Sunstroke

Sunstroke is a type of hyperthermia that is very similar in symptoms to heatstroke. However, if the factor affecting the body in case of heat overheating is the increased ambient temperature, then hyperinsolation (apoplexia solaris – in Latin) is provoked by the sun's rays.

In addition, sunstroke is literally a blow to the brain, and thermal hyperthermia affects the entire body.

Pathogenesis of hyperinsolation:

• Direct solar radiation (most often in the middle of the day) affects the cerebral cortex.
• Hyperthermia of all six plates (layers) of the cortex develops.
• Hyperemia of the membranes of the brain and swelling develop.
• Ventriculus cerebri – the cavities (ventricles) of the brain are filled with cerebrospinal fluid – liquor.
• Blood pressure increases sharply (compensatory effect).
• The function of the nerve centers of the brain is disrupted - respiratory, vascular, motor.

Causes of sunstroke

Hyperinsolation is etiologically explained by the pathogenic effect of the sun's radiation at its zenith. The sun's rays are able to act from a height on a much larger surface than, for example, in the morning when the sun is just rising. It should be noted that apoplexia solaris can develop not only in summer but also in winter, especially often in mountainous areas. The factor affecting the cerebral cortex is infrared radiation - the most intense part of the solar radiation spectrum. Infrared rays are capable of acting not only on the superficial dermal layers of the human body, but can also penetrate deeply into tissue structures, in this case - the brain.

Causes of sunstroke may be the following:

• Long periods of exposure to direct sunlight – rest, walks.
• Working under the scorching sun.
• Windless weather.
• A head without a head covering.
• Taking certain medications that reduce the ability to thermoregulate (muscle relaxants).
• Consumption of alcoholic beverages.

It is important to differentiate between hyperinsolation and heat stroke, despite their similar clinical manifestations. The cause of sunstroke is basically the same - direct exposure of the rays to the head area, therefore the main problems are concentrated there. Heat stroke can be caused by a number of factors and reasons, and the whole body overheats, not just the head.

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Signs of sunstroke

The rate of manifestation of sunstroke depends on the intensity of infrared radiation, the time spent under direct rays, the age and general health of the person.

In a clinical sense, the symptoms of apoplexia solaris are not much different from the signs of thermal hyperthermia (stroke). The main symptoms, signs of sunstroke are:

• Lethargy, weakness.
• Feeling sleepy, tired.
• The skin of the face is hyperemic.
• A headache that gradually develops and increases.
• Dry mouth, thirst.
• Dizziness.
• Ophthalmological disorders - inability to concentrate, double vision, spots before the eyes, darkening of the vision.
• Increased body temperature.
• A feeling of nausea, often accompanied by vomiting when blood pressure increases.
• Nosebleed.
• A drop or increase in blood pressure.
• Cardiac dysfunction.

The signs of sunstroke differ from the symptoms of heatstroke in that hyperinsolation rarely causes neurological manifestations - delirium, hallucinations, collapse states, convulsions. This only happens with a combination of sunstroke, sunburn and thermal hyperthermia.

Sunstroke in children

Hyperinsolation is especially dangerous for certain age groups, one of which is children. Sunstroke develops faster in children than in more seasoned adults, since the mechanisms of thermoregulation and metabolism in babies are not yet fully formed. In addition, the scalp of children is more vulnerable, sensitive to heat and does not have sufficient protective properties.

Signs of sunstroke in children appear very quickly and can be as follows:

• Sudden lethargy, irritability or drowsiness. The baby yawns often and tries to lie down.
• Severe redness of the face.
• Headache, fever.
• Beads of sweat on faces (perspiration).
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Lack of response to stimuli (lack of reflexes).
• Dehydration.

Sunstroke in children is as dangerous as heatstroke and can result in life-threatening consequences – loss of consciousness, slow pulse, asphyxia, heart failure.

First aid for sunstroke in a child

1. Immediately move the baby to a cool room, or at worst, into the shade.
2. Place the child on the bed, give him a horizontal position, turn his head to the side.
3. Cover the baby's head completely with a cloth. The cloth, diaper, bandage should be soaked in cool water. The water should be at room temperature, this is important. Ice should not be used, as it is a contrast in terms of temperature effect and can provoke hemorrhage.
4. If the child is conscious, he should be given purified water to drink every half hour. Non-carbonated mineral water, Regidron solution, sweetened water are suitable as drinks. You can also prepare a special rich drink: add half a teaspoon of salt, 1.5 tablespoons of sugar and a teaspoon of orange or lemon juice (freshly squeezed) to 1 liter of water.

If the child's condition does not improve within an hour, you must call an ambulance. Please note that if the blow affects a child aged between birth and 3 years, you must call a doctor immediately.

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Consequences of sunstroke

Unfortunately, the consequences of sunstroke can be not only dangerous, but also fatal. It should be taken into account that the sun's rays affect the brain, its blood vessels, and the reticulation formation of the medulla oblongata, disrupting its conductive, sensory, and reflex functions. Cardiovascular diseases, ophthalmological problems, impaired coordination, neurological pathologies, and even stroke are far from a complete list of serious consequences of sunstroke. It should be noted that very often the consequences of exposure to the scorching sun can be delayed. This is explained by the fact that a person independently neutralizes the symptoms of the stroke and seems to recover. However, researchers claim that exposure to direct rays on the cerebral cortex for just 1 hour somehow leads to irreversible disruptions in the activity of the medulla oblongata. The severity of the lesion can vary - from microscopic, which manifests itself only in periodic headaches, to inflammatory processes in the cortex. In addition, the consequences of sunstroke can be fatal when the patient does not receive adequate medical care for a long time. Death occurs from extensive hemorrhage, asphyxia or heart failure. Such serious threats can be avoided if the necessary preventive measures are taken or first aid is provided to the victim in a timely manner.

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What to do in case of sunstroke?

Actions to provide assistance in case of sunstroke must be clear and timely. Often the life of the victim depends on the speed of such measures. Every modern person should know what to do in case of sunstroke, even those who are not going to spend time on the seashore or sunbathe in principle. The fact is that solar activity increases every year, unfortunately, this is no longer a myth, but a harsh reality confirmed by world-famous scientists. Thus, you can get sunstroke even in the shade, completely not expecting such treachery from the gentle sun. Every year, our planet loses hundreds of inhabitants who die not so much from the sun's rays, but from the fact that the people around them simply do not know what to do in case of sunstroke. That is why everyone should remember the following algorithm of actions:

• Immediately move the victim to a shaded, cool place, preferably in a horizontal position, to distribute the heat load and reduce its localized intensity. The legs should be raised, the head turned to the side.
• Provides maximum air flow to the body, especially to the head, since it suffers the most from sunstroke.
• Apply a wet compress to the forehead, back of the head and neck. It is important that the water is not icy, you cannot create a temperature contrast. If there is no possibility to wrap the head, you can simply spray water (sprinkle).
• A conscious victim should drink at least 350 ml of water within 30-40 minutes. It is better if the drink is sweetened. A solution of pharmacy Regidron or mineral table water without gas will help restore the water-salt balance well.
• If the victim has lost consciousness, you will need ammonia. If you don’t have ammonia at hand, you can massage the acupuncture points – the earlobe (rub gently), temples, and brow ridges. Patting the cheeks and sprinkling with water can also have an effect, but fainting for more than 5 minutes is a serious symptom that requires medical attention.
• Symptoms that increase and do not subside indicate the need for hospitalization.
• If a child, an elderly person or a sick person has suffered from sunstroke, calling an ambulance is the first thing those around should do. Before it arrives, you can start acting according to the specified plan, starting with point No. 1.

Help with sunstroke

What to do if you have sunstroke? There are three basic rules:

1. Call a doctor.
2. Externally - cooling.
3. Inside - liquid.

A little more detail about how assistance is provided for sunstroke:

• If you do not know what to do or the symptoms develop quickly and become threatening, call an ambulance or take the victim to the nearest medical facility yourself.
• The victim of hyperinsolation should be cooled. Ice or very cold water should not be used to avoid a contrast between the external and internal temperatures. Wet compresses and dousing the head with room temperature water are suitable as cooling.
• The victim needs to neutralize dehydration. However, unlike heat stroke, sunstroke can cause high blood pressure, so you need to drink liquids often, but in small sips, so as not to worsen the symptoms.

What can emergency doctors do?

• A solution of sodium chloride is administered intravenously.
• In cases of asphyxia and heart failure, subcutaneous administration of cordiamine or caffeine is indicated.
• Also, when breathing stops, artificial restoration is indicated.
• Hypertensive manifestations are relieved by the administration of diuretics and drugs that lower blood pressure.

Help with severe sunstroke is a complex of medical measures carried out in hospital conditions. It includes all necessary resuscitation measures, including oxygen therapy, cardiac stimulation and other procedures.

Sunstroke is a problem that can be completely avoided if you take care of an adequate wardrobe in advance for long walks in the sun or stay on the seashore, if you introduce the habit of drinking a lot in the summer, and also be sure to protect your head with an appropriate headdress. If you treat the sun's rays wisely, then they will only bring benefits and improve the health of the body.

Prevention of heat and sun stroke

Preventive measures depend on the specific situation, circumstances, age and health of the person. Prevention of heatstroke and sunstroke, which are often combined with each other, is the observance of the following recommendations:

1. Clothes should be light, preferably light-colored and made of natural materials. Tight, bright outfits will only attract the sun's rays, create a "greenhouse" effect and worsen the symptoms.
2. The period from 11:00 to 16:00 is a taboo for staying in direct sunlight. At elevated air temperatures, even in the shade you can get heat stroke, so it is better to spend this period of the day in a cool room.
3. During summer hiking trips, you need to make stops every hour to rest in cool, shady places.
4. During hot seasons, the drinking regime should be enhanced. Every hour you need to drink at least 100 ml of liquid. This regime is especially important for small children and the elderly. It is better to drink either plain, purified water or table mineral water. Carbonated drinks, alcohol, strong tea or coffee are unacceptable.
5. In hot weather, it is better not to betray and not to create additional stress on the digestive tract and the body as a whole.
6. A cool shower, wetting your face, hands, and feet with water will help reduce the risk of dehydration. Today, there are special aquasprays on sale that are convenient to use during the day.
7. A mandatory rule is to protect your head from the sun's rays. Hats, panamas, and scarves in reflective shades will reliably protect you from sunstroke.

Prevention of heat and sunstroke involves performing simple actions that will help maintain health.