Sunstroke – like heat exhaustion, heat cramp, heat exhaustion and heat stroke – is one of the heat-related illnesses. Typical symptoms of sunstroke include a red head and dizziness and headache. Read how to treat sunstroke and how to protect yourself from sunstroke here.
Sunstroke: what is the cause?
Sunstroke (insolation, heliosis) belongs to the group of heat injuries – which includes health disorders caused by an increased ambient temperature over a long period of time. Heatstroke often occurs at high temperatures due to prolonged outdoor activity. In contrast, a stay in a solarium can cause sunburn, but usually not sunstroke. The cause of sunstroke is prolonged direct sunlight on the unprotected head as well as the neck. The heat radiation of the sunlight can cause irritation of the meninges and brain tissue. This can lead to inflammation of the meninges (meningitis), which in particularly severe cases can result in permanent damage to the brain. In addition, cerebral edema can form, which can lead to a seizure, but also to respiratory arrest or a coma state.
Typical symptoms of sunstroke
A bright red head, neck pain or stiffness, and headache and dizziness are among the typical symptoms of sunstroke. Usually, the headache intensifies when the head is bent forward. In addition, symptoms such as nausea and vomiting or ringing in the ears may also occur. In addition, in severe cases, the affected person may become unconscious and the circulation may collapse. In the worst case, sunstroke can also lead to the death of the affected person. In contrast to heat stroke, in which the body temperature is usually greatly increased, this is often within the normal range in the case of sunstroke. Only the head is very hot, the rest of the body feels normal or even rather cool. However, in some cases – especially in children – fever may occur with sunstroke. In general, it should be noted that the typical symptoms of sunstroke sometimes become noticeable only several hours after being in the sun.
Sunstroke and heat stroke: what are the differences?
Heat stroke occurs when the body’s thermoregulation is disturbed, for example, by prolonged exposure to heat, resulting in heat accumulation. Consequently, heat stroke does not always have to be caused by direct exposure to the sun. In contrast to sunstroke, in heat stroke the body temperature is greatly increased, usually exceeding 40 degrees. Typical symptoms of heat stroke include a red hot head, hot and dry skin, an elevated pulse, and a staggering gait. So in heat stroke, the entire body feels hot, whereas in sunstroke, only the head is affected. Similar to sunstroke, heat stroke can also cause the affected person to lose consciousness. If heat stroke is not treated in time, it can lead to death.
Sunstroke in children
Children are especially at risk for sunstroke. Their skullcaps are only very thin and thus offer little protection from the sun. In addition, during the first two years of life, children have very little hair to protect their head and neck from the sun. That’s why, in addition to children, people who are bald and have a short hairstyle have an increased risk of sunstroke. Children are particularly at risk of sunstroke when playing outdoors and when bathing. In addition, care should also be taken during longer car rides to ensure that the child’s head is not exposed to the sun without protection. In addition to the typical symptoms, children with sunstroke are often restless and tearful. More often than in adults, they experience fever and the child appears unusually pale.
Sunstroke: the right treatment
If you suspect a person has sunstroke, you should take the following steps:
- Immediately move the affected person to the shade. Lay them flat on the ground and elevate their head and upper body slightly.
- Cool the head and neck with damp, cool cloths or a cold compress.This should not come directly from the freezer, because extreme cold puts additional stress on the body.
- Call an emergency doctor if the person’s condition does not improve within a few minutes. If the person is unconscious, you should immediately notify a doctor. Observe the person closely until the arrival of the doctor and regularly check consciousness and breathing.
- If the affected person is unconscious, you should place him in the recovery position. If you can not detect normal breathing, cardiopulmonary resuscitation must be performed.
If the patient avoids the sun, the symptoms usually recede completely within a few days. However, it is important to bear in mind that the duration of sunstroke can vary from person to person.
How to protect yourself from sunstroke
The best way to prevent sunstroke is to wear a light-colored head covering, which ideally also protects the neck. In addition, you should avoid long sunbathing sessions and outdoor activities during the midday heat. During longer activities in the sun, make sure to stay in the shade for some time in between. Children should also never be left alone in the car during hot weather. To avoid heat stroke, be careful not to wear clothing that is too warm when it is very hot, so as not to hinder the body’s heat regulation. It is especially important to drink enough non-alcoholic beverages when sweating a lot.
