The rapid rise in global warming has negative impacts on our health. Dr. Suat Günsel University of Kyrenia Hospital Emergency Medicine Specialist Dr. İpek Gülin Ağar explained the effects of sunstroke during the hot weather which can have fatal consequences.

What is a sunstroke? How is it formed?
Heat Stroke also known as sunstroke; is a serious disease in which the body temperature rises above 40 degrees due to the impairment of the mechanism which regulates the body temperature as a result of exposure to excessive heat.
When the ambient temperature increases too much, the body tries to balance the heat by sweating and dilation of blood vessels in the skin. If this condition cannot be compensated any more, the illness occurs due to the heat. Sunstroke is the most severe disease during the hot weather and increasing temperature may damage the brain cells and blood vessels.

What are the types of sunstroke?
There are two forms of sunstroke that can have fatal consequences: The first type is the ‘Classic Heatstroke’ which occurs as a result of excessive sweating and fluid loss due to the hot weather. It mostly affects with chronic diseases (such as high blood pressure, diabetes, chronic renal failure), cancer patients, people who are overweight or cachectic, people with psychiatric disorders, people over 65, children under 5 and pregnant women. Exertional heat stroke occurs when exercising in extremely hot and humid weather, especially when the outdoor temperature approaches body temperature and the humidity is around 70%. It is usually seen in young and healthy people (athletes, soldiers, etc.).

What are the causes of sunstroke?
One of the main causes of sunstroke is to spend the holidays at the seaside and to work in environments with temperatures above normal. In addition, humid air can reduce the cooling mechanism and cause sunstroke. Consuming excessive alcohol and nutrients at high temperatures, and wearing thick clothing can also trigger sunstroke.

What are the symptoms of sunstroke?
Body temperature 40 degrees or above, impairment of mental state or behaviour (confusion, speech disorder, irritability, seizures or coma), inability to sweat, skin redness, warmth and dryness, acceleration of breathing, acceleration of heartbeat, nausea, vomiting, headaches, muscle cramps and pains, fatigue and weakness are among the symptoms of sunstroke.

What should be done if we encounter these symptoms?
If you suspect that someone has heat stroke, you should seek medical help as quickly as possible by calling 112 or your local emergency number 153. While waiting for the emergency team; the person exposed to heat stroke should immediately be placed in a cool place, loosened if tight clothing is worn and should be placed lying on their side for the risk of vomiting. In order to reduce body temperature, a cold wet cloth may be placed on the head, chest and armpits or coolers should be used to bring down the temperature.

What should not be done?
If the patient is unconscious, do not give them water or make them smell alcohol. Solid foods can have very dangerous consequences, so do not give any food.

What are the diagnostic and treatment methods of sunstroke?
Stroke requires immediate intervention. If left untreated, it can quickly damage the brain, heart, kidney and muscles. Diagnosis includes medical history, physical examination and measurement of body temperature. Blood tests are needed to determine the fluid and salt balance. The goal of treatment is to decrease body temperature.

How can we protect ourselves from sunstroke?
Stroke is a preventable disease. Do not go out during the hours when the sun’s rays are the most intense unless it is compulsory. Prefer thin, light coloured and loose clothing. Always use accessories such as sun glasses, hats, umbrellas to protect yourself from the sunlight. Apply sunscreen creams half an hour before sun exposure. Consume at least 2.5 to 3 litres of fluid. Prefer light foods that are easy to digest. Take a warm shower whenever you can, avoid long and heavy exercises. Do not leave anyone in a parked car, including your pet. Limit your consumption of alcohol and coffee.