We are in the height of summer and though it’s tempting to soak up as much Vitamin D as possible, one should also be careful of sunstroke. Despite sunscreen, there is such a thing as overexposure to the sun and that goes without saying. Sunstroke is a serious and life-threatening condition which can affect you even when indoors during unusually high temperatures. Here are 7 signs of sunstroke you need to know about.
Sunstroke or heat stroke is caused by overexposure to the sun. In heat stroke, a body’s cooling mechanism fails increasing body temperature to 40 degrees Celsius or more. The biggest risk factor to sun exposure is between 10 am to 4 pm and in high temperatures. Indoor temperatures above 90 Celsius, when combined with high humidity, can also lead to heat stroke. Anyone can get heat stroke but it is children below 5 and elderly people over 65 who are at the greatest risk. Those obese or underweight also possess a higher risk of heatstroke.
Those with diseases such as diabetes hypertension, heart, and kidney or respiratory problems should also be careful. Medication can also impact the body’s ability to regulate temperature. This includes prescription medication such as anticonvulsants, antidepressants, diet pills, antihistamines and beta blockers. Extra sun protection and precaution should be exercised when taking such medication.
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A throbbing headache is a sign of sun exposure and has the rhythm of a drumbeat. The pain keeps getting intense with intervals of low-intensity pain in between. Pulsing at the temples or the forehead is a warning sign of sun exposure. If you experience a throbbing headache move away from the sun into shade. If you can go indoors, then do so. Apply a cold cloth immediately to your forehead. You can also rub an ice cube on your temple. Drink plenty of water because dehydration is an important factor when suffering from sunstroke.
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If you feel nauseous while in the sun, it could be assign of sun stroke. According to the National Institutes for Health, UV radiation is toxic and has long term effects reaching the genetic level. Although it is the sun that first reacts to sunstroke, the internal organs also feels the effects soon after and the first response to toxins is vomiting.
When feeling nauseous or if you start vomiting, then move out of the sun and lie down if possible. Apply a cold compress to your head, your armpits and around your groin to reduce your body’s temperature. Sip water to rehydrate yourself.
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Overexposure to the sun can make you dizzy because of the heat, humidity and toxic UV rays. Dizziness could either mean your head spinning or a lightheaded feeling. It could also be accompanied by vision issues and ringing in the ears. You need to be careful when experiencing such a condition as it could be a precursor to fainting or loss of consciousness.
When you feel dizzy, sit or lie down out of the sun. Try to get someone beside you or check on you in case you pass out. Drink some water and reduce your body temperature by applying cold water or a cloth soaked in water to your head. If you’re at home take a cool bath.
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One of the main signals to sun stroke and that your body is overheating is lack of sweat. It may sound contradictory but that’s a fact. Sweat is the result of your body’s mechanism of cooling itself. When that internal regulator stops functioning, you stop sweating. If you feel hot but aren’t sweating or if your skin feels hot, dry and tight or even painful, then you’re probably suffering from sun stroke.
Take a cold water shower. Rehydrate yourself by drinking plenty of water. If you have sunburn, apply a soothing and cooling gel like aloe vera. Move out of the sun or get to some shade. Cover the exposed parts of your skin with light clothing to prevent further damage.
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An overheated body results in systems shutting down. The first warning sign will be an erratic heartbeat or palpitations. Rapid shallow breathing may also occur on its own or along with the fluctuating heart rate. If you should suddenly feel as if your heart is beating too fast or if you can’t breathe call emergency or seek immediate help.
The first thing to do is to get out of the sun and reduce your core temperature with ice packs or a cold compress to the groin, armpits and forehead. A cold shower would be best. Should you experience breathing difficulties and an elevated heart rate, a doctor should be consulted immediately.
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A major warning sign of sunstroke is disorientation or confusion. People with sunstroke may start staggering or even slurring words. Moving out of the sun is always the first thing you should do but any behavioral changes is a sign that something is wrong.
Disorientation can get serious. Drink water to reduce your core temperature and place ice packs around your back, armpits, groin and forehead. If the disorientation or confusion doesn’t not cease, call a doctor or emergency immediately.
Like increased heart rate and rapid breathing, disorientation can have serious consequences. Get out of the sun, drink water, and try to reduce your core temperature with a cold bath or shower, or by placing ice packs around the core (back, armpits, and groin). If the confusion worsens or doesn’t pass, contact a healthcare professional.
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The most serious case and warning sign of sun stroke is loss of consciousness or even fainting briefly. A patient suffering heat stroke will always display warning signs prior to losing consciousness which is why moving out of the sun is extremely important. If you happen to be with someone who loses consciousness because of sunstroke, call 911 immediately. Ask the attendant for advice on what course of action can be taken till help arrives.
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