Consequences of sunstroke in adults treatment. Sunstroke in a child can be quickly treated at home. Sunstroke in adults

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What is heatstroke?

Heatstroke- This pathological condition, which occurs due to severe overheating of the body. The development of heat stroke is accompanied by activation and subsequent depletion of compensatory ( adaptive) cooling systems of the body, resulting in disruption of the functions of vital organs ( hearts, blood vessels, central nervous system and so on). This may be accompanied by a pronounced deterioration in a person’s general well-being, and in severe cases lead to death ( if the victim is not provided with the necessary assistance in a timely manner).

Pathogenesis ( mechanism of occurrence) heat stroke

To understand why heat stroke occurs, you need to know some of the features of thermoregulation in the human body.

Under normal conditions, the temperature of the human body is maintained at a constant level ( just below 37 degrees). Thermoregulation mechanisms are controlled by the central nervous system ( brain) and they can be divided into mechanisms that provide an increase in body temperature ( heat production) and mechanisms that provide a decrease in body temperature ( that is, heat transfer). The essence of heat transfer is that the human body releases the heat it produces into the environment, thus cooling itself.

Heat transfer is carried out through:

Carrying out ( convection). In this case, heat is transferred from the body to the particles surrounding it ( air, water). Particles heated by the heat of the human body are replaced by other, colder particles, as a result of which the body cools down. Consequently, the colder the environment, the more intense heat transfer occurs through this route.
Conduction. In this case, heat is transferred from the surface of the skin directly to adjacent objects ( for example, a cold stone or a chair on which a person is sitting).
Radiation ( radiation). In this case, heat transfer occurs as a result of radiation into a colder environment of infrared electromagnetic waves. This mechanism is also active only if the air temperature is lower than the temperature of the human body.
Water evaporation ( sweat). During evaporation, water particles from the surface of the skin turn into steam. This process occurs with the consumption of a certain amount of energy, which is “supplied” by the human body. It itself cools down.

Under normal conditions ( at an ambient temperature of 20 degrees) the human body loses only 20% of its heat through evaporation. At the same time, when the air temperature rises above 37 degrees ( that is, higher than body temperature) the first three heat transfer mechanisms ( convection, conduction and radiation) become ineffective. In this case, all heat transfer begins to be achieved solely due to the evaporation of water from the surface of the skin.

However, the evaporation process can also be disrupted. The fact is that evaporation of water from the surface of the body will only occur if the surrounding air is “dry”. If the air humidity is high ( that is, if it is already saturated with water vapor), the liquid will not be able to evaporate from the surface of the skin. The consequence of this will be a rapid and pronounced increase in body temperature, which will lead to the development of heat stroke, accompanied by disruption of the functions of many vital organs and systems ( including cardiovascular, respiratory, water-electrolyte balance and so on).

How is heatstroke different from sunstroke?

Sunstroke develops when the human body is directly exposed to sunlight. Infrared radiation contained in sunlight heats not only the superficial layers of the skin, but also deeper tissues, including brain tissue, causing brain damage.

When brain tissue is heated, blood vessels dilate and fill with blood. In addition, as a result of vascular dilation, permeability increases vascular wall, as a result of which the liquid part of the blood leaves the vascular bed and moves into the intercellular space ( that is, tissue swelling develops). Since the human brain is located in a closed, practically inextensible cavity ( that is, in the skull), increased blood supply to the vessels and swelling of surrounding tissues is accompanied by compression of the medulla. Nerve cells ( neurons) at the same time they begin to lack oxygen, and with prolonged exposure to damaging factors they begin to die. This is accompanied by impaired sensitivity and motor activity, as well as damage to the cardiovascular, respiratory and other systems of the body, which usually becomes the cause of human death.

It is worth noting that with sunstroke, overheating of the entire body also occurs, as a result of which the victim may show signs of not only sunstroke, but also heatstroke.

Causes of heat and sunstroke

The only reason for the development sunstroke is prolonged exposure to direct sunlight on a person’s head. At the same time, heat stroke can also develop under other circumstances that contribute to overheating of the body and/or disruption of heat transfer processes ( cooling).

Heat stroke can be caused by:

Staying in the sun during hot weather. If on a hot summer day the air temperature in the shade reaches 25–30 degrees, in the sun it can exceed 45–50 degrees. Naturally, in such conditions the body can only cool itself through evaporation. However, as mentioned earlier, the compensatory capabilities of evaporation are also limited. This is why heat stroke can develop when exposed to heat for a long time.

Working near heat sources. Industrial workers, bakers, metallurgical workers and other people whose activities involve being near heat sources are at increased risk of developing heat stroke ( ovens, ovens, etc.).
Tiring physical work. Released during muscle activity a large number of thermal energy. If physical work is performed in a hot room or in direct sunlight, the liquid does not have time to evaporate from the surface of the body and cool it, resulting in the formation of drops of sweat. The body also overheats.
High air humidity. Increased air humidity is observed near seas, oceans and other bodies of water, since under the influence of sunlight, water evaporates from them, and its vapor saturates the surrounding air. As mentioned earlier, with high humidity, the effectiveness of cooling the body through evaporation is limited. If other cooling mechanisms are also disrupted ( what happens when air temperature rises), rapid development of heat stroke is possible.
Insufficient fluid intake. When the ambient temperature rises above body temperature, the body cools exclusively through evaporation. However, in doing so, it loses a certain amount of liquid. If fluid losses are not replenished in a timely manner, this will lead to dehydration and the development of associated complications. The effectiveness of evaporation as a cooling mechanism will also decrease, which will contribute to the development of thermal stroke.
Incorrect use of clothing. If a person wears clothing that prevents heat conduction during hot weather, this can also lead to the development of heat stroke. The fact is that during the evaporation of sweat, the air between the skin and clothing is quickly saturated with water vapor. As a result, cooling of the body through evaporation stops, and body temperature will begin to rise rapidly.
Taking certain medications. Exist medicines, which may violate ( oppress) functions of sweat glands. If a person is exposed to heat or near heat sources after taking these medications, they may develop heatstroke. “Dangerous” drugs include atropine, antidepressants ( drugs used to improve mood in patients with depression), as well as antihistamines used to treat allergic reactions (such as diphenhydramine).
Damage to the central nervous system. In extremely rare cases, the cause of heat stroke may be damage to brain cells that regulate heat transfer processes ( this can occur with cerebral hemorrhage, trauma, etc.). In this case, overheating of the body may also occur, but it is usually of secondary importance ( Symptoms of damage to the central nervous system come to the fore - disturbances in consciousness, breathing, heartbeat, and so on.).

Is it possible to get sunstroke in a solarium?

It is impossible to get sunstroke in a solarium, which is due to the mechanism of action of the equipment used. The fact is that the lamps used in solariums emit ultraviolet rays. When exposed to the skin, these rays stimulate the production of melanin pigment in the skin, which gives it a dark, dark color ( a similar effect is observed when exposed to the sun). However, it is worth noting that during a visit to the solarium the human body is not exposed to infrared radiation, which is the main cause of overheating of brain tissue. This is why even a long stay in a solarium will not lead to the development of sunstroke ( however, other complications may develop, such as skin burns).

Risk factors contributing to the development of heat and sunstroke

In addition to the main causes, there are a number of factors that can increase the risk of developing these pathological conditions.

The development of sunstroke or heatstroke can be facilitated by:

Childhood. By the time of birth, the child’s thermoregulation mechanisms are not yet fully formed. Staying in cold air can lead to rapid hypothermia of the child's body, while swaddling the baby too tightly can lead to overheating and the development of heat stroke.
Elderly age. With age, thermoregulation mechanisms are disrupted, which also contributes to faster overheating of the body in conditions of elevated ambient temperatures.
Thyroid diseases. The thyroid gland secretes special hormones ( thyroxine and triiodothyronine), which regulate metabolism in the body. Some diseases ( for example, diffuse toxic goiter) are characterized by excessive production of these hormones, which is accompanied by an increase in body temperature and an increased risk of heat stroke.
Obesity. IN human body heat is produced primarily in the liver ( as a result chemical processes ) and in muscles ( during their active contractions and relaxations). In obesity, an increase in body weight occurs mainly due to fatty tissue, which is located directly under the skin and around internal organs. Adipose tissue poorly conducts the heat generated in the muscles and liver, as a result of which the cooling process of the body is disrupted. This is why, as the ambient temperature rises, obese patients have a higher risk of developing heatstroke than people with a normal build.
Taking diuretics. These drugs help remove fluid from the body. If used incorrectly, dehydration may develop, which will disrupt the process of sweating and cooling the body through evaporation of sweat.

Symptoms, signs and diagnosis of heat and sunstroke in an adult

As mentioned earlier, the development of heat or sunstroke is accompanied by disruption of the functions of many organs and systems, which leads to the occurrence characteristic symptoms. Correct and fast recognition of signs of this disease allows timely assistance to the victim necessary help, thereby preventing the risk of developing more serious complications.

Heat stroke can occur:

deterioration of general health;
redness of the skin;

increased body temperature;
increased heart rate;
decrease in pressure;
shortness of breath ( feeling of lack of air);

It is immediately worth noting that signs of heat stroke can also be observed during sunstroke, however, in the latter case, symptoms of damage to the central nervous system will come to the fore ( disturbances of consciousness, convulsions, headaches, etc.).

Deterioration in general health

At the initial stage of development of heat or sunstroke ( in the compensation stage) there is a moderate dysfunction of the central nervous system ( CNS), as a result of which a person becomes lethargic, drowsy, and inactive. During the first 24 hours, sleep disturbances may be observed, as well as periods of psychomotor agitation, irritability and aggressive behavior. As it gets worse general condition signs of central nervous system depression begin to predominate, as a result of which the patient may lose consciousness or even fall into a coma ( a pathological condition in which the patient does not respond to any stimuli).

Skin redness

The cause of redness of the patient's skin is the expansion of superficial blood vessels. This normal reaction organism, developing when the body overheats. The expansion of the blood vessels of the skin and the influx of “hot” blood into them is accompanied by increased heat transfer, as a result of which the body cools down. At the same time, it is worth noting that in case of severe overheating, as well as in the presence of concomitant diseases of cardio-vascular system this compensatory reaction can cause harm to the body.

Increased body temperature

This is a mandatory symptom that is observed in absolutely all cases of heat stroke. Its occurrence is explained by a disruption in the cooling process of the body, as well as the expansion of blood vessels and the influx of “hot” blood to the surface of the skin. The victim's skin is hot and dry to the touch, and its elasticity may be reduced ( due to dehydration of the body). Objective measurement of body temperature ( using a medical thermometer) allows you to confirm its increase to 38 - 40 degrees and above.

Reduced pressure

Blood pressure is the pressure of the blood in the blood vessels ( arteries). Under normal conditions it is maintained at a relatively constant level ( about 120/80 millimeters of mercury). When the body overheats, there is a compensatory expansion of the blood vessels of the skin, as a result of which some of the blood passes into them. Blood pressure decreases, which can lead to disruption of the blood supply to vital organs and contribute to the development of complications.

To maintain blood circulation at an adequate level, reflex tachycardia is triggered ( increased heart rate), as a result of which the pulse of a patient with heat or sunstroke will also be elevated ( more than 100 beats per minute). It is worth noting that another reason for the increase in heart rate ( Heart rate) there may be a direct high body temperature ( An increase in temperature of 1 degree is accompanied by an increase in heart rate by 10 beats per minute, even with normal blood pressure).

Headache

Headaches are most pronounced during sunstroke, but can also occur during heatstroke. The mechanism of their occurrence is associated with increased intracranial pressure, as well as swelling of the brain tissue and meninges. Meninges rich in sensory nerve endings, resulting in their overstretching ( for swelling) is accompanied by severe pain. The pain is constant and its intensity can be moderate or extremely severe.

Dizziness and fainting ( loss of consciousness)

The cause of dizziness during heat stroke is a violation of the blood supply to the brain, which develops as a result of dilation of the blood vessels of the skin and the passage of part of the blood into them. At the same time, brain cells begin to lack oxygen, which is normally transported to them by red blood cells. If in such a state a person suddenly moves from a “lying” position to a “standing” position, there will be a lack of oxygen at the level of neurons ( nerve cells brain) can reach a critical level, which will lead to a temporary disruption of their functions. Damage to neurons that control coordination of movements will result in dizziness, and with a more pronounced oxygen deficiency at the level of the brain, a person may even lose consciousness.

Dyspnea

Increased breathing occurs when body temperature rises and is also a compensatory reaction aimed at cooling the body. The fact is that when passing through the respiratory tract, the inhaled air is cleaned, moistened and warmed. In the terminal sections of the lungs ( that is, in the alveoli, in which the process of transfer of oxygen from air to blood occurs) air temperature is equal to the temperature of the human body. When you exhale, air is released into the environment, thereby removing heat from the body.

It is worth noting that this cooling mechanism is most effective only if the ambient temperature is lower than body temperature. If the temperature of the inhaled air is higher than body temperature, the body does not cool down, and the increased respiratory rate only contributes to the development of complications. Moreover, in the process of humidifying the inhaled air, the body also loses fluid, which can contribute to dehydration.

Convulsions

Cramps are involuntary muscle contractions during which a person may remain conscious and experience severe pain. The cause of convulsions during sunstroke and heatstroke is a disruption of the blood supply to the brain, as well as an increase in body temperature, which leads to disruption of the functions of nerve cells in the brain. Children are at greatest risk of developing seizures during heatstroke, since their convulsive activity of brain neurons is much more pronounced than in adults.

It is worth noting that during sunstroke, convulsions can also be observed, which are caused by direct heating of brain neurons and disruption of their activity.

Nausea and vomiting

Nausea from heatstroke may occur as a result of a fall blood pressure. In this case, the mechanism of its occurrence is explained by the development of oxygen deficiency at the level of brain neurons. Dizziness that occurs with low blood pressure can also contribute to the development of nausea. Such nausea may be accompanied by single or repeated vomiting. Recently eaten food may be present in the vomit ( if a person gets heatstroke after eating) or gastric juice (if the victim's stomach is empty). Vomiting does not bring relief to the patient, that is, after it, the feeling of nausea may persist.

Can diarrhea occur due to heat or sunstroke?

With heat stroke, digestive disorders may occur, accompanied by the development of diarrhea. The mechanism of development of this symptom is explained by the fact that for any stressful situation (which includes heatstroke) the motility of the gastrointestinal tract is impaired, as a result of which intestinal contents are retained in the intestinal loops. Over time, fluid is released into the intestinal lumen, resulting in the formation of loose stools.

Drinking large amounts of fluid can contribute to the development of diarrhea ( against the background of dehydration and thirst). At the same time, it can also accumulate in the intestinal lumen, contributing to the occurrence of diarrhea.

Can chills occur with heatstroke?

Chills are a kind of muscle tremors that occur when the body is hypothermic. Also this symptom may be observed when the temperature rises against the background of certain infectious diseases inflammatory diseases. In this case, chills are accompanied by a subjective feeling of coldness in the extremities ( in the arms and legs). When hypothermia occurs, chills are a compensatory reaction ( muscle contractions are accompanied by the release of heat and warming of the body). At the same time, when body temperature rises, chills are pathological symptom, indicating a violation of thermoregulation. In this case, the thermoregulation center ( located in the brain) incorrectly perceives body temperature as low, as a result of which it triggers a compensatory reaction ( that is, muscle tremors).

It is worth noting that chills can only be observed at the initial stage of heat stroke development. Subsequently, the body temperature rises significantly, as a result of which muscle tremors stop.

Forms of heat stroke

From a clinical point of view, it is customary to distinguish several forms of heat stroke ( depending on which symptoms are most pronounced in clinical picture diseases). This allows you to select the most effective treatment for each individual patient.

From a clinical point of view, there are:

Asphyxial form of heat stroke. In this case, signs of damage come to the fore respiratory system (shortness of breath, rapid or rare breathing ). In this case, the body temperature can rise to 38 - 39 degrees, and other symptoms ( dizziness, convulsions, etc.) may be weakly expressed or completely absent.
Hyperthermic form. With this form of the disease, a pronounced increase in body temperature comes to the fore ( more than 40 degrees) and associated dysfunctions of vital organs ( drop in blood pressure, dehydration, seizures).
Cerebral ( brain) shape. It is characterized by predominant damage to the central nervous system, which can manifest itself as convulsions, disturbances of consciousness, headaches, and so on. Body temperature may be moderately elevated or high ( from 38 to 40 degrees).
Gastroenteric form. In this case, from the first hours of the disease, the patient may experience severe nausea and repeated vomiting, and at later stages of development, diarrhea may appear. Other signs of heat stroke ( dizziness, redness of the skin, breathing problems) are also present, but weakly or moderately expressed. Body temperature with this form rarely exceeds 39 degrees.

Stages of Heat Stroke

Overheating of the body occurs in several stages, each of which is accompanied by certain changes in the functioning of internal organs and systems, as well as characteristic clinical manifestations.

The development of heat stroke includes:

Compensation stage. It is characterized by heating of the body, during which its compensatory mechanisms are activated ( cooling) systems. In this case, redness of the skin, profuse sweating, and thirst may occur ( due to loss of fluid from the body) and so on. At the same time, body temperature is maintained at a normal level.
Stage of decompensation ( actual heatstroke). On at this stage overheating of the body becomes so pronounced that compensatory cooling mechanisms are ineffective. At the same time, the body temperature rapidly rises, as a result of which the signs of heat stroke appear, listed above.

Heatstroke and sunstroke in a child

The reasons for the development of this pathology in a child are the same as in an adult ( overheating, heat transfer disturbance, etc.). At the same time, it is worth recalling that the mechanisms of thermoregulation in children's body poorly developed. That is why, when a child is exposed to hot air or direct exposure to sunlight, within a few minutes or hours the first signs of heat or sunstroke may appear. The development of the disease can also be facilitated by obesity, insufficient fluid intake, physical activity (for example, while playing on the beach) and so on.

Treatment of heat and sunstroke

The primary goal in the treatment of heat and/or sunstroke is cooling the body, which allows normalizing the functions of vital organs and systems. Further used symptomatic treatment, aimed at restoring the functions of damaged organs and preventing the development of complications.

Providing first aid to a victim of heat or sunstroke

If a person shows signs of heat or sunstroke, it is recommended to call ambulance. At the same time, begin to provide emergency assistance the victim needs it as soon as possible, without waiting for the doctors to arrive. This will prevent further damage to the body and the development of serious complications.

First aid for heat and sunstroke includes:

Elimination causative factor. The first thing to do in case of heat or sunstroke is to prevent further overheating of the body. If a person is exposed to direct sunlight, they should be moved to the shade as soon as possible, which will prevent further heating of the brain tissue. If heatstroke occurs outdoors ( in the heat), the victim should be taken away or moved to a cool room ( in the entrance of a house, a store equipped with air conditioning, an apartment, and so on). In the event of heatstroke at work, the patient should be taken as far as possible from the heat source. The purpose of these manipulations is to restore damaged heat transfer mechanisms ( through conduction and radiation), which is only possible if the ambient temperature is lower than body temperature.
Providing peace to the victim. Any movements will be accompanied by increased heat production ( as a result of muscle contractions), which will slow down the cooling process of the body. Moreover, while moving independently, the victim may experience dizziness ( due to a drop in blood pressure and impaired blood supply to the brain), as a result of which he may fall and cause further injury to himself. This is why it is not recommended for a patient with heatstroke to travel to a medical facility on their own. It is best to put him to bed in a cool room, where he will wait for the ambulance to arrive. If there are signs of impaired consciousness, the victim’s legs should be raised 10–15 cm above the level of the head. This will increase blood flow to the brain, thereby preventing oxygen starvation of nerve cells.
Removing the victim's clothing. Any clothes ( even the thinnest) will disrupt the process of heat transfer, thereby slowing down the cooling of the body. That is why, immediately after eliminating the causative factor of overheating, the victim should be undressed as quickly as possible, removing outer clothing ( if there is one), as well as shirts, T-shirts, pants, hats ( including caps, panama hats) and so on. There is no need to remove your underwear, as it will have virtually no effect on the cooling process.
Applying a cold compress to the forehead. To prepare a compress, you can take any scarf or towel, moisten it in cold water and apply it to the patient’s frontal area. This procedure should be performed both for heatstroke and sunstroke. This will help cool the brain tissue, as well as the blood flowing through the brain vessels, which will prevent further damage to the nerve cells. For heatstroke, applying cold compresses to the extremities will also be effective ( in the wrist area, ankle joints ). However, it is important to remember that when applying a cold compress to the skin, it heats up quite quickly ( within 1 – 2 minutes), after which its cooling effect decreases. That is why it is recommended to re-wet the towels in cold water every 2 to 3 minutes. You should continue applying compresses for a maximum of 30–60 minutes or until the ambulance arrives.
Spraying the victim's body with cool water. If the patient's condition allows ( that is, if he does not complain of severe dizziness and does not lose consciousness), he is advised to take a cool shower. This will allow you to cool the skin as quickly as possible, thereby accelerating the cooling of the body. The water temperature should not be below 20 degrees. If the patient complains of dizziness or is unconscious, his face and body can be sprayed cold water 2 – 3 times with an interval of 3 – 5 minutes, which will also speed up heat transfer.
Prevention of dehydration. If the patient is conscious, he should immediately be given a few sips of cool water to drink ( no more than 100 ml at a time), to which you need to add a little salt ( a quarter teaspoon per 1 cup). The fact is that during the development of heat stroke ( at the compensation stage) increased sweating is noted. At the same time, the body loses not only fluid, but also electrolytes ( including sodium), which may be accompanied by dysfunction of the central nervous system and other organs. Taking salt water will restore not only the volume of fluid in the body, but also the electrolyte composition of the blood, which is one of the key points in the treatment of heat stroke.
Ensuring a flow of fresh air. If the patient experiences shortness of breath ( feeling of lack of air), this may indicate an asphyxial form of heat stroke. In this case, the victim’s body lacks oxygen. You can ensure an increased flow of oxygen by moving the patient outside ( if the air temperature does not exceed 30 degrees) or through adequate ventilation of the room in which it is located. You can also fan the patient with a towel or point a running fan at him. This will not only provide an influx of fresh air, but will also speed up the cooling of the body.
Using ammonia. If the victim is unconscious, you can try to revive him with ammonia ( if you have one on hand). To do this, apply a few drops of alcohol to a cotton swab or handkerchief and bring it to the victim’s nose. Inhalation of alcohol vapor is accompanied by stimulation of respiration and the central nervous system, as well as a moderate increase in blood pressure, which can bring the patient to his senses.
Respiratory protection. If the patient has nausea and vomiting, and his consciousness is impaired, he should be turned on his side, slightly tilting his head face down and placing a small cushion under it ( for example, from a folded towel). This position of the victim will prevent vomit from entering the respiratory tract, which could cause the development of serious complications in the lungs ( pneumonia).
Artificial respiration and cardiac massage. If the victim is unconscious, not breathing, or has no heartbeat, resuscitation should begin immediately ( artificial respiration And indirect massage hearts). They should be performed before the ambulance arrives. This is the only way to save the patient’s life if he has a cardiac arrest.

What should not be done in case of heat and sunstroke?

There is a list of procedures and measures that are not recommended to be performed when the body is overheated, as this can contribute to damage to internal organs or the development of complications.

In case of heat and sunstroke, it is strictly prohibited:

Place the patient in cold water. If a superheated body is completely placed in cold water ( for example, in the bath), this can lead to severe hypothermia ( due to dilated skin blood vessels). In addition, when exposed to cold water, a reflex spasm may occur ( narrowing) of these vessels, as a result of which a large amount of blood from the periphery flows to the heart. This will lead to overload of the heart muscle, which can cause complications ( heart pain, heart attack, that is, death muscle cells hearts and so on).
Take an ice cold shower. The consequences of this procedure can be the same as when placing the patient in cold water. Moreover, cooling the body with ice water may contribute to the development of inflammatory diseases of the respiratory system ( that is, pneumonia, bronchitis, sore throat, and so on).
Apply cold compresses to the chest and back. Applying cold compresses to the chest and back for long periods of time can also contribute to pneumonia.
Drinking alcohol. Alcohol consumption is always accompanied by dilation of peripheral blood vessels ( including skin vessels), which is due to the effect of ethyl alcohol included in its composition. However, during heat stroke, the skin vessels are already dilated. In this case, drinking alcoholic beverages can contribute to the redistribution of blood and a more pronounced drop in blood pressure, accompanied by impaired blood supply to the brain.

Medicines ( pills) with heat and sunstroke

Only a doctor can prescribe any medications to a person suffering from heat or sunstroke. At the first aid stage, it is not recommended to give the patient any medications, as this can only worsen his condition.

Drug treatment for heat/sunstroke

Purpose of prescribing medications	What drugs are used?	Mechanism of therapeutic action
*Cooling the body and fighting dehydration*	Saline(0.9% sodium chloride solution)	These drugs are administered intravenously in a hospital setting. They should be used slightly cooled ( the temperature of the injected solutions should not be higher than 25 degrees). This allows you to reduce body temperature, as well as restore the volume of circulating blood and the electrolyte composition of plasma ( Ringer's solution contains sodium, potassium, calcium and chlorine).
	*Ringer's solution*
	*Glucose solutions*
*Maintaining cardiovascular function*	*Refortan*	A solution for intravenous administration, which replenishes the volume of circulating blood, thereby helping to increase blood pressure.
	*Mezaton*	This drug increases the tone of blood vessels, thereby restoring blood pressure. The drug does not affect the heart muscle, and therefore it can be used even with a pronounced increase in heart rate.
	*Adrenalin*	It is prescribed for a pronounced drop in blood pressure, as well as for cardiac arrest. Provides constriction of blood vessels and also enhances the contractile activity of the heart muscle.
*Maintaining respiratory system functions*	*Cordiamine*	This drug stimulates certain areas of the central nervous system, in particular the respiratory center and the vasomotor center. This is accompanied by an increase in respiratory rate, as well as an increase in blood pressure.
*Maintaining respiratory system functions*	*Oxygen*	If the patient has difficulty breathing, adequate oxygen delivery should be ensured through the use of an oxygen mask or other similar procedures.
*Preventing Brain Damage*	*Sodium thiopental*	This drug is used in anesthesiology to put a patient under anesthesia ( artificial sleep state). One of the features of its action is the reduction in the need of brain cells for oxygen, which prevents their damage during cerebral edema ( against the backdrop of sunstroke). The drug also has a certain anticonvulsant effect ( prevents the development of seizures). At the same time, it is worth noting that thiopental has a number of adverse reactions, as a result of which it should be prescribed only in the intensive care unit, under the close supervision of medical personnel.

Is it possible to take antipyretic drugs ( aspirin, paracetamol) with heat and sunstroke?

For heat and sunstroke, these drugs are ineffective. The fact is that paracetamol, aspirin and other similar drugs are anti-inflammatory drugs, which also have a certain antipyretic effect. Under normal conditions, the penetration of a foreign infection into the body, as well as the occurrence of some other diseases, is accompanied by the development inflammatory process in tissues. One of the manifestations of this process is an increase in body temperature associated with the formation of special substances at the site of inflammation ( inflammatory mediators). The mechanism of the antipyretic effect of paracetamol and aspirin is that they inhibit the activity of the inflammatory process, thereby suppressing the synthesis of inflammatory mediators, which leads to normalization of body temperature.

With heat and sunstroke, the temperature rises due to disruption of heat transfer processes. Inflammatory reactions and inflammatory mediators have nothing to do with this, as a result of which paracetamol, aspirin or other anti-inflammatory drugs will not have any antipyretic effect in this case.

Consequences of heat or sunstroke for adults and children

With timely provision of first aid, the development of heat or sunstroke can be stopped at the initial stages. In this case, all symptoms of the disease will disappear in 2–3 days, leaving no consequences. At the same time, delay in providing first aid to the victim can lead to damage to vital organs and systems, which may be accompanied by the development severe complications, requiring long-term treatment in the hospital.

Heatstroke and/or sunstroke can be complicated by:

Blood thickening. When the body is dehydrated, the liquid part of the blood also leaves the vascular bed, leaving only the cellular elements of the blood there. This causes the blood to become thick and viscous, increasing the risk of blood clots ( blood clots). These blood clots can clog blood vessels in various organs ( in the brain, in the lungs, in the limbs), which will be accompanied by impaired blood circulation in them and lead to the death of cells in the affected organ. Moreover, pumping thick, viscous blood creates additional stress on the heart, which can lead to the development of complications ( such as myocardial infarction - a life-threatening condition in which some of the muscle cells of the heart die and its contractile activity is impaired).
Acute heart failure. The cause of heart failure may be an increase in the load on the heart muscle ( as a result of blood thickening and increased heart rate), as well as damage to muscle cells as a result of overheating of the body ( at the same time, the metabolism and energy in them is disrupted, as a result of which they can die). A person may complain of severe pain in the heart area, severe weakness, shortness of breath, a feeling of lack of air, and so on. Treatment should be carried out exclusively in a hospital.
Acute respiratory failure. The cause of respiratory failure may be damage to the respiratory center in the brain. In this case, the breathing rate quickly decreases, as a result of which the delivery of oxygen to the internal organs and tissues is disrupted.
Acute renal failure. As a result of dehydration, the process of urine formation is disrupted, which negatively affects kidney cells. Moreover, various metabolic by-products produced in the body as a result of exposure to high temperatures contribute to kidney damage. All this can lead to irreversible damage to the kidney tissue, as a result of which the urine-forming function of the organ will be impaired.

Shock

Shock is a life-threatening condition that develops against the background of severe dehydration, dilation of blood vessels and overheating of the body. Shock due to heat or sunstroke is characterized by a pronounced drop in blood pressure, rapid heartbeat, impaired blood supply to vital organs, and so on. The skin may become pale and cold, and the patient may lose consciousness or fall into a coma.

Treatment of such patients should be carried out exclusively in the intensive care unit, where the functions of the cardiovascular, respiratory and other body systems will be supported.

CNS damage

Heatstroke may be accompanied by fainting ( loss of consciousness), which passes within a few minutes after the start of first aid. In more severe cases, the patient may fall into a coma, from which several days of intensive treatment may be required to recover.

Severe and long-term brain damage due to sunstroke may be accompanied by disruption of various functions of the central nervous system. In particular, the patient may experience disturbances in sensitivity or motor activity in the limbs, hearing or vision impairments, speech disorders, and so on. The reversibility of these disorders depends on how quickly the correct diagnosis was made and specific treatment was started.

What are the dangers of heat and sunstroke during pregnancy?

During heat stroke, the body of a pregnant woman develops the same changes as in the body of an ordinary person ( body temperature rises, blood pressure decreases, and so on). However, in addition to harm to the female body, this can also harm the developing fetus.

Heat and sunstroke during pregnancy can be complicated by:

A pronounced drop in blood pressure. Oxygen delivery and nutrients to the fetus is provided through the placenta - a special organ that appears in female body during pregnancy. When blood pressure drops, the blood supply to the placenta may be disrupted, which may be accompanied by oxygen starvation of the fetus and its death.
Cramps. During seizures, there is a strong contraction of various muscles, which can lead to damage to the fetus in the uterus.
Loss of consciousness and fall. Both the woman and the developing fetus can be injured during a fall. This can cause intrauterine death or developmental abnormalities.

Is it possible to die from heatstroke and sunstroke?

Heatstroke and sunstroke are life-threatening conditions in which the victim can die if the necessary help is not provided in a timely manner.

The causes of death from heat and sunstroke can be:

Brain swelling. In this case, as a result of increased intracranial pressure, compression of the nerve cells that provide vital functions will occur ( such as breathing). The patient dies from respiratory arrest.
Cardiovascular failure. A pronounced drop in blood pressure can lead to a lack of oxygen at the level of the brain, which will be accompanied by the death of nerve cells and can lead to the death of the patient.
Convulsive seizures. During an attack of convulsions, the breathing process is disrupted, since the respiratory muscles cannot contract and relax normally. If an attack lasts too long, or if attacks are repeated frequently, a person may die from suffocation.
Dehydration of the body. Severe dehydration ( when a person loses more than 10% of weight per day) can lead to death if you do not begin to restore the body’s water and electrolyte reserves in time.
Disturbance of the blood coagulation system. Dehydration and increased body temperature contribute to the formation of blood clots ( blood clots). If such blood clots block blood vessels in the heart, brain, or lungs, the patient may die.

Prevention ( How to avoid heat and sunstroke?)

The goal of preventing heat and sunstroke is to prevent the body from overheating, as well as to ensure the normal functioning of its thermoregulatory systems.

Prevention of sunstroke includes:

Limiting time in the sun. As already mentioned, sunstroke can only develop as a result of exposure to direct sunlight on a person’s head. The most “dangerous” in this regard is considered to be the time from 10 am to 4 – 5 pm, when solar radiation is at its most intense. That is why during this period of time it is not recommended to sunbathe on the beach, or play or work under the scorching sun.

Use of headgear. Using light headgear ( caps, panama hats and so on) will reduce the intensity of exposure to infrared radiation on the brain, which will prevent the development of sunstroke. It is important that the headdress is light ( white) colors. The fact is that White color reflects almost all the sun's rays, as a result of which it heats up slightly. At the same time, black hats will absorb most of the solar radiation, while heating up and contributing to overheating of the body.

Preventing heatstroke includes:

Limiting time spent in the heat. The rate of development of heat stroke depends on many factors - the age of the patient, air humidity, the degree of dehydration of the body, and so on. However, regardless of predisposing factors, it is not recommended to stay in the heat or near heat sources for long periods of time ( adults - more than 1 - 2 hours in a row, children - more than 30 - 60 minutes).
Limit physical activity in the heat. As already mentioned, physical activity is accompanied by overheating of the body, which contributes to the development of heat stroke. That is why, when performing heavy physical work in hot weather, it is recommended to follow a work-rest regime, taking breaks every 30 to 60 minutes. Children playing in the heat should wear light clothing ( or it may be completely absent), which will ensure maximum cooling of the body through evaporation.
Drink plenty of fluids. Under normal conditions, a person is recommended to consume at least 2–3 liters of fluid per day ( this is a relative figure that may fluctuate depending on the patient’s body weight, the presence of concomitant diseases, and so on). If there is an increased risk of developing heat stroke, the amount of fluid consumed per day should be increased by approximately 50–100%, which will prevent dehydration. It is recommended to drink not only plain water, but also tea, coffee, low-fat milk, juices, and so on.
Proper nutrition. When staying in the heat, it is recommended to limit the consumption of high-calorie foods ( fatty foods, meat, fried foods and so on), as it contributes to an increase in body temperature. It is recommended to place the main emphasis on plant-based food products (vegetable and fruit salads and purees, potatoes, carrots, cabbage, freshly squeezed juices and so on). It is also recommended to limit the consumption of alcoholic beverages, as they contribute to the dilation of blood vessels and a drop in blood pressure, which can aggravate heat stroke.

Before use, you should consult a specialist. 4

Health 07/19/2017

Dear readers, the long-awaited summer, which we so dreamed of during the cold season, has arrived. We are in a hurry to enjoy being in the fresh air: we go on various trips, go to the forest, relax in the country or by the water. But very often, due to our carelessness, we forget basic precautions, failure to comply with which can lead to serious problems with health.

Today we will talk about sunstroke - what it is, what are the causes of its occurrence, what are the symptoms, what should be done at the first sign of it. We will also discuss with you what recommendations you need to follow in order to completely avoid sunstroke.

What is sunstroke

Sunstroke is a type of heatstroke that develops as a result of prolonged exposure to the sun on the uncovered surface of the head.

Sunstroke usually occurs in the hot season during prolonged exposure to direct scorching sun rays on the head unprotected by a hat. But it can also happen at relatively low temperatures, for example in the mountains, when there are conditions for the head to overheat in the sun.

A distinctive feature of sunstroke from heatstroke is that only the head is overheated, and not the whole body.

Why is sunstroke dangerous?

Most of us take the phenomenon of sunstroke rather frivolously. Let's look at what happens in the body during such exposure to understand whether you should worry about this or not.

Due to prolonged exposure to sunlight on the head, all parts of the brain overheat, and the cooling and sweating systems are disrupted. The vessels dilate, an increased volume of blood enters the brain, it stagnates, and blood pressure rises (in some cases, the pressure may decrease). Swelling of the brain occurs, which compresses it, which can cause hemorrhage in the brain (stroke), and the supply of oxygen to all organs of the body is disrupted.

As a consequence of all of the above, damage occurs to the nerve centers of the brain, which are responsible for important vital functions of the body: first of all, the central nervous system suffers, as well as the vascular, respiratory, etc.

In especially severe cases, severe disturbances in the functioning of the entire body occur, extensive hemorrhage in the brain, acute cardiovascular failure occurs, the person falls into a coma, and cardiac arrest and death are also possible.

Even if a person has suffered sunstroke moderate severity without noticeable disturbances in the functioning of the body, in the future chronic headaches, difficulty coordinating movements, visual impairment, diseases of the cardiovascular system, etc. may occur. Serious consequences include violations of certain brain functions, such as reflex, sensory, and conduction.

So should you worry about the risk of getting sunstroke or not?

A few more statistics for clarity. According to statistics World Organization healthcare, 60 thousand people die every year from sunstroke. I think these numbers speak better than any words about how dangerous this condition can be.

Heatstroke and sunstroke are dangerous conditions that, without timely help, directly threaten human health and life.

Symptoms of sunstroke in adults

The presence of certain symptoms of sunstroke, as well as their severity, depends on the intensity of solar radiation, the level of air humidity, and the time spent under direct sunlight.

Doctors distinguish three degrees of development of sunstroke, in which the following symptoms occur:

mild degree – general weakness, headache, nausea, increased heart rate (tachycardia) and breathing, dilated pupils, loss of coordination;
average degree– severe weakness, severe headache with nausea and vomiting, feeling of stupor, dizziness, uncertainty of movements, unsteady gait, fainting/fainting, increased heart rate and breathing, nose bleed, increase in body temperature to 38-40˚С;
severe occurs suddenly - confusion, hallucinations, delirium, convulsions, involuntary release of urine and feces, an increase in body temperature to 41-42˚C, possible coma and death. The mortality rate from this degree of sunstroke reaches 20-30%.

Symptoms and signs of sunstroke in children

Increased irritability;
lethargy - the child loses interest in everything he did, weakness appears;
elevated body temperature.

I will repeat once again that you need to be very attentive to children! If you see that something is wrong with your child, take action immediately! We'll talk about them below.

Causes of sunstroke

In addition to direct and prolonged exposure to the sun on the surface of the head unprotected by a hat, there are a number of factors that provoke the occurrence of sunstroke. Let's look at them.

First of all, young children (especially up to one year old) and elderly people suffer from this painful condition, since thermoregulation in the first case has not yet been established, and in the second it already weakly performs its functions. Also at risk are people suffering from serious chronic diseases, such as vegetative-vascular dystonia, heart disease, hypertension and others. cardiovascular diseases, endocrine disorders, central nervous system diseases, etc.

The next provoking factor is air temperature above 30˚C and/or high ambient humidity, as well as increased physical activity or heavy physical work.

People who are overweight (obese), under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or under nervous tension or stress are also at risk of getting sunstroke.

Taking certain medications, such as central nervous system stimulants, antiallergic drugs, etc., can also lead to sunstroke, as well as a lack of fluid in the body, smoking, and excess clothing on the body.

First aid for sunstroke

When we encounter such a painful condition, we first of all ask ourselves the question: how to properly help a person, what to do in case of sunstroke? And you should act immediately and confidently, because human health and life depend on it.

We transfer to the shade and correctly position the victim

The very first thing to do is to move the victim to the shade; ideally, this should be a room with a comfortable air temperature and normal humidity.

Lay him down, raising his legs slightly at the ankles. To do this, you can use rolled up items or a bag. If a person is vomiting, then his head must be turned to the side so that he does not choke on the vomit. If you lose consciousness, you should empty your mouth to restore normal breathing.

When providing first aid for sunstroke, do not raise the victim's head! Raise only your legs above head level.

Ensure air circulation

Ensure good air circulation. To do this, use an air conditioner, a fan, or open windows and doors, thus creating a draft. If this is not possible, fan the victim with newspaper or a damp towel. Also clear the space around you of people.

Freeing yourself from constrictive clothing

Free the patient from constrictive clothing, belts, etc. Unbutton the shirt or blouse on the chest. If the clothes are thick, synthetic or rubberized, then we remove them completely. If you have a large amount of clothing, you should also remove some or all of it.

Cool compresses

Apply cool water to the back of the head, forehead and neck ( room temperature), but not cold (not ice!) compresses. Ice and cold water should not be used, since in this case the temperature contrast creates additional stress on the body and can aggravate the condition. Wet your face with cool water.

Pat the chest with a piece of cloth (towel) soaked in cool water. At in serious condition The entire body is doused with water at room temperature or wrapped in a wet sheet.

Ear massage and ammonia

Good for a massage ears. There are many active points on them. Massage intensively!

If a person is unconscious, then we bring a cotton swab (10-15 cm) soaked in ammonia to his nose. Rub the whiskey well too.

Give the victim water to drink

Then the patient should be given a drink of cool mineral water without gas or ordinary water, in which a teaspoon of salt is dissolved on the tip. This will ensure the restoration of the body’s water-salt balance.

As a rule, these actions are enough to normalize the victim’s condition. Otherwise, you should urgently call an ambulance.

Before doctors arrive, if necessary, perform artificial respiration and chest compressions until breathing and pulse appear.

Should I call an ambulance?

Many people ask the question: should they call an ambulance if they experience sunstroke? Here the opinions of experts differ: some believe that this should be done in any case, others believe that it is worth resorting to this only in cases of moderate and severe conditions.

Rather, one can judge here like this - if a young person suffered healthy man and the impact was mild, then there is no need to call an ambulance. If the injured child old man or suffering from any chronic diseases, then an ambulance should be called in any case, even if the patient’s condition has returned to normal!

After suffering a stroke of any severity, it is a good idea to consult with your doctor or a specialist you trust in order to avoid the development of possible hidden negative consequences of this condition.

I suggest watching a video about the symptoms and first aid for sunstroke.

How to behave after suffering sunstroke?

After sunstroke, doctors advise rest and bed rest within one to two days to restore nervous and circulatory systems, as well as the level of metabolic processes. You should continue to drink plenty of cool water. The temperature in the room where the patient is located should be comfortable, and the room itself should be well ventilated.

Meals should be light, food at room temperature or warm, but not hot.

Preventing sunstroke

Finally, let's look at measures to help prevent sunstroke.

In hot weather, you should definitely wear a hat, preferably in light shades, as they better reflect sunlight. When choosing clothes, opt for natural, non-dense material, also in light colors. Such clothes will allow the skin to breathe.

Avoid long stay exposed to direct sunlight. Remember that the sun is especially active from 12.00 to 16.00 (adjusted for local conditions). At this time, it is better not to go outside, and if this is not possible, then stick to the shade.

When working under the scorching rays of the sun, if it is not possible to postpone it for another time, take frequent breaks, which you spend in a shady, cool place with good air circulation.

Start visiting the beach with 15-20 minutes of sunbathing, which gradually increase to two hours, but ALWAYS take breaks.

It is better to sunbathe not while lying down, but while moving, alternating with swimming and no earlier than an hour after eating. Don't forget about an umbrella, preferably in light colors, dark glasses and sunscreen. About,

Spending a lot of time outside in the hot season, a person is constantly at risk of getting heatstroke or sunstroke, which are very often interrelated. Heat stroke itself is painful condition, which appears as a result of prolonged exposure to high temperature on the body. Simply put, this is overheating of the body. Naturally, you can get it while you are for a long time under direct influence of the sun's rays, but heatstroke occurs even easier than solar stroke - it is enough to spend several hours in a stuffy room or work for some time in too thick clothes, while solar stroke requires almost resort conditions.

What is the mechanism of the harmful effects of heat stroke on the body? For its normal functioning, the temperature of the human body should not be higher than 37 degrees, and as a result of overheating, the processes of heat formation in the body intensify and at the same time the processes of heat transfer slow down. As a result, all vital functions are seriously impaired, including cardiac arrest in particularly difficult cases.

1 Symptoms of heat and sunstroke

Symptoms of heat stroke include dizziness and headache, weakness, vomiting, rapid breathing and pulse, high body temperature, muscle spasms, completely absent sweating, dry hot skin, loss of consciousness. In the case of sunstroke, all symptoms appear more strongly and take longer to pass. When they first appear, you should immediately begin to provide help for heatstroke.

2 Sunstroke. At-risk groups

Under prolonged exposure to heat and sunlight, absolutely anyone can get sunstroke, but there are still people who are most susceptible to overheating. This:

Children and elderly people.
People suffering from diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, as well as taking diuretics.
Overweight people.
People who are on vacation in places with a hot climate, as well as those who work in the heat or in high temperatures.
People who abuse alcohol.
People whose bodies are dehydrated.

3 What to do to avoid getting sunstroke?

In order to reduce the risk of heat stroke, it is enough to follow these recommendations:

If possible, wear light-colored clothing made from natural fabrics that does not restrict movement, and do not forget about hats.
It is necessary to reduce physical activity outdoors in hot weather, especially during the day. Intensive sports training It’s worth rescheduling for morning and evening.
It is important to drink enough fluids, but also reduce the consumption of coffee and strong tea, as well as carbonated drinks. It is advisable to completely eliminate alcohol in hot weather.
It is worth eating in small portions, but often.
Under no circumstances should children, elderly people or animals be left in a closed car.
Monitor your body temperature - if it rises above 37 degrees, it means that the body is trying to cope with something, and in this case, overheating.

4 First aid for sun (heat) stroke

If you suspect another person is overheating, you should call an ambulance. If for some reason this is impossible or difficult, try to provide first aid to the victim in case of sunstroke, which, by the way, should be started even if you are waiting for an ambulance that has already been called. The range of measures to help with sunstroke includes the following actions:

Place person in a shaded or well-ventilated area with plenty of fluids or O.R.S. It is important to place the person strictly on their back!
It is advisable to free a person from clothing or at least from tight and narrow parts of it - a belt, tie, etc.
If possible, immerse the victim in cool water, wrap him in a wet sheet, or simply wipe his body with water.
To quickly cool a person, you can use a fan or a fan, or cover them with ice packs or frozen foods.

Consequences of heat stroke

In addition to exacerbations existing diseases, which can lead to fatal outcome, heat and sunstroke can provoke these diseases. The most serious consequences of overheating the body include ophthalmological problems, cardiovascular diseases, neurological pathologies up to stroke, loss of coordination of movements, etc. This is explained by the fact that prolonged exposure to sunlight on the cerebral cortex cannot but go unnoticed by the body and leads to all sorts of problems, ranging from headaches to fatal pathologies. Therefore, prevention and timely assistance with sunstroke is so important.

Sunstroke is a pathological condition that occurs due to prolonged exposure to the sun's rays on the surface of the head. The result is overheating, causing vasodilation, a local increase in temperature and changes in the blood circulation of the brain in adults and children.

In some cases, the desire to get a tan is so great that the need to use protection from high temperatures and sunlight is forgotten. Hot weather and significant physical activity, in combination with a number of other factors, lead to disruption of the thermoregulation process, and then to hyperthermia. The result is heatstroke.

Sunstroke - characteristics

Sunstroke is one of the manifestations of heat, but due to a different development mechanism, nosology distinguishes this pathological condition as a separate clinical form.

Sunstroke in a child and an adult is caused by hyperinsolation, that is, a large portion of sunlight that acts on the surface of a person’s head for a long time. Hyperthermia does not affect the rest of the body (this is the difference between heatstroke and sunstroke and, accordingly, the body’s further reaction).

The pathogenesis of the syndrome is as follows:

the cerebral cortex is exposed to direct sunlight (usually from 11 to 17 hours of the day);
there is a rapid increase in local temperature;
a reaction occurs in the form of redness and swelling of all membranes of the brain;
the structures of the main organ of the central nervous system are filled with cerebrospinal fluid ( cerebrospinal fluid), compression of the brain occurs;
there is an increase in blood pressure;
disturbances appear in the functioning of centers that control the functionality of internal organs and systems of the body;
the result is severe disorders of the patient’s body and death.

Important! Sunstroke requires immediate assistance, since the possibility of developing a number of serious consequences increases every minute.

Causes

Hyperthermia of the surface of the head appears precisely under the influence of infrared radiation. It is capable of penetrating into the tissues and systems of the body to a considerable depth, causing anatomical and physiological changes and disorders.

The main causes of the syndrome are considered:

lack of protective equipment (primarily headgear);
physical activity during the period of time when the sun is at its zenith;
lack of wind outside;
long walks, staying on sea coast during rush hour;
treatment with a number of drugs that disrupt the balance of thermoregulation processes;
eating high-calorie foods and drinking alcohol in unusual temperature conditions (individual reaction).

The possibility of encountering the aggressive effects of direct sunlight increases if a person has problems with blood pressure, heart, or pathological body weight. Nervousness, smoking, one year old and elderly age- additional factors that increase the risk of developing the problem.

Differentiating between heatstroke and sunstroke in a child and an adult - important point for first aid. Doctors must know which areas and structures of the victim's body should pay close attention to.

Symptoms and treatment of sunstroke in adults and children are separate issues that should be carefully studied, especially by parents with children.

Consequences of sunstroke

Symptoms of sunstroke must be stopped immediately, since the pathological condition is fraught with the following possible complications:

breathing problems;
stroke;
failure of the heart and blood vessels;
headache;
decreased visual acuity;
lack of coordination;
coma;
paralysis;
death.

Symptoms (signs) of sunstroke

The clinic may vary depending on the severity of the victim’s condition. The picture of symptoms depends on the length of time a person stays in direct sunlight and the time it takes to eliminate the provoking factor.

Nosology suggests that

mild degree

pathology is characterized by:

significant weakness;
headaches;
attacks of nausea and vomiting;
tachycardia and rapid breathing;
dilation of the pupils.

On a note! Blood pressure may rise or remain normal.

Signs of sunstroke

medium degree

severity manifests itself:

decreased performance;
stunned;
dizziness;
change in gait;
uncontrollable nausea and vomiting.

The patient loses consciousness, tachycardia and rapid breathing, epistaxis, hyperthermia (increased body temperature) up to 39 degrees or more appear.

Symptoms of sunstroke

severe

develop suddenly;

the patient has a red face, which later changes the skin color to the opposite (blue);
consciousness is impaired up to coma;
convulsions appear;
urinary and fecal incontinence occurs;
hallucinations are possible;
body temperature quickly rises to 41 degrees or higher.

There are a number of factors that determine how long the temperature lasts during sunstroke:

what is the severity of the pathology;
the duration of the period from the moment the problem arises to the provision of first aid for sunstroke;
the presence of concomitant diseases of the cardiovascular and nervous system;
individual characteristics of the body of an adult and a child;
carrying out drug treatment.

Important! Mortality in case of severe pathology development can reach 30%.

Signs of sunstroke develop much faster and more severely in children than in adults. For a child’s body, a sharp change in temperature and exposure to heat and scorching sun is a great stress. Parents may encounter the ambulance crew with complaints of the following symptoms:

weakness, drowsiness;
uncontrollable vomiting;
temperature rise to 40 degrees;
headaches and dizziness in a child;
severe degree of stunning;
low blood pressure (if measured at home);
lack of consciousness;
convulsions.

Experts identify several nosological forms of sunstroke in children and adults:

Asphyxial variant - symptoms of sunstroke are manifested by respiratory failure and heart failure. A severe degree is characterized by changes in the nervous system and the physiological activity of centers that are located in the brain and regulate the functioning of internal organs.
Cerebral variant - manifested by severe damage to the nervous system, convulsions, severe weakness, headaches, and a rise in temperature to 41 degrees. There is a high risk of developing coma.
Gastroenteric variant - characterized by symptoms of damage to the digestive system. Against the background of sunstroke, in parallel with vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain, a rise in body temperature in the form of fever up to 40 degrees may occur.
Hyperthermic variant - the main symptom is a rapid increase in body temperature. The thermometer reaches 42 degrees. The temperature curve remains at extremely high levels. Fever appears, that is, the temperature is combined with chills or a feeling of heat, body aches, and muscle pain.

Important! The patient's body's response to sunstroke (or heatstroke) can be different, so clinicians decided to combine a number of symptoms into syndromes. This makes it possible to quickly make a differential diagnosis with other diseases and prescribe adequate treatment.

What to do if you have sunstroke

Many readers are probably wondering what to do if they get sunstroke. It doesn’t matter who the victim is - you, your loved ones or just a stranger.

First of all, you should call a team of qualified doctors. Before their arrival you should:

eliminate the provoking factor of sunstroke;
reduce high temperature surface of the head;
control the activity of vital organs and systems;
minimize the likelihood of complications.

First aid for sunstroke

Thermoregulation must be restored, otherwise the likelihood of developing the consequences of sunstroke increases tenfold.

First non-medical aid

The first thing to do is to normalize the temperature around the victim. The patient should be taken to the shade or cool room. Next, it is important to place the patient on hard surface with a raised foot end. The head should be kept turned to the side. This is the stage of preventing vomit from flowing into the respiratory tract.

Air

The patient may have difficulty breathing. Access to fresh air, ventilation by a fan, and the presence of an air cooling system in the room are factors that should be used to provide non-medical care.

Using cool water

This stage of providing assistance for sunstroke consists of several:

applying a cool compress to the back of the head, crown, temples - the optimal water temperature is within 20-22 degrees;
spraying water on top part torso;
preventing dehydration (give a lot of water to drink at a temperature of 20-22 degrees, if the person is conscious).

In addition to regular water without gas, you can use Regidron (sold in a pharmacy), a solution homemade from water, salt and sugar (the stage of restoring electrolyte levels in the body).

Help for fainting

Fainting due to sunstroke can occur in the case of cardiac pathology, a sharp decrease in blood pressure, changes in the speed of blood flow through the vessels of the brain, against the background of fever and dizziness. Provoking factors may also be accompanying illnesses person.

If fainting occurs, the following actions should be taken:

Remove the victim from clothing, especially in the neck and chest area.
Provide access to fresh air.
Lay it down so that your legs are higher than your head.
Measure blood pressure and heart rate. Should be monitored physiological indicators before the doctors arrive.
Allow to inhale the vapors of the ammonia solution (ammonia).

Important! If vital signs are absent, resuscitation measures should be initiated.

Prohibitions

In case of sunstroke it is prohibited:

lower your temperature by drinking cool drinks containing caffeine;
use alcoholic drinks;
to combat fever, apply ice and compresses with very cold water (the body’s reaction can only worsen the victim’s well-being);
independently use medications to combat an increase in temperature or other symptoms that arise against the background of sunstroke.

First medical (primary care) aid

Qualified specialists will tell you how to treat sunstroke. Treatment of pathology consists of restoring vital signs of the body and correcting activity and functional state internal organs through the use of medications.

Restoring the balance of water and electrolytes - against the background of sunstroke, there is a possibility of developing dehydration. For prevention, Ringer's solutions, glucose, and saline are used.
Supporting the functioning of the heart and blood vessels is possible through the administration of cardiotonics, cardiac glycosides, and drugs that increase blood pressure.
Prevention of the development of cerebral edema is the use of Pentamin. This is a ganglion blocker that is effectively used in such situations.
If the patient’s condition is severe, oxygen therapy, intubation, cardiac stimulation, and diuresis stimulation are prescribed.

Important! Treatment and attempts to reduce the patient’s temperature curve to normal using NSAIDs will not be effective. It will be possible to stop hyperthermia only after cooling the surface of the head.

Treating sunstroke at home is not allowed. Medications, the regimen for their administration and dosage should be prescribed by a qualified doctor, taking into account concomitant diseases and possible complications. The patient will be monitored in the hospital during the treatment period.

How to treat sunstroke in a child

The skin and surface of the head of children are more sensitive to the possibility of receiving a large dose of infrared radiation, so sunstroke in children occurs more often and faster. Moodiness, tearfulness, and irritability may occur, followed by drowsiness and apathy.

These symptoms are followed by redness of the skin of the face and head, and cephalgia. Measuring temperature indicators shows crossing the mark of 39-40 degrees, fever appears. The temperature curve stays at high degrees even after taking antipyretics. These drugs are contraindicated, but parents, unknowingly, give their children drinks, thinking that the cause of hyperthermia is a cold or gastrointestinal disease (for example, food poisoning).

First aid for sunstroke in children should be provided immediately, since the consequences of the condition, as in adults, can be convulsions, a sharp decrease in blood pressure, central nervous system disease, and coma.

Treatment of this form of nosology involves the use in a medical institution:

solutions for intravenous drip infusion;
cardiotonic drugs;
drugs to prevent cerebral edema;
medications that support the functioning of the central nervous system and respiratory system.

Preventing sunstroke

Precautions include:

wearing a headdress;
visiting the beach and doing physical work at certain times of the day (before 11 and after 16 hours);
consumption of large amounts of drinking water;
ban on sleeping on the beach;
if it is impossible to refuse to visit the beach in daytime choose shade and use sun protection.

It is better to prevent the occurrence of pathology than to waste time and effort on restoring health.

Video

Prolonged exposure to conditions of extreme heat, stuffiness, or exposure to the sun can lead to overheating of the body, resulting in heat stroke or sunstroke. Both of these conditions are critical and, without medical attention, can lead to serious consequences, including the death of a person. In this article we will talk about how to protect the body from heat and sunstroke, and what to do to alleviate the condition of the victim.

What causes these conditions?

The skin actively participates in heat transfer. If external environment has a high temperature, skin vessels dilate, increasing heat transfer. At the same time, heat is lost through sweat. At low environmental temperatures, skin vessels spasm, preventing heat loss.

Thermoreceptors, sensitive “temperature sensors” located in the skin. In a day, under normal conditions, a person loses up to a liter of sweat; in hot weather, this amount can reach 5–10 liters.

At high external temperatures, the body, in order to function normally, is forced to accelerate the process of heat transfer and sweating increases. If no cooling measures are taken, then such measures become insufficient and thermoregulation fails due to overheating.

Heat stroke can be caused by:

physical stress, fatigue,
high air temperature or high humidity,
eating habits (the predominance of fatty foods in the diet increases the risk of fever)
environmental factors (high ambient temperature against the background of high air humidity),
the use of certain medications that block sweating, and therefore the cooling of the body
airtight clothing.

Heat stroke can happen not only under the rays of the scorching sun. If a person is in a stuffy, unventilated room, the risk of overheating is just as high.

Cause of sunstroke serves as the effect of ultraviolet rays of the sun on a person’s exposed head. To protect yourself from the sun, remember to wear hats and avoid being in the open sun for more than 4 hours. It is necessary to take breaks and cool down in cool rooms or in the shade.

How to recognize: heatstroke and sunstroke?

What to do if you have sunstroke at home?

As with heatstroke, the victim must be moved to the shade, provided with air access and freed from constrictive clothing.

Call an ambulance immediately medical care. If help is not provided at this stage, loss of consciousness and disturbances in the functioning of the heart are possible, including heart attack, as well as breathing problems.
The person must be taken into the shade, placed on his back and his head raised slightly.
You can cool the body by covering the victim with a damp cloth, or by lightly spraying him with a spray bottle. Place a wet compress on your forehead.
Water should be given at room temperature in unlimited quantities.
In case of loss of consciousness, you need to revive the person using cotton wool soaked in ammonia.

These actions can save the victim from big troubles. The main thing is that first aid is quick.

What to do in case of sunstroke if a person is very overheated? In this case, it is recommended to immediately send the victim to the hospital. This is the only way to help him with a severe form of this condition.

In any case, even if the victim’s condition improves, it is necessary to call an ambulance. Medical personnel will assess his condition with medical point vision, if necessary, will provide transportation to a medical facility.

What can’t be done in this condition?

Do not lock a patient in a stuffy room– it is necessary to ensure maximum access to oxygen, which means you should open windows, doors, and build improvised fans.
It is dangerous to try to replenish the lack of fluid with beer, tonics, or any alcohol - this can aggravate the condition, adding toxic damage to the swelling of the brain.

That is, we can say that sunstroke is partial thermal, but occurs only due to prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, while thermal stroke occurs during a long stay in hot rooms.

Overheating of the body is accompanied by increased sweating with a significant loss of water and salts from the body, which leads to thickening of the blood, an increase in its viscosity, difficulty in blood circulation and tissue hypoxia.

After receiving sunstroke, a sick person needs:

Bed rest at home;
Drink plenty of fluids (cool water without gas, compotes, fruit drinks, natural juices);
Regularly ventilated area;
Wet cleaning and elimination of dust in the air;
Hot food is prohibited for 2 days;
It is recommended to give warm, light food that does not cause nausea.

Who is at risk?

Sunstroke and heatstroke easily occur in children, adolescents and the elderly, since due to their age their bodies have certain physiological characteristics, the internal thermoregulation system of their body is imperfect.

Also at risk are people who are unaccustomed to heat, who suffer from obesity, cardiovascular and endocrine diseases, or who abuse alcohol. If you belong to one of these groups, don't wait for the sun and heat to literally take a toll on your health.

Prevention measures:

Limiting a person's exposure to the sun from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m..
In summer, especially when it is clear and hot weather, you must wear a hat to protect your head from direct sunlight.
When carrying out work in hot conditions, use protective clothing to protect against elevated temperatures, and when working in the sun, be sure to wear hats.
Anyone working in hot conditions should have access to a source of drinking water and drink plenty of fluids. In the heat, due to intense evaporation, the body loses it in huge quantities, which leads to thickening of the blood, and this can lead not only to disruption of thermoregulation, but also to the occurrence of strokes and heart attacks. To ensure a normal salt balance, it is better to drink mineral water or special water-salt solutions.
When carrying out activities in hot conditions and in the sun, it is necessary to systematically take short breaks for rest; it is advisable to equip a special room with air conditioning for this.
Limit yourself from being outside during lunchtime, as during this period the sun is directly overhead and heats with maximum force. Try to stay and relax in the shade more.