Heatstroke: what to do if the eyes darken and feel sick from the heat

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

If there are dangerous symptoms, there is no time to think.

Signs that heatstroke is approaching

Heatstroke is overheating. It happens when the body, for some reason, cannot cool down, that is, return to a healthy temperature. It is considered Body temperature norms / MedlinePlus values from 36, 1 to 37, 2 ° C.

The reasons for overheating can be different: heat, high physical activity, lack of moisture in the body. In general, it doesn't matter. Heatstroke is equally dangerous no matter what caused it.

Sunstroke is a special case of heat. This is a local overheating of the head caused by direct sunlight.

Fortunately, heatstroke does not occur overnight. He has a harbinger - thermal exhaustion. This is an increasing condition that signals: the body cannot cope with thermoregulation, it urgently needs help to cool down.

Heat exhaustion / Mayo Clinic can be recognized by the following signs in various combinations:

1. Pale, cold, clammy skin.
2. Dizziness.
3. Weakness and confusion.
4. Feeling as if it were darkening in the eyes.
5. Increased sweating.
6. Headache.
7. Nausea, mild vomiting.
8. Cardiopalmus.
9. Muscle spasms and cramps.
10. Dark urine (color indicates dehydration).

Heatstroke symptoms

If you've missed the heat exhaustion stage and it came to heatstroke, the Heatstroke / Mayo Clinic symptoms are even more unpleasant:

1. Body temperature is above 40 ° C.
2. Labored breathing.
3. Profuse vomiting.
4. Fainting.
5. Serious cardiac arrhythmias.
6. Potential damage to internal organs due to heat shock.
7. Malfunctions of the brain.

All this is very dangerous, not only your health, but also your life is at risk. Therefore, take urgent action. Moreover, it is desirable already at the stage of thermal exhaustion.

First aid for thermal exhaustion

If we are only talking about the initial symptoms of overheating, the first aid algorithm looks like this.

1. Stop physical activity.
2. Get out of the sun (get out of a hot room) into the shade, into a light draft, into a room cooled by an air conditioner.
3. If possible, remove all clothing.
4. Put gauze or a towel dipped in cool water on your forehead.
5. Drink at least 1-2 glasses of water. This is necessary to eliminate possible dehydration and provide the body with moisture to produce adequate amounts of sweat.
6. Drink Rehydron or isotonic sports drink. This liquid contains electrolytes that are important for the metabolism and functioning of the nervous system. And you could have lost them with intense sweating.

First aid for heatstroke

If you or someone around you is already hit by heatstroke, local help may be ineffective. There is vomiting, cardiac abnormalities, light-headedness - call an ambulance immediately.

Heatstroke is a medical emergency, and the person experiencing it needs emergency help.

While the ambulance is traveling, follow the same procedures as for thermal exhaustion. To increase the effect, they can be supplemented with "heavy artillery":

1. Cover the victim with ice packs (frozen vegetables-berries are also suitable), wrapped in a thin sheet.
2. Place the person in a cold water bath to quickly bring the critical temperature down. Warning: This advice can only be used if you (the victim) are assisted by other people. Diving alone is dangerous.

The arriving doctors will assess the patient's condition. If pre-medical first aid for heatstroke is delivered on time and is effective, hospitalization is not required. However, doctors may supply an IV to compensate for electrolytes lost with moisture, and will advise blood and urine tests and an ultrasound scan to determine the condition of the internal organs. With the test results, go to a therapist. He will tell you what to do next.

Precautionary measures

If you have suffered from heatstroke, then in the coming week you will be especially sensitive to high temperatures. Therefore, take these precautions carefully.

1. Drink plenty of water

Optimally, 2–4 cups of liquid (water, fruit and vegetable juices) every hour you spend in direct sunlight at high temperatures. Especially if in the heat you are still doing manual labor. To sweat effectively, your body needs more moisture than usual. Do not allow it to be deficient.

2. Try to spend the hottest hours indoors

In summer, the interval between 11:00 and 15:00 is considered dangerous. During this period, avoid physical activity in direct sunlight.

3. Wear light-colored, lightweight clothing

Clothing should be as loose as possible to facilitate air circulation around the body.

4. Don't forget about the headdress

A hat or bucket hat will help prevent sunstroke. A cap and a bandana are not very suitable on a hot day: it is better to choose a hat that is light and with wide brim.

5. Take a cool shower or bath more often

This will lower your body temperature.

6. Don't drink alcohol or caffeinated beverages

They contribute to dehydration and vasospasm. Because of this, the body produces less sweat than it needs to cool.

7. Control urine color

Dark is a sign of dangerous dehydration. Look for a few more non-obvious signs in this article.