Sunstroke: recognize and treat symptoms

sunstroke-recognize-and-treat-symptoms

A sunstroke occurs when exposed to strong sunlight without protection for too long. We explain what symptoms are and what helps.

What is a sunstroke?

A sunstroke can be caused by intense solar radiation to the head and neck when they are unprotected. This irritates the meninges or brain tissue. In most cases, a sunstroke leads to complaints such as severe head and neck pain and a generally reddened and overheated head. The symptoms are similar to a heat stroke – but this is even more dangerous. Particularly at risk are people with fair skin and / or no or few hairs, infants, toddlers and seniors.

In most cases, the first symptoms only appear a few hours after sunbathing . Those affected should avoid the direct sun and sit in a cool place with their upper body and head elevated. Head and neck should be cooled with damp cloths. If the symptoms are severe or worsen after being mild at first, a doctor should be called – in the worst case, a sunstroke can be fatal.

Typical signs of a sunstroke

There are several possible signs of a sunstroke. The following complaints can occur:

  • Head is red and overheated
  • a headache
  • Neck pain / stiff neck
  • nausea
  • exhaustion
  • dizziness
  • Inner unrest
  • Body temperature normal or slightly increased at the most / Children occasionally suffer from fever

In severe cases additional symptoms are possible:

  • Awareness disorders or circulatory collapse to coma
  • confusion
  • respiratory disorders
  • Vomit

If these complications occur, an emergency doctor should be called immediately – there is danger to your life! The symptoms can cause serious damage to the brain. Attention should be paid to these signs:

  • Cerebral edema: Water enters the cells from the brain vessels, causing the brain to swell up. But it can not stretch endlessly in the bony skull – the increased pressure can squeeze the brain to cause damage. Sufferers usually suffer from severe headaches, appear dizzy or listless, have seizures, speech or breathing disorders.
  • Consciousness or circulatory disorders, unconsciousness: Some sufferers are restless and turned on, others confused and listless. Unconscious patients should be placed in a stable lateral position; in the case of cardiac or respiratory arrest, cardiac massage and respiration are necessary.
  • Meningitis : Sunstroke is a relatively common cause of meningitis,especially in young children (“meningitis”). If the child complains of more nonspecific other complaints such as abdominal pain , malaise, sensitivity to light, noise or touch and has sleep disturbances , this may indicate meningitis. Especially since the symptoms are difficult to classify, a child after a sunstroke should always be examined by a doctor.
  • Heat stroke: In addition to sunstroke, a heat stroke may develop if, for example, the person concerned exercises physically in the sun in heat and at the same time is dehydrated. The heat stroke is characterized by a fast pulse, low blood pressure and feverish, hot skin all over the body and should be treated immediately by an ambulance.

Which treatment helps with a sunstroke?

First of all, you should avoid sun and heat during a sunstroke and look for a cool, shady place. Since the complaints usually occur only hours later, this measure is no longer necessary in many cases. In addition, the following should be noted:

  • Storage: Affected persons should sit with their upper bodies raised and also keep their heads raised. This reduces the pressure on the aching head.
  • Liquid: In a sunstroke, one is usually dehydrated. If the person is conscious and does not vomit, liquid should be given to him. In addition to mineral water and fruit spritzers, special electrolyte drinks from the pharmacy are ideal.
  • Cooling: It is best to use cool damp wipes against the overheated head, which should be placed on the head, neck and neck and replaced as soon as they have warmed up. Cool packs are not suitable – the extreme cold only unnecessarily loads the body.

The patient must be well monitored – the symptoms should slowly develop back. For complications of any kind, it is important to contact the emergency doctor directly. Otherwise, experts suggest that after a sunstroke, avoid physical exertion and avoid the sun for several days.