The hottest days bring with them more than sunbathing and going to the beach. When the body begins to give strange signs, such as fever, intense thirst or feeling of burning skin, it may be alerting to a clinical picture that goes unnoticed to the first more serious symptoms: a sunshine. Prolonged exposure to the sun without proper protection is often treated with lightness.
However, there are signs that should be taken seriously, especially when they appear together and in the context of high temperatures. According to your health, the body reacts, and not always predictably.
In this scenario it is common to confuse some symptoms with a simple allergic reaction, tiredness or dehydration.
However, what looks like something fleeting may be the beginning of a more delicate situation with serious complications if not locked in time. Among the most common initial manifestations are excessive heat on the skin, localized redness, nausea and a thirst that is not passed.
Sometimes even fever appears, confusing the signs with a possible infection. But the picture can quickly evolve if not recognized and treated.
When the body fails to cool alone
Intense headaches, dizziness and accelerated breathing are other typical alerts that the body sends.
According to the same source, these symptoms are part of a clear set that points to the possibility of sunstroke, a condition caused by prolonged exposure to the sun or excessive heat that prevents the body from regulating its internal temperature.
Insolation does not manifest only with sweat and tiredness. There may be mental confusion, cloudy vision and even loss of consciousness. In such cases, the situation becomes emerging, requiring immediate medical attention.
Who takes the most risk on hot days
Risk increases in intense physical exertion situations under high temperatures, especially in poorly ventilated environments or using inappropriate clothing.
Children, the elderly and people with chronic diseases are among the most vulnerable groups. According to your health, there are simple measures that can prevent the progression of the condition.
The ideal is to take the person to a fresh and ventilated place, remove excess clothing and apply cold neck, armpits and groin compresses, areas where important blood vessels pass for thermal regulation.
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How to act in the first few minutes
It is also recommended to offer fresh water or isotonic beverages, in small sips, whenever the person is conscious.
If there is loss of consciousness, the orientation is to immediately contact emergency services. In the lighter cases, symptoms tend to disappear with rest, hydration and removal from heat.
However, according to the same site, when signs are persistent or get worse, it is indispensable to seek medical help.
The difference between one afternoon to the sun and a real danger
Recovery may take a few hours or even days, depending on the severity of the situation. Therefore, avoid direct exposure to the sun in the most intense hours, wearing a hat and lightweight, and staying well hydrated are essential attitudes.
In addition, being aware of signs such as excessive sweat followed by dry skin, impending fainting feeling or confusion can make a difference.
These symptoms indicate that the body is in bankruptcy in its thermal self -regulation capacity.
Prevention is simpler than it seems
Although it seems harmless in the early stages, sunstroke can cause damage to internal organs and, in extreme cases, lead to neurological or cardiovascular complications. According to, prevention remains the best way.
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