Heat Exhaustion and Sunstroke Symptoms

We’ve all been begging for a British summer, with the sun in full whack and the cool summer breeze…but it’s getting a bit too hot now isn’t it? We’re always given a little bit more than what we can handle, so it’s best to make sure we know about the dangers of being out in the sun too long. Especially in this heat, it’s possible that people may suffer from sunstroke symptoms, so now is the time to be mindful of what can cause it and what you need to do if someone comes down with sunstroke.

So, there are two heat-related illnesses – heat exhaustion and heat stroke (sunstroke).

Both are caused by the body becoming too hot when out in the sun for too long. This is much more common during the summer and can happen to anyone. So, it’s best to limit the amount of time spent outside in this hot weather. Or take extra precautions, to mitigate the dangers from either of the two heat-related illnesses.

The common symptoms of heat exhaustion or sunstroke are as follows:

• Dizziness and confusion
• A headache
• Loss of appetite and feeling sick
• Excessive sweating or pale, clammy skin
• Heat cramps in the body (mainly arms, legs and stomach)
• Fast breathing or quickened pulse
• A body temperature of 38 degrees or higher
• Extreme thirst

The symptoms generally are the same for both children and adults, but children can become sleepy and floppy too.

The more severe symptoms of heat stroke (sunstroke) include:

• Fast breathing or shortness of breath
• A fit or seizure
• Loss of consciousness
• Unresponsiveness

When these symptoms present themselves, call 999 immediately. Sunstroke (heatstroke) can be very dangerous if not treated quickly and is a medical emergency.

If you or someone around you is showing symptoms of heat exhaustion or sunstroke, there are a few steps you should follow to ensure they don’t become serious.

• Move them to a cool, shady place
• Lay them down and raise their feet slightly
• Make sure they drink plenty of cold water, sports drinks or drinks to rehydrate them
• Using cool water, cool down their skin. Either with a wet cloth/water sponge or water spray and fan them too.
• Until they start to feel better, it’s best to stay with them. If in 30 minutes they aren’t feeling better, call 111 to get more medical advice. Especially if they aren’t sweating when they’re hot, feel confused or continue to have a high body temperature.

When out in the hot weather, whether it’s engaging in physical activities, going on walks, or sunbathing, it’s imperative that you take measures to look after yourself. Here are a few ways you can prevent a heat-related illness:

• Drink plenty of fluids, especially when exercising. It’s important to keep hydrated
• Bathe or shower with cool water
• Wear loose-fitted and lightweight clothing
• Avoid the sun during peak times (11:00 – 15:00)
• Avoid excess alcohol
• Avoid excess exercise
• Keep the body cool

While these preventions will help most people avoid the symptoms of heat exhaustion and sunstroke, you should keep a closer eye on children, the elderly and people with long-term health conditions. Since they’re more at risk of heat stroke and heat exhaustion.

If you’re spending time outside during this hot weather, whether it’s you and your family or friends, be mindful of how hot the temperatures are. And take these steps to prevent any heat illness! Drink plenty of water, try to remain cool, wear sunscreen and take breaks from the sun often, so you’re not always sitting under it. You can enjoy the nice weather, you just have to be careful too!

Looking for activities to enjoy during the summer? Have a look at the best things to do in the summer holidays, visit an ice cream farm, travel to some lakes or relax on a beach!