Treating Sunstroke/heatstroke

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Definition

Heatstroke is caused by prolonged exposure to high temperatures or by doing physical activity in hot weather. You are considered to have heatstroke when your body temperature reaches 104 F (40 C) or higher. High humidity, certain health problems and some medications increase your risk of heatstroke. So does being a young child or older adult.
Heatstroke is the progression of two worsening heat-related conditions. When your body overheats, you first may develop heat cramps. If you don't cool down, you may progress to symptoms of heat exhaustion, such as heavy sweating, nausea, lightheadedness and feeling faint.
Heatstroke occurs if your body temperature continues to rise. At this point, emergency treatment is needed. In a period of hours, untreated heatstroke can cause damage to your brain, heart, kidneys and muscles. These injuries get worse the longer treatment is delayed, increasing your risk of serious complications or death.

It is essential to identify the signs and symptoms of heat stroke or sunstroke as it can be a life-threatening condition. This article will give you more information on causes, symptoms and treatment of it in detail.

Sunstroke is a condition that develops when the body cannot control the temperature of the body. It occurs when the body is exposed to excess heat. Although the symptoms are same, sunstroke is more severe than heatstroke and often, considered as a life-threatening condition.

Causes of Sunstroke
The human body comprises a thermostat that regulates the temperature variations by controlling the supply of heat. Sometimes, when the body is exposed to excess heat, the body's cooling system fails. Therefore, exposure to excess temperature, heat, sun, is the most significant cause of sunstroke. Secondly, excess dehydration also results in sunstroke. Dehydration is a condition that arises due to loss of fluids caused due to excess urination or perspiration. If a person does not drink adequate amounts of water, when suffering from dehydration, the body takes up water from the bloodstream. This affects the functioning of the heat-regulating system as well as that of the heart. One should remember that merely sitting in the scorching sun for a long time, without drinking adequate amounts of water, can also lead to sunstroke.

Symptoms of Sunstroke
Mild sunstroke symptoms include dry, red and scaly skin due to loss of water from the body. Excessive perspiration is also one of the major symptoms. However, one should note that excessive perspiration leads to dehydration, and once the body is excessively dehydrated, the perspiration stops.
Dizziness
Headache
Rapid pulse rate
High fever
Rise in body temperature
Unconsciousness
Nausea
Hallucinations
Convulsions
Sometimes, sunburn is also observed along with the aforementioned symptoms. On the other hand, urine color may also darken due to excess dehydration. It is also observed that children and older people are more prone to sunstroke, than young adults.

Treating Sunstroke
Lowering the body temperature is the primary treatment of sunstroke. The patient is asked to have a bath with cool water or is covered in cool towels to lower the temperature. Ice packs are also used for the same purpose. Secondly, it is essential to treat dehydration by drinking water or electrolytic fluids. In case of severe dehydration, intravenous (IV) fluids may be required. Once the temperature is lowered and dehydration is treated, the doctor may prescribe medications to treat the other sunstroke and heatstroke symptoms.

This condition can be avoided by following simple preventive measures. Firstly, you should avoid being exposed to excessive heat. Secondly, it is essential to drink lots of water at regular intervals in summer (even when one does not feel thirsty) in order to keep the body hydrated. Lastly, it is necessary to wear clothing suitable for summer, and also avoid excess physical activity in the heat to prevent sunstroke.