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Heat stroke is a situation characterized by redness of the skin, headache, fever and, in some cases, changes in the level of consciousness that occurs due to the rapid increase in body temperature when the person is exposed to the sun for a long time, in an environment too hot or do excessive physical activity.
Thus, due to the rapid increase in body temperature, there are some signs and symptoms indicative of heat stroke, such as headache, feeling sick and feeling unwell, in addition to more serious symptoms that may represent a health risk, such as dehydration, fainting and seizures, for example.
Therefore, to avoid heat stroke, it is important to take some precautions before exposing yourself to the sun, avoiding hours of greatest heat, which is between 12 noon and 4 pm, using sunscreen, hats or caps and loose clothing that allow sweating .
Causes of heat stroke
The main cause of heat stroke is prolonged exposure to the sun without the use of sunscreen or a hat, for example, which causes the body temperature to rise rapidly, resulting in the symptoms of heat stroke.
In addition to overexposure to the sun, heat stroke can happen due to any situation that increases body temperature quickly, such as excessive physical activity, wearing too many clothes and too hot an environment.
Health hazards of heat stroke
Heat stroke occurs when the person is exposed for long periods to the sun and heat or as a consequence of the rapid increase in body temperature, leading to the appearance of some signs and symptoms indicative of heat stroke, such as headache, dizziness and malaise.
Although these symptoms seem mild and pass over time, heat stroke can have several health risks, the main ones being:
- 2nd or 3rd degree burns;
- Increased risk of infection, due to the fact of burns;
- Dehydration;
- Vomiting and diarrhea, which can also lead to dehydration;
- Nerve changes, such as seizures, brain damage and coma.
The dangers exist due to the failure of the perspiration mechanism, which means that the body temperature cannot be regulated, remaining high even after the person is no longer in the sun. In addition, because of the rapid increase in body temperature, the person also ends up quickly losing water, vitamins and minerals, which are essential for the proper functioning of the body.
Know how to identify the symptoms of heat stroke.
What to do
In case of heat stroke, it is important that the person stays in an airy and sunny place and drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration. In addition, it is important to apply moisturizing cream or after-sun lotion over the body and bathe in cold water, as it helps to regulate body temperature and reduce the risks related to heat stroke.
In cases where the symptoms do not improve and the person continues to feel dizzy, headache or vomiting, for example, it is important to immediately go to the hospital for an evaluation to be carried out and appropriate treatment can be done. See what to do in case of heat stroke.
How to prevent heat stroke
To prevent heat stroke, there are some precautions and tips that are essential, such as:
- Apply sunscreen suitable for the skin type, at least 15 minutes before being under the sun.
- Drink lots of fluids throughout the day, especially on very hot days;
- Avoid being under the sun in the hottest hours, between 12 pm and 4 pm, trying to take shelter in shady, cool and airy places;
- If the person is on the beach or is constantly in the water, sunscreen should be applied every 2 hours to ensure maximum effect.
In addition, it is recommended to wear hats or caps to protect the head from the sun's rays and loose, fresh clothing so that perspiration is possible and to avoid burns.