In our everyday life we come across many people who have previously suffered from sunstroke and are having some serious disabilities because of that. When we talk about sunstroke in elders we should know that, due to their body conditions elders will not adjust well to the change in temperatures like other young people. Maybe they have some chronic illness that may change their body responses to heat. Or maybe that the side effects of their medication affect their response to temperature too. So it is important to take care of our elders during the peak temperature seasons.
SUN STROKES
Sun strokes are the most serious of all the heat related illnesses. These sunstrokes occur when our body is unable to control its temperature. During the period of sunstroke our body temperature will rise rapidly, it will lose the ability to sweat and will not be able to cooldown on its own. The temperature rises upto 42? or 106? in just a few minutes. This can even cause immediate death or permanent disability. So maintaining your body temperature is also an important part of taking care of yourselves.
SYMPTOMS OF SUNSTROKES
Listed down are some common symptoms of sunstrokes. These symptoms change from person to person.
Fast and strong pulse.
Red hot and dry skin without any sweat.
Severe headache.
Extremely high body temperature.
Dizziness.
Nausea.
Heat exhaustion.
HEAT SYNCOPE
It is the sudden feeling of dizziness, due to your constant activities in very hot weather. If you are not under right medication or not used to hot temperatures, then you are more likely to suffer from heat syncope where you suddenly feel faint and lose consciousness. It is important to keep yourself hydrated constantly while working in high temperatures.
HEAT CRAMPS
Heat cramps are some serious tightening of muscles in various parts of your body which is very painful. These heat cramps mostly occur due to hard work under high temperatures. Your pulse may not increase during cramps but your skin may feel moist and cool. Find a way to cool your body down when you are suffering from this.
HEAT EDEMA
Heat edema is the sudden swelling of your ankles and feet when your body temperature increases rapidly. When you see the swelling put your leg up to help your body to reduce the swelling. And consult your doctor immediately.
HEAT EXHAUSTION
Heat exhaustion is one of the mild heat related diseases that occurs many days after the exposure to very high temperatures. These are of not much problem if they are taken care of immediately. So any sign of heat exhaustion should not be ignored simply.
SYMPTOMS OF HEAT EXHAUSTION
Heavy sweating
Feeling tired
Dizziness
Feeling weak with loose joints
Frequent headache
Nausea
Heavy sweating
Cramps in muscles
Fainting
Paleness
Fast and weak pulse rate
Fast and shallow breathing
Cool and moist skin
PREVENTIVE MEASURES TO BE TAKEN
We all know very well that “Prevention is better than cure”, so here’s how we can prevent ourselves from sunstroke.
Drink cool, non-alcoholic drinks often. Take some real and good rest when you feel tired. When there is hot weather outside, shower at least two times a day, it will help you to keep your body temperature in control. Try to stay in an air-conditioned environment if possible. Always wear sleek and light clothes.
TIPS TO HELP ELDERS
Visit them often and watch for signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
Feed the more fluid with high water content in them at regular intervals of time.
Provide them with a cool environment. Like keep them in an air-conditioned room when it's too hot outside.
Try to keep the temperature around them under control.
FIRST AID TO BE CARRIED OUT
Move the affected person to a shady area.
Call for medical help immediately.
Take necessary measures to reduce their body temperature like spraying water on them, moving them to an air-conditioned place nearby.
Fan them rigorously and continue to take necessary measures until their body temperature drops to 101-102?.
So from the above information we all can know how serious sunstroke is for elders. So let us all be prepared to take care of our elders properly during hot weather. Make sure to follow all the first aid tips mentioned above when you see someone affected by a sunstroke.
Author: Team 60plus India
Keywords: sunstroke, heat syncope, heat cramps, heat edema, heat exhaustion, symptoms of sunstroke.
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