Sunstroke: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Sunstroke is a pathological condition that affects the work of the brain of the victim, as well as the general condition of the person. In order to prevent serious consequences, it is necessary to take all necessary first aid measures.

Sunstroke is characterized by a violation of a healthy state, which entails a disorder in the brain, nervous system, and circulatory system due to the active and prolonged exposure of the direct rays of the sun to the human head. A distinctive feature of sunstroke from heat is considered to be the defeat of the head.

Causes of Sunstroke

This pathological condition arises from the effects of sun rays on a person. The main reasons for the development of sunstroke include a long stay on the beach, in the park from 11 am to 4 pm. You can also identify additional factors that contribute to its development:

• violation of the drinking regime;
• smoking;
• wearing tight clothes;
• increased air humidity;
• neglect headgear;
• alcohol abuse;
• imbalance of hormones in the body;
• the presence of various allergic reactions;
• antidepressants.

It is worth noting that people with obesity and diseases of the circulatory system stroke is more common than in healthy people.

From exposure to the sun's rays, the patient has an increase in body temperature. Frequent manifestations also include the disruption of the brain, which leads to the development of edema, dilation of the arteries, and the destruction of the capillary walls. The centers of the medulla oblongata stop working in the desired mode.

In severe cases, patients may have suffocation, heavy bleeding, and even cardiac arrest. It is important to remember that in the event of a sunstroke in a child, an elderly person or a person with the presence of diseases of the nervous system, it is imperative to contact the emergency medical service.

Main symptoms and treatment in adults

In the event of sunstroke, the affected person has a strong headache, weakness, and an emetic reflex can occur.

Depending on the size of the lesion, the following degrees of severity are distinguished:

• mild - headache, nausea, pupil dilation, increased respiration, pulse wave frequency, dizziness;
• moderate severity - fever, loss of coordination, increase in blood pressure, nosebleeds, loss of consciousness;
• severe degree - the face is red, then pale with a bluish tinge, delirium, feces can stand out involuntarily, loss of consciousness, possible coma.

In moderate and severe lesions, mild symptoms are also noted. In 20% of cases with a severe degree of this condition, death is possible. With any degree of severity, it is imperative to move the victim to a shady place and provide first aid.

Signs of sunstroke in a child

Sunstroke in children can occur due to thirst and lack of water in the body. Children with overweight are at risk, they have a greater predisposition.

The main symptoms of the pathological condition are:

• severe irritability - this symptom can alert parents whose child is in the sun for more than an hour;
• weakness, lethargy, fatigue;
• headache;
• dyspnea;
• nausea, vomiting;
• fever;
• hallucinations;
• fainting.

All of these symptoms are important signals to the parents about the child’s poor health. In the presence of the above signs, it is necessary to provide the necessary assistance to the child and call an ambulance. It is important to remember that the most optimal time spent by the child in the sun is approximately 15-20 minutes.

First aid

In case of sunstroke, it is necessary to move the victim to a shady place as quickly as possible. It is necessary to arrange it in a horizontal position, to unbutton the constraining clothes on it, thereby ensuring access of fresh air.

Next, you need to put a person's head on one side, this position prevents the tongue from falling down and the penetration of vomit into the airways. After that, a cool compress is applied to the neck and forehead area, and every 1.5-2 minutes the tissue should be moistened.

It is strictly forbidden to use ice or very cold water, as their use may adversely affect the health of the victim. To restore consciousness sometimes used ammonia. After the normalization of the condition of the victim provide rest and give a drink.

In the presence of vomit in the respiratory tract of an unconscious person, it is necessary to wrap the index finger of the hand with a napkin and, making circular movements in the mouth, remove vomiting from the victim's mouth. In situations where a person does not regain consciousness, one has to resort to medical interventions.

Treatment methods

The task of medical interventions is the restoration of vital functions of the human body. Patient treatment depends on the severity of sunstroke. The main methods of treatment include:

1. When manifestations of severe sunstroke, the victim is taken to hospital and all necessary measures are taken, such as intravenous infusion of medicines, oxygen therapy, connection to an apparatus intended for artificial ventilation of the lungs, and physiotherapy.
2. The use of caffeine or analogs of the drug, designed to stimulate cardiac activity.
3. Intravenous administration of a sodium chloride solution heated to 38 ° C contributes to the normalization of blood circulation and an increase in the amount of fluid in the vessels.

Experts recommend to go to the hospital for timely detection of complications. The first few days it is necessary to limit physical activity and prolonged exposure to the sun.

Possible complications

Complications of sunstroke are:

• prolonged headaches;
• chronic fatigue;
• impaired visual acuity, movement coordination;
• changes in the cardiovascular system;
• development of pathological conditions of the nervous system;
• acute renal failure;
• the transition of existing diseases to the chronic form.

To prevent complications, it is necessary to take all necessary measures in time to help the victim and, if necessary, to contact a qualified medical professional.

Prevention

To prevent sunstroke you need to follow these simple rules:

1. Be sure to wear a light-colored headdress, especially in hot weather.
2. Do not wear dark clothes.
3. Drink plenty of water.
4. Without the need to be in direct sunlight from 12:00 to 16:00.
5. When you are in the sun, you need to take breaks, hiding in a shady place every half an hour for a few minutes.
6. In hot weather, try not to eat sweets, carbonated drinks, fried foods and other high-calorie foods.
7. It is strictly forbidden to consume alcoholic beverages, strong tea and coffee.
8. Parents of young children need to carefully monitor the health of the child.
9. Limbs can be cooled if necessary with cool water.
10. It is necessary to refrain from excessive physical exertion in direct sunlight.

Watching a short video about sunstroke helps you learn how to avoid it and cope with the consequences.

Sunstroke is a very serious pathological condition, so it is very important to take measures to prevent this condition. To prevent its consequences, it is important to provide first aid to a person.

Watch the video: Signs & Symptoms of Heat Stroke (May 2024).