What is insolation?
Imagine yourself enjoying the summer sun while doing your favorite sport. Suddenly, you start to feel a slight headache, but don’t pay much attention. As time passes, the headache worsens, and you feel dizzy and nauseous. If you’ve ever experienced these symptoms, chances are you’ve suffered a form of heatstroke, commonly known as heat stroke.
Heatstroke is the most common type, resulting from prolonged exposure to the sun’s thermal radiation, often leading to heat exhaustion. This condition occurs mainly due to prolonged exposure of the head and neck to the sun’s ultraviolet rays during the hot summer hours. The inability to regulate body temperature causes an increase in body heat, leading to excessive overheating.
How is the human body temperature regulated?
Usually, humans and mammals have thermoregulatory mechanisms in the brain to maintain a constant internal temperature (about 36,8 ± 0,4°C in humans). Unique nerve bodies, known as thermoreceptors, detect changes in ambient temperature and signal the brain to increase temperature. The brain’s temperature-regulating center then sends messages to the sweat glands and skin surface vessels, leading to sweat secretion and vasodilation of the ship. This combination of reactions helps maintain our body temperature.
Causes of sunburn
Sunstroke can be caused by several factors, including exposure to a hot environment or high temperatures, wearing warm clothing that prevents sweat from evaporating and cooling the body, drinking alcohol (which affects temperature regulation), and dehydration due to increased sweating.
Symptoms of sunburn
Symptoms of sunstroke can vary depending on its severity:
Mild form:
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Redness of the skin
- Sweating problems
- Butterfly in the ears
Moderate form:
- Headache
- Motion sickness
- Vomiting
- Fast breathing
- Fainting tendency
- Muscle weakness or cramps
- Decreased sweating
- Burns or blisters on the skin
Severe form:
- Delirium and confusion
- Convulsions
- Hallucinations
- Dark urine (a sign of dehydration)
- Pale skin
- High fever
Duration of sunshine
If the symptoms of sunburn do not improve within an hour, it is recommended to seek medical attention. Depending on the severity of the sunstroke, it can last up to 2 days, but the body usually takes about two months to 1 year to fully recover from the effects of the sunstroke.
It is vital to recognize the symptoms of heatstroke and seek immediate medical attention to avoid serious complications.
Therapis General Hospital
210 729 1111
Astydamantos 83, Athens
Prevention
- Limit sun exposure, especially between 11:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., when the sun’s rays are strongest.
- Protect yourself: Wear a hat and sunglasses and apply sunscreen with a high sun protection factor (SPF) when outdoors.
- Choose comfortable clothes: Prefer light and loose clothes that allow your body to regulate its temperature effectively.
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated, promoting proper sweating and maintaining normal body temperature.
- Avoid drinking alcohol: Avoid drinking alcohol as it can affect your body’s ability to regulate temperature effectively.
- Opt for light meals: Eat light and nutritious meals rich in fruits and vegetables to support your body’s overall well-being.
- Plan physical activities wisely: Avoid vigorous physical activities during peak hours of the sun – schedule exercise or work for cooler times of the day.
What is heatstroke?
Heatstroke is a serious condition characterized by overheating (hyperthermia) of the body and requires immediate medical attention. It can be classified into two clinical forms: classic heatstroke and exercise-induced heatstroke.
Classic heatstroke: It is mainly caused by exposure to extremely high temperatures.
More common in people with insufficient thermoregulatory mechanisms, such as the elderly or people with cardiovascular problems.
Heat stroke caused by exercise: It usually affects young people and those who engage in outdoor sports in extreme heat and high humidity levels.
Symptoms of heat stroke:
- High body temperature: Elevated body temperature is a primary indication of heatstroke.
- Psychiatric disorders: Confusion, seizures (especially in children), delirium, irritability, and coma.
- Changes in sweating: The skin becomes hot and dry, with reduced or absent sweating (late symptom).
- Nausea: Feeling sick or needing to vomit.
- Headache: Severe headache, often located in the forehead or the entire skull.
- Change in skin coloration: The skin turns red as the body heats up.
- Breathing: Breathing may become faster and shallower.
- Heart rate: The heart is under increased pressure as the body tries to cool down, causing an increased heart rate.
It is vital to recognize the symptoms of heatstroke and seek immediate medical attention to avoid serious complications
Therapis General Hospital
210 729 1111
Astydamantos 83, Athens
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