The doctor warned about the dangerous consequences of sunstroke

Sunstroke occurs as a result of direct exposure to sunlight on the head — the surface of the head overheats, heat penetrates deep, intracranial pressure increases, blood circulation and brain function are disrupted. This contributes to swelling of the meninges, acute neurological symptoms, and in severe cases can lead to coma. Olga Chistik, a therapist at the Scandinavian Health Center, reported this on May 24 in an interview with Gazeta.Ru».

According to her, children, the elderly, pregnant women and people with chronic diseases, including hypertension, diabetes, heart disease and obesity, are particularly susceptible to sunstroke. People who work in the sun and take medications that affect thermoregulation are also at risk. It is especially important for these groups to carefully observe protective measures.

"Among the early signs are headache, dizziness, nausea, thirst, weakness, and palpitations. There may be darkening of the eyes, agitation or confusion. Sometimes the symptoms do not appear immediately. Symptoms may occur 6-10 hours after exposure to the sun <...>," said Chistik.

She clarified that the signs may not appear immediately, so it is necessary to monitor your condition and, if symptoms occur, go to a cool place and provide the necessary assistance.

"<...> A person should be laid on his back, lift his legs, and turn his head to one side when vomiting. Tight clothing should be loosened or removed. It is necessary to lower the body temperature with cool water — moisten a towel, fan, especially in the back of the head, neck, armpits and groin. In no case should you use ice and pour cold water over it. If possible, a fan or fan should be blown," the therapist noted.

Chistik warned that you should not sharply cool the body, as ice and a cold shower can provoke vasospasm. It is also forbidden to shelter a person, give him alcohol or coffee. These drinks worsen dehydration and put additional strain on the heart. You can't expect your condition to improve on its own — it can lead to serious complications.

As a rule, the condition improves within the first 15-30 minutes after treatment. If during this time you do not feel better or new symptoms appear, which include seizures, loss of consciousness, severe weakness, high fever (above 39-40 ° C), difficulty breathing or confusion, then it is necessary to urgently call an ambulance.

"With severe sunstroke, swelling and cerebral hemorrhage, cardiac arrest, respiratory disorders, damage to internal organs and serious neurological complications are possible. All of this can lead to long—term consequences, from sensory disorders to heart attacks and strokes. In severe cases, death is possible without help," concluded Chistik.

On May 24, Alexandra Fileva, a dermatologist and expert at the Hemotest laboratory, told Izvestia how to prevent, recognize and treat sunburn. It clarifies that excessive ultraviolet radiation not only causes painful damage, but also increases the risk of developing skin cancer — melanoma.