Summer brings not only sunshine and warm temperatures but also the risk of heatstroke and sunstroke. Both can cause serious health issues and require prompt action. Learn more in this article about heatstroke and sunstroke symptoms, their causes, and first aid measures.
Heatstroke
What is Heatstroke?
Heatstroke is a condition where the body overheats to above 40°C, which it can no longer manage through sweating alone. This leads to a disruption of the cardiovascular system, potentially causing a circulatory collapse or brain swelling.
Heatstroke Symptoms
In heatstroke, the body can no longer properly regulate its temperature. Symptoms can appear quickly and are severe. These include:
- High body temperature over 40°C
- Hot, red, often dry skin, especially on the face
- Rapid, weak pulse
- Headache
- Nausea and vomiting
- Confusion, dizziness, or unconsciousness
- Muscle cramps or weakness
Causes of Heatstroke
Extended exposure to a warm environment or physical exertion that increases the body’s heat production are among the most common causes. Due to high temperatures and insufficient cooling through sweating, the body can no longer maintain temperature regulation. Risk factors include:
- High humidity
- Tight, heavy clothing
- Inadequate fluid intake
- Intense physical activity in the heat
Heatstroke in Children
Children are particularly susceptible to heatstroke as their body temperature regulation is not yet fully developed. They can overheat more quickly, especially in high temperatures and during outdoor physical activity. A child left in a hot car is particularly at risk.
Parents should ensure that children drink enough fluids, wear appropriate clothing, and take regular breaks in the shade.
What to Do in Case of Heatstroke?
If you or someone else shows signs of heatstroke, quick action is required:
- Move the person immediately to a cool environment.
- In an acute case, call 112.
- Cool the person with cold water, ice packs, or damp cloths.
- If the person is fully conscious, they can drink small amounts of cold fluids.
- If conscious, keep the upper body elevated; if unconscious, place them in the recovery position.
- Monitor breathing and pulse until professional help arrives.
Sunstroke
What is Sunstroke?
Sunstroke is an irritation of the meninges caused by prolonged exposure of the head and neck to direct sunlight. The body temperature usually remains normal.
Sunstroke Symptoms
Sunstroke symptoms can also appear much later, when the affected person is no longer exposed to the sun. Initial signs are often mistaken for mild headaches or slight dizziness. Therefore, situational awareness is crucial. The most common symptoms of sunstroke are:
- Headache and possibly neck pain or stiffness
- Bright red, hot head
- Cool body temperature
- Dizziness
- Restlessness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Impaired consciousness
Causes of Sunstroke
The main cause of sunstroke is prolonged direct sunlight on the head and neck, leading to overheating and irritation of the meninges, which triggers the symptoms mentioned. People with little hair or those who spend long periods in the sun without a hat are particularly at risk.
Sunstroke in Children
Children, especially infants and toddlers, are also particularly at risk of sunstroke. They generally have less hair than older children or adults, and their skulls are thinner. Babies have an additional risk with the so-called fontanelle—gaps in the skull that typically close around 18 months. Infants and young children should always wear a hat in the sun.
Sunstroke Treatment
This is also a potentially life-threatening situation requiring quick action:
- Move the affected person out of direct sunlight.
- In an acute case, call 112.
- Cool the head and neck with wet cloths.
- If the person is fully conscious, they should drink fluids.
- Keep the upper body elevated if conscious, and place in the recovery position if unconscious.
- Stay with the affected person and regularly monitor their consciousness and breathing until professional help arrives.
Heatstroke or Sunstroke Symptoms: Differences and Similarities
Heatstroke and sunstroke are both heat-related conditions caused by excessive exposure to heat, but their causes and symptoms differ.
- Heatstroke affects the entire body and results in a dangerously high body temperature above 40°C. Symptoms include confusion and circulatory problems.
- Sunstroke, on the other hand, primarily affects the head and neck area due to direct sunlight. The body temperature usually remains normal, but headaches and nausea occur.
Both conditions require immediate action to prevent serious health consequences. Remember the mnemonic: “Cool & Corner.” This means that the person must be cooled and moved “around the corner” into the shade.
Prevention, however, is the best protection: drink plenty of fluids, protect yourself from direct sunlight, and take regular breaks in the shade.
