Sunstroke: symptoms and consequences
The sunstroke is a disorder of the health that is produced when the body temperature increases above 40ºC. In general, the sunstroke is consequence of a prolonged exhibition to high temperatures and the humidity, or of the practice of physical activity in a warm climate
What is heat exhaustion and heat stroke?
Under normal conditions, the body is able to regulate its temperature naturally, using resources such as increased blood flow to the skin, or sweating, which evaporates and reduces the body's temperature. However, with heatstroke, the body can no longer control its temperature and cannot eliminate the excess heat over 37ºC.
What are the symptoms?
The symptoms usually appear in two stages:
- First stage: high temperature, intense thirst, headache, dizziness, nausea and/or vomiting, red, hot and dry skin.
- Second stage: a fast pulse, cramps, sudden increase in body temperature (in 10-15 minutes to 40º), seizures, confusion, disorientation and loss of consciousness.
What are the risks of heat stroke?
Heat stroke requires emergency treatment, and if it is not treated quickly, it can put a strain on the brain, heart, lungs, liver and kidneys. Early treatment is essential to avoid serious complications or even death.
According to a recent survey of the Centro Nacional de Epidemiología and PublicHealth, during the summer of 2021 1,298 deaths were produced attributable to the excess of temperature to state level, with an average of 15 daily deaths in three months of the summer. Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are serious conditions and are likely to increase every year due to climate change.