What is sunstroke Signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heatstroke, treatment, and how long it lasts
Last month, many of us enjoyed plenty of sunshine, and with more sun to come hopefully this summer, people are at increased risk of heatstroke.
Hot weather and exercise are both causes of heatstroke – or sunstroke – according to the NHS.
Heat exhaustion is not usually serious if you can cool down within a period of time. However, it can sometimes turn into heatstroke.
With many of us enjoying plenty of sunshine during May, and with more sun to come hopefully this summer, people are at increased risk of sunstroke,
How can I check for signs of heat exhaustion?
The NHS notes that signs of heat exhaustion include:
a headache
dizziness and confusion
loss of appetite and feeling sick
excessive sweating and pale, clammy skin
cramps in the arms, legs and stomach
fast breathing or pulse
temperature of 38C or above
being very thirsty
How can I cool someone down?
If someone has heat exhaustion, follow these 4 steps:
Move them to a cool place.
Get them to lie down and raise their feet slightly.
Get them to drink plenty of water. Sports or rehydration drinks are ok.
Cool their skin. Spray or sponge them with cool water and fan them. Cold packs around the armpits or neck are good.
Stay with them until they’re better. They should start to cool down and feel better within 30 minutes.
The symptoms are often the same in adults and children, but children may become floppy and sleepy.
If someone is showing signs of heat exhaustion, they need to be cooled down.
What are the signs of heatstroke?
You should call 999 if you or someone else have any signs of heatstroke, which include:
– feeling unwell after 30 minutes of resting in a cool place and drinking plenty of water
– not sweating even though too hot
– a temperature of 40C or above
– fast breathing or shortness of breath
– feeling confused
– a fit (seizure)
– loss of consciousness
– not responsive
The NHS says: “Heatstroke can be very serious if not treated quickly.
“Put the person in the recovery position if they lose consciousness while you’re waiting for help.”
How long does sunstroke last?
The NHS website notes, “Heat exhaustion is not usually serious if you can cool down within 30 minutes. If it turns into heatstroke, it needs to be treated as an emergency.”
Harvard Health Publishing explains, “It is standard for a person with heat stroke to stay in the hospital for one or more days so that any complications can be identified quickly.
Complete recovery from heat stroke and its effects on body organs may take two months to a year.”
How can I prevent heat exhaustion and heatstroke?
The NHS explains that there’s a high risk of heat exhaustion or heatstroke during hot weather or exercise.
To help prevent heat exhaustion or heatstroke, you should:
drink plenty of cold drinks, especially when exercising
take cool baths or showers
wear light-coloured, loose clothing
sprinkle water over skin or clothes
avoid the sun between 11am and 3pm
avoid excess alcohol
avoid extreme exercise
This will also prevent dehydration and help your body keep itself cool.
The NHS adds, “Keep an eye on children, the elderly and people with long-term health conditions (like diabetes or heart problems) because they’re more at risk of heat exhaustion or heat stroke.”
Originally Publish at: https://www.scotsman.com/
