Sun, summer, sunstroke How to recognize heat emergencies
Temperatures over 30 degrees, the sun burning mercilessly from the sky: caution is advised here. The high temperatures can be really dangerous for the body. You must act if you experience these symptoms.
01.08.2022, 14:56
13.08.2024, 16:03
dpa/sda/amo
The heat is extremely stressful for the body. Inadequate hydration, excessive sun exposure or even illness can lead to emergencies, because on hot days the body is busy trying not to overheat.
"At high temperatures, we sweat more because the sweat cools the body from the outside," explains Prof. Jörg Schlaak, Head Physician at the Clinic for Internal Medicine at Ameos Klinikum St. Clemens in Oberhausen.
"However, this also leads to an additional loss of fluids of up to two liters on very hot days." All that sweating also upsets the body's salt balance.
If you don't drink enough and spend too long in the blazing sun, you can really feel the consequences. An overview of heat emergencies - and what to do.
Heat stroke
Heatstroke causes heat to build up in the body, which is no longer able to cool itself down by sweating. According to the Federal Center for Health Education (BZgA), the body temperature rises rapidly during heat stroke. It can reach 40 degrees or more within 10 to 15 minutes.
What are the signs of heatstroke?
- Hot and dry skin
- Accelerated pulse
- Cramps
- Vomiting
- Loss of consciousness is also possible
In the elderly, chronically ill people and children, heatstroke usually occurs due to the combination of high temperatures and a severe lack of fluids and electrolytes. In healthy adults, too much physical exertion, such as sport or outdoor work, usually leads to heatstroke.
What to do?
Heatstroke is life-threatening. Heatstroke develops within one to six hours and can lead to death in less than 24 hours if no countermeasures are taken.
"In the event of heatstroke, medical treatment is essential," says internist Schlaak. The most important measure is to restore the body's fluid and salt deficiency by means of infusions.
Until the emergency services arrive, the following applies: move the affected person into the shade and protect them from the sun's rays. The upper body should be elevated. The affected person's body can be cooled with wet cloths, for example. Caution: Ice must not be allowed on the skin.
If the person is conscious, you can also offer them something to drink - water, juice spritzers or fruit teas.
Sunstroke
If you are in the blazing sun for a while without headgear, the meninges can become irritated - in severe cases it can even lead to swelling of the brain, according to the BZgA. This is called sunstroke.
Incidentally, the symptoms can also occur when you are no longer in the sun.
"Young children are particularly at risk and should never go out in the scorching sun without a hat," says Schlaak. This is because they have less hair on their heads and a thinner skullcap. They are therefore more sensitive to the sun's rays.
What to do?
The same applies here: get into the shade - and as quickly as possible. According to the BZgA, it is best to keep your head and upper body slightly elevated. And of course: drink plenty of fluids. If you experience symptoms of severe sunstroke, such as loss of consciousness or a stiff neck, call an ambulance.
Heat exhaustion
What are the signs of heat exhaustion?
- Severe thirst
- Feeling weak and exhausted
- Cold and clammy skin
- Shallow and rapid breathing
Heat exhaustion is also not to be trifled with. This can develop into heat stroke. According to internist Schlaak, drowsiness and weakness are signs that you should definitely react to - also to prevent worse.
What to do?
Even with heat exhaustion, it is best to move to a cooler place quickly and drink plenty of fluids. If the condition does not improve after an hour or if the body temperature rises above 38 degrees, it is advisable to have your condition checked out by a doctor, according to the BZgA.
Heat cramp
Heat cramps usually occur in people who sweat a lot during exertion. This causes the body to lose salt and fluid.
What are the signs of a heat cramp?
- Painful muscle cramps
- Usually affects the legs and abdomen, sometimes only after a few hours.
What to do?
People with a heat cramp should rest in a cool place, carefully stretch the affected muscles and drink electrolyte-containing drinks.
Heat rash
What are the signs?
A heat rash is a skin irritation caused by heavy perspiration. Heat rash can occur at any age, but is particularly common in young children.
What are the signs of a heat rash?
- Red pimples or small blisters
- Mainly in the neck and upper chest area, in the groin area, under the breasts and in the elbow folds
What to do?
The best treatment is to keep the area cool and less humid. The affected areas should be kept dry, talcum powder can also be used. Ointments or creams should not be applied, as these keep the skin warm and moist and can increase the symptoms.
