Heatstroke/Sunstroke
Heatstroke/Sunstroke
Symptoms
Symptoms of sunstroke can occur suddenly [Table 1].
Once your body loses its ability to regulate heat, body temperature can rise quickly. Symptoms of sunstroke include sudden headache, dizziness, weakness, or fainting. Because your body's thermostat is malfunctioning, you will only sweat a little bit or not at all. The skin is hot and dry. Body temperature can rise to 102°F (38.9°C) or higher. In severe cases, repeated vomiting and coma can occur.
Table 1. Symptoms of Sunstroke
| Sudden dizziness, weakness, or faintness |
| Sudden headache |
| Little or no sweating |
| Hot and dry skin |
| High body temperature, typically 102°F (38.9°C) or higher |
| Rapid heartbeat |
| Muscle cramps |
| Vomiting |
| Coma |
Risk Factors
Young children and the elderly are at an increased risk for heatstroke and sunstroke [Table 2].
Young children who rely on others to modify their environments—for example, to remove extra blankets or heavy clothing—may be sensitive to rising temperatures. Elderly adults are less sensitive to changes in temperature, so their thermostats work less efficiently. People with excess body fat are also more likely to retain heat.
Conditions or medications that cause dehydration can increase your risk for sunstroke
Skin disorders such as scleroderma can interfere with your ability to sweat. Dehydrating medications; for example, the diuretics furosemide (Lasix) or hydrochlorothiaszide (Esidrix) make less water available in the body for sweat, thereby crippling your body's cooling system.
