With the warming of the weather, cases of sunstroke have increased!

With the warming of the weather, the heat started to affect people more. Noting that the main symptoms of sunstroke include dizziness, nausea, vomiting, headache, confusion, speech disorder and seizures, experts say that symptoms such as increased heart rate or palpitations, muscle cramps and fainting can also be seen.

Noting that there has been a significant increase in the number of patients admitted to emergency services due to sunstroke in recent days; however, patients are not aware that they are experiencing sunstroke, Head of the Department of Emergency Medicine Assoc. Prof. Ali Cankut Tatlıparmak stated that "The person should be taken to a cool and shaded area immediately, their clothes should be removed, and their body should be cooled. A cold bath is also an effective method."

Üsküdar University Faculty of Medicine, Head of the Department of Emergency Medicine, Assoc. Prof. Ali Cankut Tatlıparmak shared important information about the symptoms of sunstroke, risk groups, prevention methods and first aid steps.

What are the symptoms of sunstroke?

Assoc. Prof. Ali Cankut Tatlıparmak stated that the human body tries to keep the body temperature at a certain degree regardless of the temperature of the external environment and expressed that "The main problem in sunstroke is the loss of this ability due to the direct or indirect rays of the sun and high ambient temperature. The main symptoms of sunstroke include dizziness, nausea, vomiting, headache, confusion, speech disorder and seizures due to damage to the central nervous system organs, especially the brain, due to the deterioration of the ability to regulate heat. Moreover, symptoms such as increased heart rate or palpitations, muscle cramps and fainting may also occur."

What physical changes are observed in a person who has suffered from sunstroke?

Stating that sunstroke manifests itself in a wide spectrum from mild symptoms to serious symptoms, Assoc. Prof. Ali Cankut Tatlıparmak said that "The severity of the disease varies depending on the amount and duration of temperature to which the body is exposed. In mild cases, symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, dizziness and headache are usually seen. These symptoms may not always be evident by physical examination or blood tests. The person may feel tired and sluggish, sweating continues, and the skin may remain moist."

An increase in body temperature above 40 degrees requires urgent intervention

Noting that the symptoms become more serious in more advanced cases of sunstroke, Assoc. Prof. Ali Cankut Tatlıparmak stated that "The body temperature quickly rises above 40 degrees, which requires urgent intervention. A person's skin is usually dry, hot, and red because the sweating mechanism is disrupted. The central nervous system is affected. This leads to symptoms such as confusion, agitation, loss of coordination, difficulty speaking, convulsions and loss of consciousness. Also, cardiovascular changes such as rapid and weak pulse, rapid breathing, low blood pressure can also be observed. These physical changes indicate the severity of sunstroke and the need for immediate medical attention."

Babies are at great risk

Stating that infants, the elderly and individuals with some health problems are among the riskiest groups in terms of sunstroke, Assoc. Prof. Ali Cankut Tatlıparmak continued his remarks as follows:

"Especially in babies in the first 6 months, this group is at great risk because thermoregulation, that is, the ability to balance body temperature, is not fully developed. The elderly are also at high risk because their body's ability to maintain fluid balance is reduced.

People who take medications for heart disease are also more susceptible to sunstroke because these medications can affect the body's capacity to regulate temperature. Patients with kidney failure or who are under follow-up because their kidney values are above normal are also at risk of deterioration in kidney function due to fluid loss, which may lead to the need for dialysis treatment. Furthermore, people who have a disorder in their thirst mechanism and have difficulty meeting their fluid needs due to diseases such as Alzheimer's are also at risk of sunstroke. These groups require extra attention and care in hot weather, as adequate fluid intake and being in cool environments are vital in reducing these risks."

What kind of precautions can be taken to protect against sunstroke?

Stating that it is important to avoid direct sunlight during the hours when the sun is most intense (usually between 10:00 and 16:00) to protect against sunstroke, Assoc. Prof. Ali Cankut Tatlıparmak said that "It is useful to wear light-colored, light and loose clothes, use hats and sunglasses. It is necessary to drink plenty of water, cool off regularly and avoid alcohol. During physical activity, frequent breaks should be taken and rest in shaded areas. It is also important to protect the skin from the harmful effects of the sun by using sunscreens."

Avoiding the sun is not enough!

Assoc. Prof. Ali Cankut Tatlıparmak stated that "Sunstroke and heatstroke have similar mechanisms; therefore, it is not enough to just avoid the sun, but it is also necessary to keep the ambient temperature under control” and continued his remarks as follows: "If the temperature of your environment is too high, measures such as opening windows and windows to ensure air flow, using fans and air conditioners should be taken to cool this environment. Resting in cool places and keeping body temperature under control are effective methods of preventing both sunstroke and heat stroke."

What to do as first aid in case of sunstroke?

Assoc. Prof. Ali Cankut Tatlıparmak pointed out that there is no direct treatment for sunstroke and gave the following information:

"When you have sunstroke, it is not possible to just go to the hospital and get better with a drug. That is why it is vital to prevent sunstroke and know first aid steps. In recent days, we have observed a significant increase in the number of patients admitted to emergency departments due to sunstroke. However, our patients often say that they think that their complaints are caused by other reasons such as food poisoning and they are almost never aware that they are experiencing sunstroke. Although our general health literacy is at a good level as a country, we do not have enough information about sunstroke. This negatively affects our first aid skills in this regard. In this context, first aid steps in case of sunstroke are vital.

The body should be cooled by removing the clothes!

The person should be immediately taken to a cool and shaded area, their clothes should be removed, and their body should be cooled. For this purpose, towels soaked in cold water or soaked in cold water can be used, and a cold bath is also an effective method. The use of ice should be done carefully and should be applied by trained health personnel. If the person is conscious and able to drink fluids, they should be given plenty of water. Patients with confusion or active vomiting should not be given fluids orally. In this case, intravenous serum therapy may be required. In mild cases, methods such as oral fluids and showering with cold water are usually sufficient."

Sunstroke is a serious and life-threatening condition

Emphasizing that sunstroke is a serious and life-threatening condition, Assoc. Prof. Ali Cankut Tatlıparmak expressed that "It is vital to be aware of this issue, especially in the summer months, when heat waves become more frequent. Simple precautions to be taken to protect against sunstroke can prevent serious health problems. Extra care should be taken to protect people, especially in risk groups, and medical help should be sought when necessary. It should not be forgotten that early intervention saves lives. Diseases such as sunstroke and heat stroke have become more common not only in our country but also all over the world in the last 10-20 years."

 

Üsküdar News Agency (ÜNA)