How to tell if you have sunstroke: a doctor named the main symptoms

In several European countries, including Ukraine, meteorologists are now recording an extreme heat wave. Rapid warming increases the negative impact of heat on humans, and this trend is only growing.

In this heat, the human body cannot cool down properly, which can lead to sunstroke. Head of the Department of Infectious Diseases at the Bogomolets National Medical University, Doctor of Medicine, Professor Olha Holubovska, spoke about how to recognize the symptoms of sunstroke.

The development of heat-related diseases can be caused by high humidity, obesity, fever, dehydration, use of certain prescription drugs, heart disease, poor blood circulation, mental disorders, sunburn, and alcohol consumption. Sunstroke can occur a few hours after exposure to direct sunlight, and a person may not immediately associate their condition with overheating.

At first, a headache appears, the body temperature may rise to 40 degrees or more, nausea, vomiting, dilated pupils, and later cramps appear. These symptoms are caused by cerebral edema, which is potentially life-threatening. If someone has these symptoms, they should immediately contact emergency medical services!

While medics are on their way, the victim should be given first aid:

1. Place the patient in a position with the head and legs slightly elevated.
2. Remove outer clothing.
3. Give the victim plenty of water.
4. Moisten the skin with water.
5. Apply a cold compress to the forehead and neck.
6. Wrap the victim in a wet sheet.
7. In case of vomiting, turn him on his side.

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