Sunstroke is a form of heatstroke caused by the sun's rays. 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 overheating of only the head, 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.
Reason 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, VVD, diseases of the cardiovascular system, overweight are more susceptible to the development of pathology.
First aid for sunstroke is very important. More on that later.
How does pathology occur?
Under the action 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
Symptoms of the pathology and its severity are directly related to the length of stay under the scorching sun, light intensity, age and he alth of the victim. Common signs of damage are weakness, dizziness, shortness of breath, dry mouth and thirst, increasing headache, lethargy and drowsiness. There are also ophthalmicmanifestations, for example, double vision or flickering "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 disease
Depending on the severity of symptoms, there are three degrees of severity of sunstroke.
- Mild degree is characterized by general weakness, headache, nausea, tachycardia, rapid breathing and dilated pupils.
- The average degree is characterized by 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 very high (38-40 degrees).
- 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 skin sensitivity.heads to heat. Most often, children experience sudden drowsiness and lethargy, less often irritability. Perspiration is noticeable on the face, the child often yawns, nausea and vomiting occur, the temperature rises rapidly. Severe injury can cause fainting, heart failure, and respiratory arrest.
First aid for sunstroke
The first thing to do to help the victim is to take or (in case of loss of consciousness) move 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. Too cold water and ice should not be used for this, as a sharp temperature drop is dangerous for the body and can provoke vasospasm.
A conscious person can drink plenty of s alted 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, you should immediately call an ambulance. Even if the condition of the victim returned to normal.
What is the medical treatment for sunstroke?
Medical treatment
Professional medical care is needed first of all to restore the vital functions of the body. Artificial respiration may be required. To normalize the water-s alt 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, cardiac stimulation.
Going to the doctor
After suffering even a mild sunstroke, 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 your exposure to 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 person's he alth, age,weather conditions and many other factors. There are general recommendations, following which you can significantly reduce the risk of developing sunstroke. Staying outside in sunny weather, you need to 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). Plain clean water or uns alted mineral water is best for quenching your thirst.
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 covered first aid for heat stroke and sunstroke.
