HOMOEOPATHIC REMEDIES FOR SUNSTROKE OR HEATSTROKE

Heatstroke is a condition caused by your body overheating, usually as a result of prolonged exposure to or physical exertion in high temperatures. This most serious form of heat injury, heatstroke, can occur if your body temperature rises to 104 F (40 C) or higher. The condition is most common in the summer months.

Heatstroke requires emergency treatment. Untreated heatstroke can quickly damage your brain, heart, kidneys and muscles. The damage worsens the longer treatment is delayed, increasing your risk of serious complications or death.

Causes-- Heatstroke can occur as a result of:

·         Exposure to a hot environment. In a type of heatstroke, called nonexertional (classic) heatstroke, being in a hot environment leads to a rise in core body temperature. This type of heatstroke typically occurs after exposure to hot, humid weather, especially for prolonged periods. It occurs most often in older adults and in people with chronic illness.

·         Strenuous activity. Exertional heatstroke is caused by an increase in core body temperature brought on by intense physical activity in hot weather. Anyone exercising or working in hot weather can get exertional heatstroke, but it's most likely to occur if you're not used to high temperatures.

In either type of heatstroke, your condition can be brought on by:

·         Wearing excess clothing that prevents sweat from evaporating easily and cooling your body

·         Drinking alcohol, which can affect your body's ability to regulate your temperature

·         Becoming dehydrated by not drinking enough water to replenish fluids lost through sweating

Symptoms--

Heatstroke signs and symptoms include:

·         High body temperature. A core body temperature of 104 F (40 C) or higher, obtained with a rectal thermometer, is the main sign of heatstroke.

·         Altered mental state or behavior. Confusion, agitation, slurred speech, irritability, delirium, seizures and coma can all result from heatstroke.

·         Alteration in sweating. In heatstroke brought on by hot weather, your skin will feel hot and dry to the touch. However, in heatstroke brought on by strenuous exercise, your skin may feel dry or slightly moist.

·         Nausea and vomiting.  Feel sick to your stomach or vomit.

·         Flushed skin. Skin may turn red as your body temperature increases.

·         Rapid breathing. Breathing may become rapid and shallow.

·         Racing heart rate.  Pulse may significantly increase because heat stress places a tremendous burden on your heart to help cool your body.

·         Headache.  Head may throb.

Risk factors--- Anyone can develop heatstroke, but several factors increase your risk:

·         Age. Your ability to cope with extreme heat depends on the strength of your central nervous system. In the very young, the central nervous system is not fully developed, and in adults over 65, the central nervous system begins to deteriorate, which makes your body less able to cope with changes in body temperature. Both age groups usually have difficulty remaining hydrated, which also increases risk.

·         Exertion in hot weather. Military training and participating in sports, such as football or long-distance running events, in hot weather are among the situations that can lead to heatstroke.

·         Sudden exposure to hot weather. You may be more susceptible to heat-related illness if you're exposed to a sudden increase in temperature, such as during an early-summer heat wave or travel to a hotter climate. Limit activity for at least several days to allow yourself to acclimate to the change. However, you may still have an increased risk of heatstroke until you've experienced several weeks of higher temperatures.

·         A lack of air conditioning. Fans may make you feel better, but during sustained hot weather, air conditioning is the most effective way to cool down and lower humidity.

• Certain medications. Some medications affect your body's ability to stay hydrated and respond to heat. Be especially careful in hot weather if you take medications that narrow your blood vessels (vasoconstrictors), regulate your blood pressure by blocking adrenaline (beta blockers), rid your body of sodium and water (diuretics), or reduce psychiatric symptoms (antidepressants or antipsychotics).

Stimulants for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and illegal stimulants such as amphetamines and cocaine also make you more vulnerable to heatstroke.

• Certain health conditions. Certain chronic illnesses, such as heart or lung disease, might increase your risk of heatstroke. So can being obese, being sedentary and having a history of previous heatstroke.

Complications-- Heatstroke can result in a number of complications, depending on how long the body temperature is high. Severe complications include:

·         Vital organ damage. Without a quick response to lower body temperature, heatstroke can cause your brain or other vital organs to swell, possibly resulting in permanent damage.

·         Death. Without prompt and adequate treatment, heatstroke can be fatal.

HOMOEOPATHIC REMEDIES

Homoeopathy today is a rapidly growing system and is being practiced all over the world. It strength lies in its evident effectiveness as it takes a holistic approach towards the sick individual through promotion of inner balance  at mental, emotional, spiritual and physical levels. When heatstroke  is concerned there are many effective medicines available in Homoeopathy , but the selection depends upon the individuality of the patient , considering mental and physical symptoms.

GLONOINUM 30—Glonoinum is one of the top remedies for sunstroke where the patient has severe agonizing congestive headache with waves of terrible, pounding headache. Throbbing and bursting headache. Headache is better from sleep. Face becomes hot and red. Irritability and confusion of mind may be present.

VERATRUM ALB  30—Veratrum alb is another top remedy for sunstroke. The patient may faint or collapsed due to hot weather. The face is pale with profuse and clammy sweat. Extreme coldness , especially of hands and feet is also experienced. The skin is cold as death.

AMYL NITROSUM 30---Amyl nitrosum is prescribed where surging of blood to head and face occurs with fiery  red face. Sensation  as if blood would start through skin with heat and redness. Violent beating of the heart and carotids. The person has great anxiety , as if something bad might happen.

BELLADONNA 30---Belladonna is another remedy for sunstroke with vascular headache. Throbbing , hammering headache, especially on temples, worse motion, better letting hair down, laying the hand on head, bending head backwards. Face is bright red, galssy eyed and the pupils are dilated. The pulse is strong and fast. No thirst , but has a dry mouth. The skin is bright red, hot and dry. Sometimes the person may faint due to weakness.

OPIUM 200—Opium is effective for sunstroke with coma and fatigue. It should be tried after Belladonna.

GELSEMIUM  1000—Gelsemium is prescribed where patient feels dullness ,drowsiness and confusion  due to heatstroke.  They may experience changes in vision and sore muscles. There is headache in back of head. Vertigo. Band feeling around head with heaviness of eyelids.  Weakness and trembling of the body. The person is not thirsty.  It is also good for as a preventive for the effects of heat of sun.

LAHESIS 200—Lachesis is best for heat stroke with headache, especially on the left side, worse after waking from sleep. The patient is dizzy  and may faint. Hot water greatly fatigues.

NATRUM MURIATICUM 200—Natrum mur is prescribed for the chronic effects of sunstroke with headache, returning in hot weather. The person experiences debility and headache by sun heat.

NATRUM CARBONICUM    30---Natrum carb is another remedy  for chronic affection of heat stroke. There is extreme weakness due to hot weather, worse from a least exertion.

Prevention-- Heatstroke is predictable and preventable. Take these steps to prevent heatstroke during hot weather:

·         Wear loosefitting, lightweight clothing. Wearing excess clothing or clothing that fits tightly won't allow your body to cool properly.

·         Protect against sunburn. Sunburn affects your body's ability to cool itself, so protect yourself outdoors with a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses and use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15. Apply sunscreen generously, and reapply every two hours — or more often if you're swimming or sweating.

·         Drink plenty of fluids. Staying hydrated will help your body sweat and maintain a normal body temperature.

·         Take extra precautions with certain medications. Be on the lookout for heat-related problems if you take medications that can affect your body's ability to stay hydrated and dissipate heat.

·         Never leave anyone in a parked car. This is a common cause of heat-related deaths in children. When parked in the sun, the temperature in your car can rise 20 degrees F (more than 6.7 C) in 10 minutes.

It's not safe to leave a person in a parked car in warm or hot weather, even if the windows are cracked or the car is in shade. When your car is parked, keep it locked to prevent a child from getting inside.

·         Take it easy during the hottest parts of the day. If you can't avoid strenuous activity in hot weather, drink fluids and rest frequently in a cool spot. Try to schedule exercise or physical labor for cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or evening.

·         Get acclimated. Limit time spent working or exercising in heat until you're conditioned to it. People who are not used to hot weather are especially susceptible to heat-related illness. It can take several weeks for your body to adjust to hot weather.

·         Be cautious if you're at increased risk. If you take medications or have a condition that increases your risk of heat-related problems, avoid the heat and act quickly if you notice symptoms of overheating. If you participate in a strenuous sporting event or activity in hot weather, make sure there are medical services available in case of a heat emergency