Sunstroke And Heat Exhaustion

Collapse from long-term exposure to heat is the result of heat exhaustion or sunstroke. They are two similar illnesses caused by the breakdown of different mechanisms in the body. Sunstroke, also known as heatstroke, occurs when the body's agility to keep itself cool malfunctions from long-term exposure to direct sun on the head. The result is dangerously high fevers and hot, red, dry skin. The pulse and breathing are very fast due to the high fever. The person feels hot and weak, and the face becomes very red. Headaches, dizziness and dullness signal an impending sunstroke. Nausea and vomiting are accompanying symptoms. Sunstroke is very serious and should be treated as a medical emergency. Take immediate measures to cool the body down. If the temperature is dangerously high, take care not to allow temperatures to fall too low.

In heat exhaustion, the body collapses due to excessive loss of fluid from sweating too much and drinking too little. It does not necessarily have to be a sunny day. Unlike sunstroke, the skin is pale, cold and clammy; There is no fever. Blood pressure is low and the pulse slow and weak. Sudden drenching sweats signal the start of heat exhaustion.  Anxiety, weakness and fatigue arise long before the collapse. Heat exhaustion is much less serious, though it should also be carefully monitored.

Both heat exhaustion and sunstroke are easily avoided with simple measures. Intense exercise in the sun and heat can easily lead to exhaustion and heavy sweating. If exercising in the heat cannot be avoided, drinking enough liquids with sufficient minerals, particularly salt, is of utmost importance. Clothing should be loose and airy enough to allow the skin to sweat to keep the body cool. Children, the elderly and weak, convalescents are most susceptible to the hazards of heat. Alcohol also reduces the body's ability to respond appropriately to heat. Circulatory collapse as a result of standing too long in the heat will produce heat exhaustion. In this case, the venous system collapses, allowing too little blood to return to the heart and the brain. It is best prevented by walking around. If the person feels faint or actually does faint, lying them down with the legs raised should help. Women with low blood pressure and a poor venous system are most susceptible.

Supplements and herbs

Sunstroke can be prevented by taking adequate amounts of vitamin C with plenty of purified water.

Herbal Remedies

• Cayenne effectively relieves fever and headaches due to sunstroke. Add 1/2 tsp. of cayenne pepper to 1 cup of boiling water. Dilute 1 tbsp. of this infusion with a cup of hot water and sip slowly.

What else you can do

For Sunstroke:

• Place the patient in a cool place and sprinkle the upper body with cold water. To draw congestion from the head, apply arm baths, leg wraps and wet socks.
• Fan the patient to speed evaporation of water and place cold compresses on head, chest and stomach.
• Patient should lie down and rest until medical help arrives.
• Dew stepping and water stepping, or just walking barefoot are also helpful.

For Heat Exhaustion:

• Place the patient in a shaded place in the fresh air.
• Remove clothing to cool the body, and apply massage.
• Give hot drinks with a little bit of cognac.
• Patient should lie down and rest until medical help arrives.

Usual dosage

• Vitamin C, with bioflavonoids, 1,000 mg

More useful herbs

• Lavender