Exposure to the sun or exposure to other heat sources can cause heat stroke. The transition from overheating to heat stroke is initially fluid, but is easily recognized by the fairly clear symptoms. A severe heat stroke is a serious medical emergency that requires immediate therapeutic intervention in the form of lowering the body temperature. Heat stroke can be treated by simple means.
What you can recognize heat stroke
The general condition is greatly reduced due to the accumulation of heat in the organism during heat stroke. The body’s thermoregulatory mechanisms, especially sweating through the skin, are overloaded over time as a result of the constant exposure to heat from sunlight. The core body temperature, which is normally 37 degrees Celsius, can rise to values exceeding 41 Celsius during heat stroke. Thus, the most important diagnostic identifier is fever. The high body temperature can irreversibly damage the brain and other internal organs. Typical symptoms include red, dry, and hot skin, vomiting, dizziness, headache, and possibly accelerated breathing or loss of consciousness with seizures and hallucinations.
5 Tips to cool down your heated body.
The most important action for heat stroke is to lower the core body temperature. This is done by applying cooling compresses to the extremities or by carefully splashing cold to lukewarm water on them. Also helpful are fever-reducing medications, such as paracetamol or acetylsalicylic acid, which should be stocked in every medicine cabinet. In case of unconsciousness or shock symptoms, however, medical advice should always be sought. If seizures occur, so-called benzodiazepines are usually administered. Affected persons should immediately seek shade and often feel better if the upper body is placed slightly elevated. Clear, non-carbonated water or diluted apple spritzer should only be given to drink if the patient is conscious. However, the drinks should not be too cold, but lukewarm. 1. move to a shady and cool place
Heat stroke is often confused with sunstroke, but from a medical point of view it is far more dangerous. All therapeutic measures should begin only after a sufferer has moved to a shady and cool place, either under his own power or with the help of others. Ideally, all further measures should be taken in closed, cool rooms. If this is not possible, then initial care can also be given outside in a shady place, but in any case excluding further exposure to sunlight. The onset of shock symptoms can be recognized by dry and hot skin, accompanied by a high resting pulse rate and low blood pressure. The patient should be transported to the nearest hospital for further intensive care monitoring. 2. 2. drink sufficient fluids
By definition, heat stroke is present when fever values of 40 degrees Celsius or more are measured rectally or under the armpit. The body’s own regulatory mechanisms attempt to lower the body temperature by releasing fluids through the skin, i.e. sweating. If too little fluid is supplied, the increased heat production, especially during physically strenuous work, can no longer be compensated. An adequate supply of fluids in the form of electrolyte-rich drinks that are not too cold, such as mineral water or juice spritzers, is therefore essential. When staying in the sun for a longer period of time, fluids should be taken in small sips continuously. 3. 3. wear loose clothing
Unfavorable clothing, i.e. clothing that is not air-permeable, can cause the body’s heat to build up, so that the symptoms of heat stroke appear even earlier. In any case, loose clothing is advantageous if heat stroke is to be avoided. If possible, all exposed areas of skin should be covered so as not to expose oneself to the additional risk of sunburn. Brand-name clothing made of pure, thinly woven, white-dyed cotton has proven to be particularly breathable and kind to the skin. 4. alternating showers
With any type of heat stroke, it is important to cool down the body with caution.Alternating showers are therefore well suited for the treatment of mild heat strokes, but also for prophylaxis if they are carried out regularly in the morning and evening. The alternation of lukewarm to cold and warm to hot water not only trains the immune system, but also ensures that the heat can be better transported out of the body. 5. skin care creams
Skin care creams are not suitable for direct treatment of heat stroke, but should be used to regenerate the skin after the initial symptoms have subsided. Fat-based skin care creams are not suitable, however, because stressed skin mainly needs moisture in the form of lotions or gels with a high water content and skin-soothing substances.
At what point should you see a doctor?
Medical attention is always required for heat stroke if the symptoms do not improve quickly or even worsen despite cooling measures. Medical advice must also be sought if symptoms are severe, there is a high fever, or patients cannot tolerate high levels of drinking due to pre-existing conditions. This also applies to all forms of shock symptomatology with circulatory failure or clouding of consciousness.
What you can do to prevent heat stroke
To prevent the dangerous accumulation of heat in the body, breathable clothing should always be worn in high outdoor temperatures, and strenuous physical activity should be avoided. Adequate hydration should be ensured, as well as the constant cooling of arms and legs by pouring cold water at high outdoor temperatures. Sports activities should never be performed in the blazing midday heat, but in the morning or evening hours.
Enjoy the sun in moderation
The development of heat stroke is not dependent on skin type, as is often assumed. Heat stroke is often first noticed in the form of initial symptoms after hours of exposure to the sun. In general, strenuous activities should be avoided at high outdoor temperatures or increased exposure to the sun. Knowing the danger of too long sun exposure and to prevent heat stroke, sun exposure should always be enjoyed only in moderation, even with UV- skin protection.
