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We all waited for summer days when we could soak up the sun. However, when taking sunbaths, we should be careful to prevent heatstroke. When can it occur? We present eight dangerous symptoms that can be a signal to call an ambulance. We also check how to prevent the body from overheating.
- Heat stroke is the result of overheating the body
- In case of heat stroke, you may have difficulty moving or speaking
- Children, seniors, physically active people and people working at high temperatures are exposed to heat stroke
- You can find more such stories on the TvoiLokony home page
Heat stroke – what does it look like?
Heat stroke is the body’s response to being unable to dissipate the stored heat. It most often occurs when the body temperature exceeds 41 degrees Celsius. Although the changes occur first inside the cells, the first symptoms are related to the central nervous system.
Heat stroke causes disturbances in the structure of proteins, as well as changes in phospholipids. In most cases, it affects children who do not have a fully developed thermoregulation mechanism, as well as the elderly. It is also a threat to people who engage in physical activity on hot days and manual workers (roofers, bricklayers).
Heat stroke – when can it occur?
Heat stroke most often occurs on hot days, when we stay in the sun for too long. Overheating helps not to cover your head while playing or walking for a long time. Hot baths can also lead to heat stroke, as well as unskillful steam baths.
Working in the field in full sun also leads to overheating. You should also be careful about heat stroke when sunbathing by the sea or the ocean, despite the cloudy sky.
How do you recognize heat stroke?
Among the symptoms of heat stroke, which should be the first signal for observing your own body or a loved one, the following are distinguished:
- feeling unwell despite being in a shaded place,
- noticeable lack of sweating despite feeling hot,
- high body temperature (approx. 40 degrees C),
- breathing problems,
- feeling of being lost,
- chills,
- speech problems,
- loss of consciousness.
In the event of such serious symptoms, you should immediately call an ambulance.
Unsteadiness when walking is also seen in a person with heat stroke. The sick person may have spots in front of his eyes. The skin turns pale and dry. Nausea may appear, as well as vomiting.
Heat stroke – what can you do?
In the case of heat stroke, the most important thing is to cool the patient down. If conscious, take him to a well-ventilated place and give him cool fluids. A pinch of salt can be added to the chilled water to provide the patient with the electrolytes they need. Cool compresses are usually applied to the head and chest. You can use a gel cooling compress that works well for larger body surfaces.
Open tight clothing. Do not forget to call the doctor, especially if the patient is losing consciousness, has problems with movement or speech.
In addition, remember not to try to cool the patient with ice-cold water or offer ice-cold baths, because the body will try to warm up additionally.
Heat stroke – how can you prevent it?
To prevent heatstroke, it is essential to wear airy clothes and a hat on hot days. When sunbathing, you should regularly use water (lukewarm or cool). After getting out of the water, it is best to give up sunbathing and just sit or lie down in a shaded place. You should also not forget about adequate sun protection. In this case, we especially recommend:
- protective cream for skin with discoloration EPTA SPOT SPF 50+,
- sun protection cream SPF 50+ Floslek,
- Floslek toning cream SPF 50+ for oily and combination skin.
During summer trips, it is worth giving up drinking alcohol and practicing sports. Outdoor exercise can be done in the mornings or evenings when the temperature is lower.