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The Causes of Sunstroke

Sunstroke is a severe, potentially life-threatening condition that affects the body's temperature regulation. Deaths from sunstroke are more common than many people realize. For example, between the years of 1992 and 2002, there were 52 deaths attributed to sunstroke in Arizona. The risk of sunstroke varies depending on where a person lives.

  1. External Causes

    • Sunstroke, sometimes called heat stroke, is caused by excessive and prolonged exposure to the sun or heat in hot climates or environments. As environmental temperatures rise, the body's natural cooling systems begin to work. During times of physical activity or after an extended period of time in the sun or heat, the body's systems either don't function well enough or stop functioning entirely.

    Physical Triggers

    • The body reduces body heat via perspiration. As a person perspires, the sweat on the skin evaporates. The body is cooled through this evaporative cooling. If the ambient air temperature is too high, this evaporative cooling effect can fail to adequately lower the body's core temperature. As this temperature rises, the body gets closer and closer to sunstroke. Sunstroke can also be caused by the body running low on fluids due to excessive perspiration. If the body doesn't have enough fluids to perspire, the body's natural cooling system begins to fail. Once the cooling system fails, core body temperatures can begin to reach dangerously high levels.

    Physical Symptoms

    • Physical symptoms of impending sunstroke can include heat cramps, which occur just as the body starts to enter the phase of critical dehydration that precedes sunstroke. Symptoms of sun or heatstroke can include a lack of perspiration, flushed skin, pale skin, purple skin, rapid breathing and pulse, dilated pupils, lethargic behavior or confusion.

    Treating Suspected Sunstroke

    • Sunstroke can be fatal. If you suspect that you or someone you know may be suffering from sunstroke or any other form of heat stroke, it is very important that the person receive medical care. If that is not possible, immersing the person in a cool bath will help lower core body temperatures. If this isn't possible, placing towels soaked in cool water directly on the skin can help. Cool, wet towels need to be re-soaked and re-applied until the core temperature is lowered. One of the dangerous physical causes of sunstroke is a lack of blood to the brain. It is important to elevate the victim's feet to help blood flow to the brain.

    Preventing Sunstroke

    • The best way to prevent sunstroke is to ensure an adequate level of hydration. Wear light-colored, light-weight porous clothing that will reflect the sun's heat away from the body and allow for the easy evaporation or perspiration. Hats that reflect the sun away from the head are also helpful. The most important way to prevent sunstroke is to drink plenty of fluids.

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