Precautions for sunstroke

One of the most serious diseases brought by summer is sunstroke. Especially children and those with chronic diseases need to pay attention to their contact with the sun and hot weather. Internal Medicine Specialist Dr. Alev Özsarı talked about the precautions to be taken against sunstroke and what to do in case of sunstroke.

WHAT IS A SUN FLICK?

The most serious disease that summer brings is sunstroke. Sunstroke is a disease that occurs as a result of the deterioration of the mechanism that regulates body temperature, namely the thermoregulation system, due to excessive heat. In sunstroke, the body cannot sweat enough to regulate its own temperature. In addition, as a result of excessive sweating in hot temperatures, body temperature begins to rise as a result of excessive fluid and electrolyte losses.

WHO IS SUNSTRICK MORE DANGEROUS?

“The most important symptoms of sunstroke are high fever, headache, increased pulse rate and respiratory rate, low blood pressure, extreme fatigue, and 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 CAN OCCUR AFTER A SUN SHOCK?

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

WHY IS LIQUID CONSUMPTION IMPORTANT IN HOT?

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.

WHAT DISEASES CAN TRIGGER SUNFLOW?

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.

WHAT TO DO WITH CHILDREN?

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.

PRECAUTIONS AGAINST SUN SHOCK

• Do 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.

HOW SHOULD THE FIRST RESPONSE IN A SUN SHOCK?

• 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 administer.

PROTECT 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 and 16:00.
• 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.