Sunstroke or insolation is heat damage, often caused by prolonged and intense exposure to the sun. It can cause severe irritation of the meninges, which are located under the top of the skull. Typical symptoms include nausea, headache, a hot head and dizziness.
What is sunstroke?
Sunstroke cannot be prevented by sunscreen alone, but requires more extensive sun protection. Sunstroke, ictus solis, heliosis, or insolation is heat damage caused mostly by intense and prolonged exposure of the neck, throat, and head to the sun. In particular, sun exposure causes irritation of the cerebral membrane, which in turn causes typical complaints and symptoms. Especially people and children who are exposed to direct sunlight for a long time at the beach or in nature often get sunstroke. People with fair skin and low hair growth, as well as older people, are also more likely to suffer from sunstroke.
Causes
As briefly noted, the cause of sunstroke is mostly direct and prolonged exposure of the head, neck or throat to the sun. Dabeo results in irritation of the meninges, which are located under the top of the skull. Particularly sensitive are the elderly and people with little hair, who spend a long time in the sun due to an unprotected head. This occurs mostly at the beach, in the open-air swimming pool or during sports activities. Likewise, children, due to their comparatively thinner skull bones and light hair suffer heat stroke more often.
Symptoms, ailments, and complaints
Whether on vacation or at home, everyone wants to enjoy the most beautiful time of the year as long as possible. The sun is finally shining, and it is easy to forget the effects that intense sunlight can have. If nausea with vomiting, dizziness and circulation problems occur after spending time outdoors on a warm sunny day, it could be sunstroke. In this case, children and people with bald heads or little hair are particularly affected, especially if they have enjoyed the sun without headgear. Typical signs are a red face, hot head and neck pain or a stiff neck. Fever and chills, as well as the other symptoms, do not appear until after the summer day, usually a few hours later. In severe sunstroke, loss of consciousness is also possible. In young children, high fever and striking pallor may occur. Inflammation of the meninges, meningitis, is possible. In the most severe cases, damage to the brain occurs, leading to coma. It should be noted that white surfaces such as snow are also dangerous, as they reflect sunlight. Since sunstroke symptoms also apply to other diseases, it should be considered whether a long stay in the sun really preceded the symptoms.
Disease progression
In the course of sunstroke, the typical symptoms, such as nausea, headache and dizziness, do not set in until several hours after intense exposure to the sun. As a rule, the symptoms and discomfort disappear on their own after a short time if the head is kept away from the sun by cooling, shade or head covering. Nevertheless, complications can also arise in the course of sunstroke. In particular, severe disturbances of consciousness or even unconsciousness can occur. Similarly, in very severe cases, brain edema can develop, which in the worst case leads to an increase in pressure in the brain. Since this can lead to respiratory arrest, seizures or even coma, treatment by an emergency doctor or rapid medical assistance is advisable. In younger children, sunstroke can also lead to meningitis, a severe form of meningitis. To avoid irreparable and life-threatening consequences and damage, the head should always be protected from prolonged and direct exposure to the sun.
Complications
In most cases, sunstroke proceeds without complications if the affected person removes himself from the sun in time. The symptoms then usually subside without consequences. However, if the affected person stays in the sun for too long, there is a risk of significant sequelae. One possible effect of severe sunstroke is a loss of consciousness. This can lead to circulatory collapse and unconsciousness.While some patients appear very agitated, others behave apathetically or confused. If unconsciousness occurs, it is important to place the affected person in a stable lateral position. Among the most serious complications of sunstroke is cerebral edema. Brain edema is when fluid accumulates within the brain tissue, which in turn causes an increase in pressure inside the skull. As a result, there is a risk of seizure. If important control areas of the brain are affected, there is a risk of respiratory arrest. Likewise, a fall into coma is possible. Since this is a life-threatening emergency, an emergency physician must be notified immediately. In younger children, there is a risk that sunstroke will cause meningitis (inflammation of the brain). Often, the signs of meningitis in children turn out to be unclear. Thus, they suffer from difficulty falling asleep, abdominal pain, sensitivity to touch or malaise, and cannot tolerate light or sound. Sometimes vomiting, seizures, fever and confusion also occur. It is then important to seek prompt medical attention.
When should you go to the doctor?
If the affected person suffers health irregularities due to exposure to sunlight, he should protect himself adequately. Staying in the shade, a cool environment or a cooling shower can help alleviate existing discomfort. If there is an improvement within a short time, there is no need to consult a doctor. If direct sunlight is avoided, recovery usually occurs after a few days. However, if the irregularities continue unabated or increase in intensity, medical attention is needed. If there are problems with the functioning of the circulatory system, nausea and vomiting, there is cause for concern. Fever, headache, redness of the facial skin, or chills should be presented to a physician. If dizziness, problems in the neck, or a general feeling of malaise occurs, the individual needs help. If there are interruptions in consciousness, there is an acute need for action. An emergency ambulance must be visited as soon as possible or an ambulance service must be alerted. Loss of consciousness is alarming, as there is a risk of a comatose state. In cooperation with an emergency physician or under intensive medical care, the necessary measures must be discussed so that no complications occur. There is a risk of permanent damage to memory in acute sunstroke. Therefore, help is needed as soon as irregularities in memory, coordination, or orientation become apparent.
Treatment and therapy
If the symptoms of a very hot head, nausea, dizziness and headache occur in the context of a long sunbath, it is usually assumed that the patient has sunstroke. In order to rule out possible complications and brain damage, a medical examination is advisable. The attending physician will then rule out other diseases through a physical examination and questioning and diagnose sunstroke. Treatment or therapy for sunstroke then depends on the degree of insolation. Practical immediate measures include:
- Relocation of the affected person in the shade
- The affected person should lie with upper body and head elevated
- Neck, head and neck if possible by cold and damp wraps or towels cool
- In case of impaired consciousness or unconsciousness, call an ambulance immediately
Prevention
You can prevent sunstroke very well. Especially by suitable head protection or sunshade can usually already prevent sunstroke. Especially children should always wear a head covering in the summer. But also the neck and neck should not be exposed to the constant sunlight. Plenty of fluids and low physical exertion are also helpful.
Aftercare
Sunstroke is usually easy to treat yourself. Primarily, it is necessary for the affected person to avoid the sun and stay in the shade or in a cool room. The most common symptoms, such as headache and overheating of the body, can be alleviated by elevating the head and upper body. It is also helpful to place a cool compress on the forehead and neck of the affected person. Staying in a darkened room can also improve the symptoms. In the event of sunstroke, it is important to provide the body with sufficient fluids.This stabilizes the circulation of the affected person and replenishes lost electrolytes. Water and tea are best suited for this purpose. Water-containing fruits such as watermelons also regulate the fluid balance of the affected person. Sucking ice cubes can also bring relief in the acute phase. Coffee and alcohol, on the other hand, should be avoided at all costs during acute sunstroke in order not to deprive the body of even more fluids. In the case of sunstroke, the body needs rest above all. Any kind of stress should therefore be avoided. Long television and working on the PC strains the eyes and should therefore be kept to a minimum, as should loud noises in the acute phase.
What you can do yourself
Sunstroke is a phenomenon that is easily treatable with self-help. Only severe cases make it necessary to visit the doctor. The most important measure is for the affected person to leave the sun immediately and go to a shady place or a cool room. Against headache and the overheating it helps particularly well to store head and upper part of the body somewhat elevated. A cool compress on the forehead and darkening the room can also speed symptom relief. Drinking is especially important during sunstroke. It stabilizes circulation and helps restore fluids and electrolytes to the body quickly. Water or tea are ideal here. However, it is better to avoid alcohol and coffee in acute sunstroke. If you do not feel nauseous, you can also drink fruit such as watermelon. Rest is very important in sunstroke. It is often accompanied by irritability, so patients are best to avoid any stress. Loud noises should be avoided, as should eyestrain from watching TV or working on a PC. Those who feel a great sensation of heat can run cold water over their wrists before resting in a quiet room. Sucking on an ice cube also often provides additional relief for sufferers during the acute phase.
