What is Sunstroke?

In my research of heat related illness you would be surprised how many heat related illness exist. The ones who most affected in the heat are the elderly and the very young. This is why it is important to check on them during the high temperatures. Sunstroke is different only that it affects the heat regulating system in your body and much more dangerous than heat exhaustion. The treatment is slightly different then heat stroke as the goal is still to have the body temperature drop to normal. Again this is just for information purposes only and will not replace the advice from a doctor.

First there are preventive measures you can teak to avoid a heat related illness of any kind. When you decided to be outside for a prolonged period of time you must be well hydrated drink plenty of fluids and find a shady area you can move to when you feel too hot direct sunlight combined with high temperatures is very bad for anyone. Avoid alcoholic drinks outdoors on very hot days. The shady area should be a safe zone for you just in case you start to feel symptoms of sunstroke. The symptom will be similar to heat exhaustion such as headache, dizziness and weakness. The difference is a high fever and no sweating present. This is what makes sunstroke dangerous the ability to sweat is what helps keep the body cool.

When a person having these types symptoms you have to try and cool the body down as quickly as possible. The first thing to do in any emergency is call 911 you have to get help on the way. You need to get the person into a shady location away from the sun ideally an air-condition location. You should remove extra clothing such as shoes, socks, hats etc. cool water should be gently clothing with fanning the person. You can use ice packs in key locations of the body such as underneath the arm pits; back of the neck to further cool the person down until help arrives.

I hope this was helpful please leave a comment and stay cool

Mark Carvajal