28 years
I went to the beach 4 days ago, when i came back i had a strong headache that wont go away anymore, and i feel sleepy all the time
Aug 12, 2014
Signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion include:
• Heavy sweating
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Pale, clammy skin
• Thirst
• Rapid heartbeat
• Dizziness, fainting
• Nausea, vomiting
• Muscle and abdominal cramps
• Mild temperature elevations
• Weakness
• Dark urine (i.e. concentrated urine, a sign of dehydration)
Heat exhaustion occurs most when the body gets exposed to high temperatures and becomes dehydrated, usually from not drinking enough fluids. It can also be caused by replacing large volumes of sweat are with fluids that don't contain enough salt (salt is needed to retain water in your body and not lose it in the urine or sweat).
In your case, the following factors increase the risk of developing heat exhaustion:
• Being dehydrated
• Obesity (if you have weight issues)
• Drinking alcohol
• Physical exertion in hot or humid environments (if you have run or played volley ball on the beach)
• Taking medications (if it applies to your case) that interfere with the body's ability to cool itself, including antipsychotics, tranquilizers, antihistamines, tricyclic antidepressants, beta-blockers, and some over-the-counter sleeping pills
Treatment:
Now that you have already developed heat exhaustion, this needs to be treated as follows:
-rest in a shady spot or an air conditioned room (preferable)
-drink cool (not icy) fluids
-immerse your body in cold water or spray yourself with cold water and fanning (to cool down your core temperature)
-drink water, which is usually enough to reverse dehydration, but you can also drink a sports drink that contains electrolytes.
Prevention (for future reference):
If you are to spend long hours in the heat, drink plenty of fluids before, during, and after the time period. Take the following precautions to prevent heat exhaustion:
- Check the heat index: it informs you how hot it feels outside in the shade, which is different from the actual outside temperature. The heat index is a measurement of how hot it feels when relative humidity is combined with the effects of the air temperature. When you are standing in full sunshine, the heat index value is even higher. A heat index of 32C or higher is dangerous.
- Drink more fluids than usual. This helps improve heart function, maintain kidney function, and lower the body's core temperature. Dehydration can stress the heart and reduce the kidneys' ability to maintain the correct balance of electrolytes (charged elements -- such as potassium, sodium, phosphorous, and chloride -- which are essential for normal cellular function).
- Drink plenty of water before starting an outdoor activity. Drink extra water all day. Remember that heat-related illnesses are not only caused by high temperatures and a loss of fluids, but also a lack of salt in the body. Some sports drinks can help replenish the salt in your body lost through sweating.
- Drink fewer beverages that contain caffeine (such as tea, coffee and soda) or alcohol.
- Choose cooler times of day to go outside
- Drink water or other fluids every 20-30 minutes, even if you don't feel thirsty. If you have clear, pale urine, you are probably drinking enough fluids. Dark-colored urine is an indication that you're dehydrated
- Take cool baths every hour
- Wear loose, lightweight clothing.
- Wear a hat or use an umbrella.
- Use sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 at least
WATCH OUT FOR SIGNS OF HEAT STROKE
Heatstroke occurs when the core body temperature reaches 40°C. It can happen after heat exhaustion that isn't properly treated. Heatstroke is much more serious than heat exhaustion because it can result in damage to your organs and brain
Symptoms of a heatstroke include:
• High fever (≥40°C)
• Severe headache
• Dizziness and feeling light-headed
• A flushed or red appearance to the skin
• Lack of sweating
• Muscle weakness or cramps
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Fast heartbeat
• Fast breathing
• Feeling confused, anxious or disoriented
• Seizures
If you have these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.
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