A doctor told us what not to do for sunstroke

A doctor told us what not to do for sunstroke

Incorrect first aid can only aggravate the consequences.

MD, pediatrician, nutritionist, co-founder of UniProf Academy of Physicians.

What is sunstroke and what should not be done if it happens?

Sunstroke is a painful condition that is caused by direct exposure of the head to the sun’s rays. Even a headgear often does not save you if you are exposed to the sun for a long period of time. In the case of sunstroke, first of all, the brain suffers, and 25-30% of such cases end in death due to untimely medical care.

What is the danger of sunstroke

Sunstroke is the same overheating, when the body can not fight against prolonged exposure to high temperatures. The action of infrared radiation causes the brain to release active substances that provoke vasodilation. This leads to blood stasis and swelling and can cause hemorrhage.

How to recognize if you have sunstroke

You can recognize sunstroke by the following signs:

• redness of the skin;
• increased body temperature (with prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, body temperature can rise to 40 degrees, which is accompanied by loss of consciousness and convulsions);
• weakness;
• headache, dizziness;
• increased respiration and pulse rate;
• heavy sweating;
• nausea and vomiting;
• tinnitus.

Bright sun is dangerous not only because of the risk of heat stroke – it can provoke allergies. How to recognize it and what to do in such a case, read in the material.

What to do in sunstroke

To provide first aid, the victim should be placed in a shady place, slightly elevated legs. Be sure to give plenty of water (water, morsels, not strong sweet tea, mineral water). You can put a cold compress on the head. If the victim does not get better, call an ambulance.

What should not be done in sunstroke

Do not immediately immerse the victim in cold water – there may be a reflex cardiac arrest. Cooling should be gradual, without sudden temperature changes.

Do not use ice for cooling. Its effect can cause burns on overheated tissues.

Do not give strong tea or coffee and alcohol, smoking will also only aggravate the situation.

You should not move the patient from the street to a stuffy room. It is necessary to open windows and doors, turn on a fan or air conditioning.

The victim should not refuse medical help, hoping that the symptoms will disappear on their own. Among the most serious consequences of sunstroke: a decrease in blood pressure, difficulty breathing. These conditions develop quite quickly if you do not provide first aid.

To be ready for any situation, it is better to have a first aid kit at hand. How to properly assemble it and what to take with you, told in the article.