Sunstroke, also known as solar stroke or heat stroke, is a condition that occurs when there is an excessive increase in the temperature of the entire body, caused by prolonged exposure to the sun or very high temperatures.
This excessive heat can cause two main types of accidents with different symptoms that should be clearly differentiated, such as sunstroke and heat stroke, since the first aid in each case is different.
WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF SUNSTROKE?
The most common causes of sunstroke are mainly prolonged exposure to the sun or excessive heat (even indoors) during very hot, humid and windless days.
On the other hand, old age and childhood, obesity, alcoholism, heart and liver diseases, general weakness caused by any cause, and inappropriate clothing are all personal factors that cause sunstroke and overheating.
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| Prolonged exposure to the sun is one of the most common causes of sunstroke. |
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SUNSTROKE AND HEAT STROKE?
As long as the air temperature is lower than that of the body, the body loses heat by radiation and conduction, as well as by evaporation of perspiration.
When the air temperature is equal to or higher than that of the body, the only mechanism for eliminating the excess heat produced in the body is the evaporation of perspiration. This evaporation will be easier the drier the air is and the greater the movement of the air.
When, on the other hand, there is a lot of atmospheric humidity and little air movement, there is a tendency for heat to accumulate in the body and accidents can occur in predisposed people.
The difference between sunstroke and heat stroke is that sunstroke causes a failure of the perspiration mechanism and heat stroke brings with it a failure of peripheral circulation.
On the other hand, sunstroke generally follows direct exposure to the sun's rays, especially without sufficient protection against the sun's rays at the level of the skull and spine. Other times, similar symptoms occur in a person who has not left home.
As explained above, this is due to a failure of the sweating mechanism caused by excessive humid heat.
Heat stroke, on the other hand, occurs more often in people who work in very hot and humid weather or in environments with such characteristics (boiler rooms, metal foundries, deep mines, etc.).
This is a syncopal state apparently caused by a large amount of blood accumulating in the capillaries of the skin, leaving little to return to the heart.
What are the symptoms of sunstroke?
The symptoms of sunstroke are dry, red and hot skin. Rapid and strong pulse. Very high rectal and axillary temperature. Noisy and accelerated breathing. There may or may not be loss of consciousness and even vomiting and thirst may be observed.
What are the symptoms of heat stroke?
The symptoms of heat stroke are a gradual and generally temporary loss of consciousness. After losing consciousness, the patient's skin, which was previously red, becomes very pale and usually clammy and cold.
The pulse is rapid and weak. Cramps may appear in the muscles of the limbs and abdomen. The rectal temperature may be normal, or slightly above or below normal.
In some cases, heat strokes cause painful muscle cramps, which are mostly due to the loss of large amounts of water and salt through perspiration.
WHAT IS FIRST AID FOR HEATSTROKE
First aid procedures for heatstroke are:
If the skin is red, hot, dry, and there is a fever
- Place the patient in a cool, ventilated place, with the head slightly higher than the body. Do not give stimulants without a doctor's advice.
- Apply an ice pack or cloths soaked in cool water to the head. Cloths soaked in cool water can also be applied around the neck.
- Wet the face and hands in cold water, surrounding the naked body with a sheet soaked in cold water, which must always be kept moist. The skin can be rubbed over the sheet, thus facilitating circulation.
- The application of the wet sheet can be stopped when the patient begins to sweat. If the skin again becomes red and dry, repeat the wrapping with a wet sheet. Ventilation helps the effect of this treatment.
- The patient's fever can also be lowered by placing him in a bathtub with very cold water. Stop cooling the patient when the rectal temperature has dropped to 38º C (105º F). Lower the temperature again if it rises again.
- It is advisable to call the doctor as soon as possible, because other treatments are sometimes necessary, such as oxygen administration, blood tests to evaluate the state of the blood's electrolytes, electrocardiogram, fluids that vary according to the needs, corticosteroids and other medications. Nervous system disorders and excessive sensitivity to heat and sun may occur.
- Lay the patient down with the head lower than the body.
- Loosen the collar, tie, belt and any other clothing that impedes circulation.
- Inject niquetamide (coramine) or give strong, sugary coffee (by mouth if the patient is conscious, or rectally if not).
- Massage and rub the extremities with alcohol, avoiding, however, cooling the patient. In case of low rectal temperature, it may be necessary to give heat (hot water compress on the feet, hot compress on the spine, etc.)
- If there are cramps, compress the muscles while preparing hot compresses, which will be applied to the cramped muscles. Give salt in capsules or 1/4 teaspoon of salt in a glass of water every 3 hours for a day or day and a half. These cramps can be avoided by taking salt.
- If the doctor, who should have been called immediately, has not yet arrived and the patient is not improving, an autotransfusion can help. This consists of bandaging the four limbs starting at the extremity and going down to the root, in such a way that the blood from the superficial veins goes to the general circulation.
HOW TO AVOID SUNSTROKE AND HEAT STROKE
To avoid sunstroke and heat stroke, you can follow these recommendations:
- When going out in the sun, wear good protection on your head and neck (light helmet with ventilation or equivalent).
- Wear loose clothing so as not to impede blood circulation or air circulation. Clothing should be made of thin, air-permeable, light-colored fabrics.
- On very hot days, choose a light diet, with lots of fresh vegetables and fruit. Eat small amounts of high-calorie foods (butter, oil, candy, fatty foods, etc.). Avoid condiments, alcoholic beverages, and stimulants.
- Drink enough water.
- Avoid excessive cold drinks that damage the digestive tract.
- Avoid heavy work during the hottest hours. It is advisable to rest often during working hours. While working, it is advisable to keep windows and doors open so that there is sufficient ventilation.
- If you are sweating profusely or are experiencing slight cramps, drink a glass of water with 1/4 teaspoon of fine salt every hour until the symptoms pass. On the other hand, if your sweating seems less than normal, you should lie down in a shaded and ventilated place and cool your head with a wet towel.
