What Precautions Can Be Taken Against Sunstroke?

Liv Hospital Internal Medicine Specialist Dr. Alev Özsarı talked about the precautions to be taken against sunstroke and what to do in case of sunstroke.

Dr. Özsarı described sunstroke as follows:

The most serious disease brought by summer is sunstroke. Sunstroke is a disease that occurs as a result of the deterioration of the mechanism that regulates body temperature, that is, the thermoregulation system, due to excessive heat. It is the condition that the body cannot perform enough sweating to regulate its own temperature. In addition, body temperature may begin to rise as a result of excessive sweating in hot temperatures and excessive fluid and electrolyte losses. Children, the elderly, those with chronic diseases and excessive alcohol drinkers are most affected by this condition.

High fever, headache, increase in pulse rate and respiratory rate, low blood pressure, extreme fatigue, exhaustion. Painful cramps, heart rhythm disturbances, nausea-vomiting-diarrhea, restlessness, convulsions, confusion, coma and death may develop as the sun exposure is prolonged and not intervened. ”

What precautions can be taken against sunstroke?

“You should not stay in the sun too much.

Drink plenty of water and mineral water without waiting for thirst. (Those with high blood pressure should consume mineral water carefully.)

Attention should be paid to foods, heavy and fatty foods should be avoided, and a diet rich in vegetables and fruits should be given at frequent intervals. Protein-rich foods should be reduced, alcohol and caffeine should be avoided. Especially on hot days, drinking alcohol and caffeine negatively affects the body's temperature regulation mechanism.

Attention should be paid to the clothes, fabrics that are suitable for the season, that will not increase the temperature of the body too much, that will not sweat, such as cotton and linen, should be preferred, and light-colored clothes should be worn. Wide-brimmed hats should be worn to protect from the sun.

Sports activities should be avoided under the sun between the hours of 11.00-15.00, when ultraviolet rays are most intense.

Showers should be taken frequently.

It should be immediately taken to a cool and ventilated place, removed from the clothes, laid flat, legs raised and cooled to allow evaporation from the skin.

A warm or not very cold water bath can be taken or cold compresses can be applied to the armpits, neck and hips.

If he is conscious, he should be given plenty of water and salty buttermilk. If there are symptoms such as confusion and convulsions, he should be taken to the hospital without delay.

If muscle cramps persist for more than 1 hour despite resting in a cool place and drinking plenty of fluids, a doctor should be consulted. It is important to cool the patient and give adequate fluids.

Antipyretic drugs are of no use and may even be inconvenient to give.”

Dr. Özsarı explained what could happen as a result of sunstroke as follows:

“In mild sunstroke, low blood pressure, fever and exhaustion occur. If fluid loss and fever continue, unconsciousness and neurological disorders may occur, resulting in coma and death.

When the humidity increases in hot weather, we lose fluid through sweating. It is necessary to replace the lost fluid and sodium. Salted buttermilk and mineral water are also recommended along with water. However, those with blood pressure problems should consume them with caution.

Sunstroke affects the elderly, those with chronic diseases and children more. Early and fatal outcomes occur in patients with high blood pressure, diabetes mellitus and especially those using insulin, heart patients, and kidney patients due to fluid loss.

Children are more sensitive to the sun. Both their skin is sensitive and they cannot protect themselves against thirst. Therefore, children should be given plenty of water. Children under the age of 2 should not be exposed to the sun too much, and should not be kept in a sun-drenched car for a long time.”

Protect yourself from the sun in 10 steps

• Don't wait to be thirsty, drink plenty of water.
• Wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing and a hat.
• Do not consume alcohol and caffeine.
• Do not go out in the sun between 11.00:16.00 and XNUMX:XNUMX.
• Apply sunscreen creams when going out. Remember that even reflected rays can cause damage.
• Travel to cool areas if there are chronic diseases.
• If you are exercising, do it early or in the evening.
• Do not lie in the sun for hours to tan.
• Keep your living spaces cool at home and in the office.
• Let the sun warm you without burning you and contribute to your health.