Sunstroke is a medical emergency caused by over heating of the body especially in extremely hot and humid conditions.

Causes

• Prolonged exposure to the sun
• Overheating of the body due to strenuous physical activity
• Inability of the body’s cooling system to function properly
• Dehydration
• Consumption of alcohol

Symptoms

• Red, hot and dry skin
• Rapid pulse rate
• Rapid shallow breathing
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Nausea and vomiting
• Muscle cramps
• Disorientation
• Incoherent speech
• Hallucination
• Convulsions
• Loss of consciousness

Treatment

Sunstroke is life threatening and medical help should be called for immediately. First aid should include:

• Moving the individual to a cool area
• Removing constricting clothing
• Making the individual drink lots of cool drinks especially water
• Giving cool water bath
• Applying cold water towels to the skin

Prevention

• Drink plenty of water
• Avoid very hot sun
• Avoid caffeinated beverages
• Avoid overstraining the  body in extreme heat
• Wear light and loose clothing preferably cotton
• Keep the head covered while moving out in very hot sun