Sunstroke
or Heat Stroke may occur when a person remains under the sun for a long duration
of time usually in combination with dehydration which causes failure of the
temperature control system of the body. The normal body temperature is 98.6°F
while, in heat stroke it rises to more than 105°F with complications concerning
the central nervous system.
Heat stroke if not treated promptly
and properly can be fatal. Untreated sun stroke can damage heart, brain,
muscles and kidneys. The longer the delay in the treatment, the intense is the
damage, accelerating the risk to serious complications and death.
CAUSES
Some of the causes of heat stroke
are:-
·
Prolonged
exposure to the sun;
·
Excessive
strenuous physical activity raising body temperature;
·
Failure
of sweat to evaporate properly due to wearing excess amount of warm clothing;
·
Reduced
intake of water or fluids;
·
Consumption
of alcohol.
SYMPTOMS
Symptoms of sunstroke are:-
·
Increased
body temperature;
·
Fainting;
·
Red,
hot and dry skin;
·
Throbbing
headache;
·
Dizziness;
·
Lack
of sweating;
·
Rapid
breathing & heart rate;
·
Mental
confusion;
·
Disorientation;
·
Muscle
cramps.
FIRST AID
First
aid provided to the person before the arrival of medical aid can be of immense
help. The following first aid can be offered to the patient:-
- Wet
the skin of the patient with water with a sponge or cloth and fan air over
the patient;
- To reduce body temperature, cool areas that is
rich with blood vessels close to the skin such as neck, groin, back and
armpits.
- Immerse the patient in a tub of cold water.
PREVENTION
Sunstroke can be prevented by:-
·
Consuming
plenty of water;
·
Avoiding
over-exertion of body during hot weather;
·
Avoiding
vigorous physical activities in hot and humid weather;
·
Wearing
light-colored, loose fitting and lightweight clothes;
·
Avoiding
outdoor activities during the hottest time of the day, during summers;
·
Using
a sunscreen with sun protection factor of more than 30;
·
Avoiding
fluids containing caffeine or alcohol.
Author, Dr. Varsha Sharma Kapila is a
Consultant Homoeopath, practising since last 19yrs. She offers Online
Homeopathic treatment; Dietetic counseling; martial counseling and addiction
counseling. She can be reached on her email – drvarshas@gmail.com
Dr. Sharma is an Associate Professor
in a Homoeopathic Medical College. She has got vast experience in treating
several ailments ranging from hair fall, psoriasis, acne, skin complaints,
recurrent respiratory complaints, bronchitis, asthma, allergic coryza,
migraine, sinusitis, nasal polyps, kidney complaints, female disorders,
respiratory diseases, digestive disorders, arthritis, pains and aches, erectile
dysfunction, impotence, kidney stones, depression, psychiatric disorders,
recurrent attacks of cold, pediatric complaints, old age diseases, etc.
