's life.

Specialists will carry out therapy measures and determine whether hospitalization is necessary.

Until the ambulance arrives, the following relief actions are required:

• immediately transfer the victim to the breeze, hide from the sun;
• help lie down, put a pillow under your head if you have one, or just roll up your clothes;
• when vomiting, turn the head to one side to ensure the free discharge of vomiting;
• under the legs in the ankle area, also put something;
• remove clothing that restricts movement;
• unfasten the top buttons;
• be sure to give cool water and more;
• moisten the face with cold water or cover it with damp gauze or other cloth;
• in case of loss of consciousness, bring a swab soaked in ammonia to the nostrils;
• create a stream of air by frequently fanning or directing a fan.

After that, wait for the doctors who will make a verdict whether treatment in a hospital is required or you can get by with special procedures at home.

Recovery will take several days. During this time, blood circulation normalizes, the negative effects of overheating will be neutralized, and the nervous system will be restored.

Physical Techniques for Sunstroke

Competently combining methods of helping the victim, you can avoid serious consequences. The main task is to increase heat transfer by the body. For this, the following manipulations are effective:

• direct a ventilator at the patient or provide an air flow from the outside;
• wipe with alcohol (doctors do not confirm the effectiveness of the procedure);
• enemas for five minutes, with cool water;
• apply ice cubes to the head.

With a slight increase in temperature, it is good to give Ibuprofen, Paracetamol.

How to help a child

Self-medication in the case of children is unacceptable, but until the doctors arrive, or everything happened outside the city, one must be able to provide first aid. What to do first:

• hide the child in the shade, provide airflow, but without fanaticism, no air conditioners; sudden temperature changes are inappropriate;
• put the child on a side so that he does not choke during vomiting;
• remove all clothing if possible;
• be sure to give to drink, it should be cool water (not cold), no sugary drinks;
• in case of loss of consciousness, cover the head with a towel or cloth dipped in lukewarm water. Ice applied to the head is contraindicated. Strong temperature changes can cause vasoconstriction, and this will only aggravate the situation.

Prevention

• Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight.
• Wear a light, light-coloured headdress made of natural fabrics that does not obstruct the access of air. Protect eyes with goggles.
• The most harmful, active sun is from 12 to 16. This period of time, when it is better not to appear in open space at all.
• At the opening of the beach season, start sunbathing from fifteen minutes, smoothly, without jumps, increasing ultraviolet exposure to two hours. 120 minutes - the maximum allowable time, and with obligatory pauses.
• To reduce the risk of getting and overheating, sunbathing is best done through active activities such as playing volleyball. Lying for hours on a sunbed is contraindicated. It is good to cool off periodically by bathing.
• Choose the right summer clothes. These should be natural, weightless, light-colored fabrics that allow air to pass through and do not interfere with the separation of sweat. This is best done with linen and cotton. In the sun, use a summer, bright umbrella.
• Pick up a summer menu containing a lot of fermented milk products, fruits. Do not overeat, avoid fatty, salty foods.
• Avoid drinking cool water, preferably up to three liters. Maintaining water balance is an important component in the prevention of sunstroke. Periodically sprinkle your face, neck with water, or simply wipe with a damp handkerchief.
• At the slightest appearance of discomfort, discomfort in the body, consult a doctor, or independently take appropriate measures before visiting a doctor.

Preventive measures for children

• In the heat, provide the child with enough water. Drinking can be made up of juices, fruit drinks, and compotes. It is not advisable to give milk and sour-milk drinks, because they quickly deteriorate in the sun, and milk is considered food, and after drinking it, you will soon want to drink again. Water consumption in children is faster than in adults. They move more, so you need to give as much water as the child wants, do not forbid drinking a lot.
• Clothing should be light, the head is covered with a light panama or a cap made of thin cotton material. Additional jacket, tights - an extra factor of overheating. The material matters a lot. Synthetics do not allow air and moisture to pass through well, which impairs heat transfer, which means that the likelihood of sunstroke increases.
• You can walk in sunny, hot weather, but for a limited time and choose shady areas, or put a large umbrella to hide the child from the scorching heat. The time to go outside is desirable either in the morning before 11, or in the evening after 17.
• Choose the right menu, exclude heavy protein foods, fill the diet with fruits, vegetables, lean soups.
• Pay attention to urination. If the process occurs too rarely, even with a sufficient amount of drinking, then it is better to go to a cool place and take a closer look at the condition of the baby.
• Avoid taking diuretics, which are an additional means of dehydration. The decision is made by the specialist who prescribed the drug.

You have to be especially careful with children. In a child, sunstroke can develop much faster. With newborns, it is better to generally avoid open sunlight, move along the shady side.

Elderly people also should not stay outside for a long time on hot sunny days. Their thermoregulation is weak.

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