Sunstroke and heat stroke: signs, symptoms, first aid

In hot weather, people of all ages find themselves under its negative influence. Heat is especially dangerous for people who have chronic heart and vascular diseases, as well as the elderly and children. During this period the number of people who seek help in medical institutions with symptoms of diseases such as high blood pressure, impaired blood circulation in the brain, myocardial infarction increases significantly.

Sunstroke
Sunstroke is a process characterized by impaired brain function with prolonged sun exposure to the exposed surface of the head. With intense sun exposure, the body receives so much heat that it cannot cool down effectively. Sweating and circulatory processes are disturbed. If a person with symptoms of sunstroke is not treated promptly, severe complications can occur up to and including coma and cardiac arrest.

Symptoms of mild sunstroke
In a mild degree of stroke, the patient:

There is pain in the head;
Nausea and general malaise;
breathing and heartbeat become rapid;
dilated pupils.
Signs of medium-degree sunstroke
The condition is characterized by:

Head pain syndrome, which is accompanied by a gag reflex;
significant loss of strength and stupefaction;
unsteady gait and movements;
fainting;
rapid breathing and heartbeat;
nasal hemorrhage;
an increase in body temperature.
What should I do if I have a fever and other symptoms from sunstroke? It is necessary to call an ambulance immediately!

Symptoms of severe sunstroke
The development of the severe form is rapid:

The skin on the face turns red, later becoming pale and livid;
consciousness is altered (the patient is delirious, hallucinatory, may go into a coma);
Seizures may occur;
Uncontrollable excretion of feces and urine;
There is a significant increase in temperature;
there is a possibility of sudden death.
Treatment at home in such a condition is inadmissible. Medical assistance should be sought immediately.

Heatstroke
Sunstroke and heat stroke have the same origin. These processes develop when the body overheats, and its inability to cope with the incoming heat. If a person stays in this state for a long time, they can simply die, so when symptoms of heatstroke and sunstroke appear, you should seek emergency medical help immediately.

How to avoid heatstroke?
Prevention of heat stroke and sunstroke is based on the following recommendations:

you should not be exposed to sunlight for long periods of time;
Wear light, breathable clothing;
it is necessary to have a headgear;
you should drink a lot of water (about 3 liters per day);
alcoholic beverages are strictly prohibited;
you should not use cosmetics;
you should take frequent cool showers, if possible;
do not conduct sports activities in temperatures above 25 degrees.
In addition, you should not worry and be nervous, because any kind of overexcitement contributes to the occurrence of heat and sunstroke.

First aid for heat stroke and sunstroke
When providing first aid in such cases it is necessary:

Take the victim to a sheltered, preferably cool place;
lie down in a comfortable position with the head and legs raised;
Remove the outer clothing;
give the patient a large amount of water, preferably mineral water;
moisten the skin of the face with water and put a cold compress on the forehead and neck;
gently pat the chest with a wet cloth, you may pour cool water over it or wrap it in a wet sheet;
Perform frequent waving around the patient;
if the child or adult has a gag reflex, you need to turn it on its side, so that the vomiting masses do not get into the airways;
if consciousness is muddled or breathing becomes disturbed, a cotton swab with ammonia should be brought up to the victim’s nose.
Fainting, respiratory arrest and heart palpitations require urgent action – do not wait for doctors! It is necessary to resort to artificial respiration and heart massage until the appearance of cardiac activity and respiratory contractions.

First Aid Equipment for Sunstroke
We recommend that you always carry a first aid kit with you: