How to Get Rid of Sunstroke

How to Get Rid of Sunstroke

How to Get Rid of Sunstroke

Sunstroke or heatstroke is a life-threatening condition in which the heat-regulating system of the body fails mainly because of exposure to high temperature. For those in hot climate areas, avoid wearing double-layered clothing. It is not fashion week, more like Al Gore week. Meanwhile, for those in cold climate areas, stop trying to look like bronzed statues.

Causes of Sunstroke

Besides the exposure to high temperature, you may also suffer sunstroke from these occurrences:

• The body mechanism that gets rid of excess heat is overwhelmed by very hot or humid conditions, or strenuous physical activities
• Some chronic medical conditions
• Loss of too much bodily fluid, which causes blood volume to decrease and body temperature to increase
• Exercising too strenuously
• High fever associated with illness
• Humid weather that renders the cooling mechanism of sweating less effective
• Overdressing
• Overeating
• Drinking too much alcohol
• Loss of sodium and chloride instead of water

People at Risk

Anyone exposed to high temperature is at risk of sunstroke, but the following groups are more susceptible to heatstroke because of their bodily conditions:

• Young children
• Elderly people
• People with certain chronic conditions, such as arteriosclerosis, congestive heart failure, diabetes mellitus, and alcoholism
• People with skin disorders that may impede heat loss, such as congenital absence of the sweat glands, severe scleroderma, and ectodermal dysplasia
• People taking certain medications that interfere with temperature regulation, such as antidepressants, antihistamines, gastrointestinal drugs, diuretics, and Parkinson's disease medications
• People taking part in strenuous sporting activities

Symptoms of Heat Exhaustion

Heat exhaustion often precedes heatstroke. The symptoms listed below could help you avoid eventual sunstroke by responding quickly to such bodily conditions:

• Weakness and fatigue
• Tense or aching muscles
• Nausea and vomiting
• Fainting
• Dark yellow or orange urine
• Headache
• Diarrhea
• Pale, clammy skin
• Weak, rapid pulse
• Confusion
• Heat cramps
• Heavy sweating
• Dizziness or light-headedness

Symptoms of Sunstroke

Once you have experienced heat exhaustion you would likely experience the symptoms listed below. There are, however, some symptoms that could manifest in both heat exhaustion and heatstroke. The only difference: you would feel the discomfort more palpably when experiencing heatstroke. Treatment, therefore, should already be applied upon experiencing heat exhaustion.

• Elevated body temperature
• Hot, dry skin
• No sweating
• Hyperventilation
• Rapid, shallow breathing
• Skin is flushed, then pale or purple
• Mental confusion
• Unconsciousness
• Heat exhaustion
• Weakening of the body
• Heat cramps
• Headache
• Dilated pupils
• Sudden painful muscle spasm in the arms, legs, or abdomen
• Rapid, bounding pulse
• Body temperature rises to 40°C or higher
• Incoherent speech
• Aggressive speech or behavior
• Disorientation
• Agitation
• Hallucinations
• Lethargy or stupor
• Convulsions

Treatment for Heat Exhaustion

Apply home treatment. Have the person lie down in a cool place and loosen or remove his or her clothing. Sponge the body with cold water and apply ice packs or wet towels. Fan the person to increase air circulation. You could offer a cool, salty drink while he or she rests. You could also give a sweet drink powder as an energy source.

If the victim is elderly or someone who could not keep the liquid down, he or she should be taken to a hospital.

You could help the victim perform stretches or simply massage his or her body parts. This would aid blood circulation and allow him to breathe easier. Lastly, allow the person to rest for 24 hours after the heat exhaustion.

As much as possible treat heat exhaustion as soon as possible. Do not allow it to become heatstroke, which is dangerous and even life-threatening.

Treatment for Sunstroke

Treatment for sunstroke depends on the severity. However, sunstroke is always treated as a medical emergency.

Call an ambulance or take the person to the nearest hospital as soon as possible. Hospitals provide better control measures, with better temperature measurement and regulation. Hospital personnel could also monitor the condition of the patient with more accurate devices.

The goal is to lower the elevated body temperature as quickly as possible, so while waiting for medical assistance, provide first aid. Here is the step-by-step first aid procedure:

• Remove the person's clothing and immerse the body in cold water.
• Cover the body with a wet sheet or towel and sponge down the body with cold water or rub the limbs with ice cubes.
• Cool the head and neck when water supply is limited; these two areas should be prioritized.
• Place ice packs at the neck, armpits, and groin.
• Fan the person with a newspaper, electric fan, or even a towel to increase air flow.
• Move the person to a cool place and let him or her stay there.
• Elevate the feet to direct blood back to the head.
• Massage the arms and legs to allow the return of cool blood to the brain and the core of the body.
• If the person becomes conscious, ask him or her to drink water or a soft drink, but if he or she is still delirious, do not force fluid intake.
• Maintain external cooling to help the victim recover completely.
• While cooling the body down, take the person's temperature rectally every 10 minutes and avoid going below 38.5°C.
• Resume cooling if the body starts to heat up again.

Sunstroke Prevention

You could prevent sunstroke, or heat exhaustion for that matter, by following these guidelines that help prevent heat-related illnesses:

• Drink plenty of water, especially during hot conditions and after every strenuous activity.
• Drink water even if you are not thirsty.
• Rest during the hottest part of the day.
• Limit exposure to the sun, or until you feel one of the symptoms of heat exhaustion or heatstroke.
• Take time to get used to climate change or the start of the hot season before engaging in various activities, especially outdoors.
• Wear head gear, preferably one with a wide brim.
• Wear light-colored, loose-fitting, and lightweight clothing, preferably cotton.
• Open windows or use a fan to improve air circulation indoors.
• Eat light, small meals during hot weather.
• Limit alcohol intake, especially prior or after a strenuous activity.
• Limit strenuous activities during hot or humid conditions.
• Consult a doctor regarding medications you are currently taking, whether or not they interfere with body temperature regulation.
• Be aware of the dangers and signs of heat-related illnesses.

At the end of the day, sunstroke can be prevented as long as you follow the guidelines stated above. Prevention is the best cure. Stay away from the sun and you would be all right. Remember, you are responsible for your own health, so maintain a healthy lifestyle and drink plenty of water.

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