On hot and sunny days, do not underestimate the headache. This could end tragically

On sunny and hot days, there is a risk of getting sunstroke. This happens when there are high temperatures outside and we forget about the basic principles of protection. The heat waves that have been occurring in our country for several years now can pose a serious threat to health. One of them is sunstroke (a type of heat stroke). Anyone can be affected, but the most vulnerable are children, as well as older people who are obese and under the influence of alcohol. Heart disease and diabetes are also high risk factors.

Severe headache as a symptom of sunstroke

Sunstroke occurs in lots of direct sunlight (this applies primarily to the head and neck). Its formation is also facilitated by insufficient hydration of the body. The consequence of such a local effect of sunlight on the scalp may be hyperemia of the meninges and the brain. The body, as a result of too much sunlight, loses the ability to thermoregulate and begins to overheat. Sunstroke can lead to serious health complications, including heart disease, coma, or respiratory failure. This condition also contributes to dehydration and can cause excessive loss of electrolytes.
One of the symptoms of sunstroke is a severe headache. Some people after a sunstroke describe it as the strongest in life. In no case should one underestimate such an ailment after being in the bright sun. Headaches can also be accompanied by dizziness.

Other symptoms of sunstroke

The symptoms of sunstroke depend on how overheated your body is. They appear and grow gradually. The first symptoms may not appear until a few hours after exposure to the sun. In addition to a severe headache, it may include:

• general weakness,

• nausea and vomiting,

• slow heart rate,

• disturbances of consciousness

• muscle weakness,

• loss of consciousness,

• heat,

• photophobia,

• cold, dry and pale skin.

There may also be a feeling of inner restlessness, redness and burning of the skin. It should also be remembered that a person’s condition during a sunstroke can quickly worsen, so it is important to respond immediately, noticing the first symptoms. At critical moments, sunstroke can even be life-threatening.

Sunstroke is especially dangerous for children

Sunstroke is especially dangerous for young children. The younger the child, the greater the risk to his health. How do you know if something is wrong with your baby? Usually in this situation the child is lethargic and powerless. In addition to the symptoms of sunstroke mentioned earlier, a child may also cry because of a severe headache. In infants, the fontanel may collapse. Both in infants and in young children, the mechanism responsible for adequate thermoregulation is not yet fully formed, so sunstroke in their case can be extremely dangerous. It is especially important to take care of their proper protection.

How to protect yourself from sunstroke?

First of all, most importantly, avoid prolonged and direct exposure to the sun. During the hours when the light is strongest, that is, from 10:00 to 15:00, it is advisable to stay at home or take shelter in a cool and shady place. If you find yourself in a place where the sun’s rays are felt, you should take care of protecting your head (do not go out without a hat), drink the right amount of fluid to prevent dehydration. body. It is also important to wear breathable clothing. We must also remember that the sun can be insidious, and we do not always feel how much it warms.