The most severe form of heat injury, heatstroke, can happen if bodies temperature rises to 104 F (40 C) or higher. The condition is most prevalent in the summer months and is brought on by bodies overheating, usually as a result of prolonged exposure to or physical exertion in high temperatures.
Heatstroke needs to be treated right away because, if left untreated, it can quickly cause damage to our brain, heart, kidneys, and muscles. The longer treatment is put off, the worse the damage gets, raising the possibility of fatal complications.
Symptoms of Sun Stroke
Signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion include:
- High body temperature.The primary symptom of heatstroke is an internal body temperature of 104 F (40 C) or higher, measured with a rectal thermometer.
- Altered mental state or behavior.Heatstroke can cause coma, delirium, seizures, agitation, slurred speech, irritability, confusion, and slurred speech.
- Alteration in sweating.Your skin will feel hot and dry when you have a heat stroke caused by hot weather, but it may feel dry or just a little bit moist when you have a heat stroke caused by vigorous exercise.
- Nausea and vomiting.You might vomit or experience nausea.
- Flushed skin.The rise in body temperature may cause your skin to turn red.
- Rapid breathing.You might experience shallow, rapid breathing.
- Racing heart rate.Because of how much work your heart must do to keep your body cool under heat stress, your pulse may noticeably rise.
- Headache.Your head may throb.
Causes of Sun Stroke
The following are some causes of heatstroke:
- Exposure to a hot environment.Nonexertional (classic) heatstroke is a type of heatstroke that most frequently affects older adults and people with chronic illnesses and is characterized by a rise in core body temperature as a result of exposure to a hot environment for extended periods of time.
- Strenuous activity.Anyone exercising or working in hot weather can develop exertional heatstroke, but it’s most likely to happen if you’re not used to high temperatures. Exertional heatstroke is caused by an increase in core body temperature brought on by intense physical activity in hot weather.
Your condition may develop as a result of:
- Wearing excess clothingthat prevents sweat from cooling your body and easily evaporating
- Drinking alcohol,which may impair the capacity of your body to control your body temperature
- Becoming dehydratedby failing to drink enough liquids to replace those that are lost through sweat
Anyone can experience heatstroke, but a few things make it more likely:
Age.In the very young, the central nervous system is not fully developed, and in adults over 65, the central nervous system begins to deteriorate, which makes your body less able to cope with changes in body temperature, and both age groups typically have difficulty remaining hydrated, which also increases risk. Your ability to cope with extreme heat depends on the strength of your central nervous system.
Exertion in hot weather.Among the circumstances that can result in heatstroke are military training and taking part in hot-weather sports like football or long-distance races.
Sudden exposure to hot weather.You should limit your activity for at least a few days to allow yourself to acclimate to the change if you are exposed to a sudden rise in temperature, such as during an early-summer heat wave or travel to a hotter climate. You may still be at an increased risk of heatstroke until you have experienced several weeks of higher temperatures.
A lack of air conditioning.While fans may help you feel better, the best way to stay cool and reduce humidity is with air conditioning when it’s consistently hot outside.
Certain medications.Be especially cautious in hot weather if you take medications that reduce psychiatric symptoms (antidepressants or antipsychotics), regulate your blood pressure by blocking adrenaline (beta blockers), flush your body of sodium and water (diuretics), or narrow your blood vessels (vasoconstrictors).
You are more susceptible to heatstroke if you use illegal stimulants like amphetamines and cocaine as well as stimulants for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Certain health conditions.Obesity, inactivity, and a history of heatstroke may all increase your risk of suffering from heatstroke, as well as some chronic conditions like heart or lung disease.
Complications
Depending on how long the body temperature is elevated due to heatstroke, a number of complications may develop, some of which are severe.
- Vital organ damage.Heatstroke can cause swelling in your brain or other vital organs, which could cause permanent damage if prompt action is not taken to reduce body temperature.
- Death.Heatstroke can be fatal if it is not treated promptly and effectively.
Prevention of Sun Stroke
The following actions can be taken to avoid heatstroke when it’s hot outside:
Wear loosefitting, lightweight clothing.Your body won’t be able to cool down properly if you’re wearing too much or too little clothing.
Protect against sunburn.Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 and wear sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat to protect yourself from the sun. Reapply sunscreen generously every two hours, or more frequently if you’re swimming or perspiring. Sunburn affects your body’s capacity to cool itself.
Drink plenty of fluids.Your body will sweat and keep its temperature normal if you stay hydrated.
Take extra precautions with certain medications.If you are taking medication that may impair your body’s capacity to maintain fluid balance and expel heat, be alert for heat-related issues.
Never leave anyone in a parked car.The temperature in your car can increase by more than 6.7 degrees Celsius (20 degrees Fahrenheit) in just 10 minutes when it is parked in the sun, which is a common cause of heat-related deaths in children.
When your car is parked, keep it locked to prevent a child from getting inside. Even with the windows cracked or the car in the shade, it’s not safe to leave a person in a parked car in warm or hot weather.
Take it easy during the hottest parts of the day.Try to plan exercise or physical labor for cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or late evening. If you can’t avoid strenuous activity in hot weather, drink fluids and rest frequently in a cool spot.
Get acclimated.People who are not accustomed to hot weather are particularly vulnerable to heat-related illnesses. It can take several weeks for your body to adjust to hot weather. Limit the amount of time you work or exercise in the heat until you are conditioned.
Homeopathic Treatment for Sunstroke
Glonoinum, Amyl Nitrosum, Belladonna, Gelsemium, Lachesis, and Natrum Carb are the homeopathic remedies that work best for treating sunstroke, which is a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention.
Comments are closed.