When do sunstroke symptoms appear? And when should you consult a doctor immediately? Read on to bring you information and tips on the subject.
Heatstroke is a heat-related condition that occurs when the body temperature becomes higher than 40 degrees Celsius with some other unpleasant symptoms. Heatstroke often affects athletes, workers, and the elderly.
But some especially wonder when the symptoms of heatstroke appear? Are there ways to help alleviate these symptoms? This is what you will learn in the following article:
When do sunstroke symptoms appear?
- Exercise heatstroke is caused by physical exertion during hot and humid conditions, and symptoms may appear within a few hours.
- Non-exercise heatstroke: This is called classic heatstroke, which occurs due to age or health conditions, and symptoms may appear over several days.
In general, these symptoms appear during the summer months, so immediate measures must be taken to cool the person who has been exposed to heat stroke while waiting for emergency treatment.
What are the symptoms of heatstroke?
After you know the answer to the question “When do the symptoms of heatstroke appear?” We present to you the associated symptoms:
- Sweating stopped suddenly due to dehydration or overheating.
- Rapid heartbeat.
- Increased breathing rate.
- muscle contraction;
- inability to speak
- confusion.
- anxiety.
- headache;
- seizures;
- Unconsciousness.
- coma.
What are the symptoms of heatstroke that require medical attention?
You should consult a doctor immediately when these symptoms appear:
- Cognitive impairment.
- Problems thinking or remembering.
- breathing difficulties.
- Liver or kidney problems.
- Decreased urine production.
What are the complications of not treating heat stroke?
If heat stroke is not treated immediately, the cells of the body may begin to break down with the loss of their vital functions, and thus this may lead to some serious complications, such as:
- encephalopathy;
- acute liver failure;
- Kidney failure.
- Rhabdomyolysis.
- Poor metabolism.
- Decreased blood flow to the heart.
What are the diagnostic methods to detect the symptoms of heatstroke?
Among the most important tests that are used to detect the symptoms of heatstroke are the following:
- Rectal temperature measurement: As it can check the basal body temperature, rectal thermometry is more accurate than oral or forehead temperature.
- Blood test: This test is done to check the levels of sodium, potassium, and gas content in the blood, and to see if there is any damage to the central nervous system.
- Urine test: This is done to check the color of urine, as it is usually dark in color when suffering from heatstroke, and also to check kidney function that is affected by heatstroke.
Other tests, such as:
- Muscle function tests.
- X-ray.
- Electrocardiogram.
What are the ways to treat the symptoms of heatstroke?
The doctor takes the following actions:
- Cool the person by placing them in a cold water bath, or placing ice packs on the head, neck, armpits, and back to lower their body temperature.
- The use of evaporative cooling techniques includes spraying cold water on the patient’s body while the body is exposed to warm air to evaporate the water and cool the skin.
- Medicines to stop shivering and shaking that increase body temperature, often including a muscle relaxant, such as a benzodiazepine.
- Not giving any pain relievers, such as aspirin or acetaminophen, but your doctor may recommend cooled intravenous fluids given through an intravenous vein
Are there ways to prevent the symptoms of heatstroke?
For information on “When do heatstroke symptoms appear?” We offer you some preventive tips to avoid the symptoms of heatstroke, including:
- It is recommended to drink plenty of water and cold drinks, especially when doing strenuous activities during the day, such as sports.
- After returning from outside, it is preferable to take a cold bath or splash water on the skin and clothes to avoid overheating.
- Sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher should be used before going outside.
Avoid going out during peak hours, which are between 11 am and 3 pm.
It is preferable to go out to do daily activities during the early morning hours, or after sunset. - It is recommended to wear loose-fitting, light-colored clothing to avoid absorbing the sun’s rays.
Avoid caffeinated or alcoholic beverages, as they cause more fluid loss.
Thus, you have learned the most important information about the question “When do the symptoms of heatstroke appear?