Symptoms of Sunstroke and Who Can Get It?

Usually, you get this condition after very strenuous activity in an environment with a very high temperature. This also happens if you are not used to the environment that you just worked in. Too much exercise during summer is a common cause too. Another reason is when you have a fever and the environment contributes to the hotness of your body.

If the weather is humid, this could be a factor in rendering your body\'s cooling mechanism since your sweating system would be less effective. Your clothes are an important factor too. If you overdress by wearing too many layers of clothes in a hot environment, then for sure you are at high risk of developing the condition. There are also instances where overeating and having high doses of alcohol could be contributing factors.

Nevertheless, the main cause would be your body\'s loss of NaCl (sodium chloride) or salt, rather than dehydration.

Basically, anybody could get sunstroke, as long as they\'re exposed to high temperatures. However, there are population groups that are considered to be more prone in getting it. Here are some of them:

1. Young children
2. The elderly
3. Those that have congestive heart failure and Arteriosclerosis
4. Alcoholics
5. Diabetics

The most common signs and symptoms of the condition include:

1. Inability to sweat
2. Hot, dry skin
3. Flushed skin, which develops into paleness or purplish color
4. Hyperventilation or shallow and rapid breathing
5. High pulse rates
6. High body temperature (above 40°C)
7. Muscle cramps
8. Headaches/ Migraines
9. Dilated pupils

If the environment is hot, your body rids itself of its excess heat by increasing blood flow to your skin, breathing out warm air and sweating.