Here comes the sun - Don’t forget to stay cool

The recent news of a British soldier dying of heatstroke, whilst serving in Iraq, is a reminder of the seriousness of this condition. It is unlikely that holidaymakers will ever be in a situation where this condition will lead to death, but it can put a strain on a body’s internal organs, as well as lead to other complications. Young children and babies are particularly at risk.

Sunstroke, or heatstroke is an illness caused by prolonged exposure to very hot temperatures or dehydration. It can also be caused if the body’s own temperature regulation mechanisms fail to work properly. Even a rise of a couple of degrees from the body’s normal temperature can have profound effects on the way the metabolism works. Very often a human exposed to very hot temperatures can suffer first from heat exhaustion which manifests itself as nausea, dizziness, fatigue, a headache, rapid pulse, rapid breathing and muscle cramps. The warning signs that this is becoming potentially fatal sunstroke are hot, flushed skin, no sweating, a high body temperature, confusion and loss of consciousness. Exposure to extreme heat can cause a breakdown in the body’s ability to reduce its own temperature through sweating, and body temperature can reach as much as 107F. If the body is dehydrated, and cannot cool the skin through sweat evaporation, this compounds the problem.

This can cause the failure of many of the body’s vital systems, such as the heart, lungs, kidney and brain. The sufferer can fall into shock and unconsciousness. However, the more rapidly treatment is given, the more likely a fully recovery is to be made. The sufferer should be cooled down as quickly as possible, perhaps by putting them in a cold water bath, and then taken straight to hospital. If the symptoms of heat exhaustion are present and the person involved is still sweating, drinks should be given, but not salt pills.

If caught early enough, the patient should be able to recover by staying out of the sun, and by drinking plenty of fluids. However, if the patient needs to be seen by a doctor then the necessary medical insurance should be in place, particularly if hospital treatment is needed.

MediCare International’s policies cover all eventualities in relation to heat strokes. Commenting on the condition, David Pryor, Senior Executive said: “It goes without saying that people working or holidaying in hot countries should stay out of the midday sun, particularly if they are planning do some sort of sporting or work activity. If it is absolutely required, then people should make sure they wear a protective sun hat, as well as drink plenty of fluids. If the policyholder is unlucky enough to be affected in a serious way by the heat or over exposure to the sun, MediCare International always ensures they are well taken care of, to avoid long term damage or distress to the body and if local medical facilities are not appropriate, we will arrange to have the client airlifted to the nearest suitable hospital.”

For details of MediCare’s international health insurance plans visit medicare.co.uk