Our body maintains an average body temperature through heat exchange. Thanks to sweating, redistribution of blood flow and regulation of the respiratory rate, we also feel great in the scorching sun. This system can fail if just a few rules are violated:
- poor drinking during high ambient temperatures;
- prolonged exposure to the open sun.
In this article we will talk about the difference between heat stroke and sunstroke, and if you overheated in the sun, what to do and how to act.
There are risk groups, these include:
- elderly people;
- small children;
- those who are under the influence of alcohol or drugs;
- obese, diabetic, cardiovascular disease;
- those who are forced to work in the open sun or in a stuffy, unventilated area for a long time.
Therefore, if you belong to one or more groups from the list, you simply must always be able to cool off, you must drink plenty of clean water.
And now I would like to list the basic rules of behavior in case you overheated in the sun.
What to do?
First of all, it is necessary to exclude damage to the central nervous system, namely sunstroke. In this case, you will not be able to help yourself, you will need a specialist.
| Severity |
Sunstroke |
Heatstroke |
| 1 | Headache, general weakness, dilated pupils, rapid pulse. | Headache, muscle weakness, nausea, tachycardia. |
| 2 | Faints, nosebleeds, temperature 40 degrees, plus all signs of severity 1. | Failing, sweating, plus all grade 1 symptoms. |
| 3 | Temperature 41-42 degrees, pale blue skin, dry skin, hallucinations, delirium, involuntary urination. | Temperature 39 degrees, convulsions, rapid pulse, shallow breathing, dry skin. |
Worth emphasizing: despite the fact that the symptoms are largely similar, the difference is significant. Heat stroke is a general overheating of the body, and with sunstroke, the central nervous system is affected, which is much more dangerous and requireslonger recovery.
Overheating has three degrees of severity, all of which do not require medical treatment. The sooner you start recovery measures, the weaker the degree and consequences will be. It is also noted that if a person overheated in the sun, the symptoms may be similar to those of some infectious diseases or poisonings. Therefore, if you do not provide proper assistance, you can greatly aggravate the situation. Be careful, if possible, see a doctor.
Be especially vigilant if your child is overheated in the sun. The rate of development of dangerous conditions in children is much higher than in adults. Remember the elementary rules of behavior at elevated air temperatures. This will save your life.
If you overheated in the sun, what to do?
When you feel overheated, you should:
- don't panic;
- go to the shade (cool room) or stand under a cool shower);
- drink water;
- secure your peace.
If children overheated in the sun, what to do? The recommendations are the same as for adults. In severe cases, call an ambulance. She will not be superfluous.
