Insolation (disease)

It is called sunstroke, icto solar, ictus solis or heat stroke to the disease caused in the head by the excessive heat of the sun.

Heat stroke is characterized by nausea, vomiting, headache, heat of the skin, numbness and alteration of muscle fibers exposed to their effects. In extreme cases convulsions and other serious conditions can be observed. The treatment against insolation consists of transporting the patient to a cool place, cold infusions, stimulating frictions, cool and slightly exciting, revulsive drinks.

It is necessary to distinguish sunstroke from solar erythema and heat stroke that are much less severe. Sunshine can still have an effect in the shade under a roof or on the sidewalks sheltered from the sun by the reflection of the sun's rays. Heat stroke does not have to be exclusively in a situation of exposure to the sun, it is also produced by the combination of high temperatures, high humidity and poor ventilation; the body is not able to maintain the temperature and rises above important limits like 40 - 41 º C. In situations usually occurs in closed cars or buses in the sun or industrial buildings with little aeration.

When the human brain undergoes very high temperatures can convulse and cause brain damage. It is important that older people are aware of this situation as both the feeling of thirst for dehydration and sensitivity to cold and heat are affected by normal aging.

The main recommendation is adequate hydration before you feel thirsty and avoid places with high temperatures and poorly aerated.

This article contains material from the popular encyclopedic dictionary Salvat from the years 1906 to 1914 which is in the public domain.

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