Sunstroke (Heatstroke): Causes, Symptoms, First Aid & Prevention Tips in Extreme Heat

Summer in India can be intense. Temperatures soar, humidity rises, and being outdoors during peak hours can become dangerous. If you’ve ever felt dizzy, nauseous, or extremely tired after spending too much time in the sun, you may have experienced the early signs of sunstroke.

Also known as heatstroke, sunstroke is a medical emergency that occurs when your body overheats and can’t cool down effectively. If not treated on time, it can lead to serious complications—even life-threatening ones. But the good news is: it’s completely preventable.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through what sunstroke is, its symptoms, first aid measures, and how to stay safe during extreme heat. This guide is written to help you and your loved ones understand the risks and protect yourselves.

What Is Sunstroke?

Sunstroke or heatstroke happens when the body’s internal temperature rises too high—usually above 104°F (40°C)—due to prolonged exposure to heat or physical exertion in high temperatures. When this happens, the body’s natural cooling system (sweating) fails, and it becomes difficult to regulate temperature.

Sunstroke is not just about feeling hot or tired. It is a medical emergency that needs immediate attention to prevent damage to the brain, heart, kidneys, and muscles.

Key Symptoms of Sunstroke

Sunstroke symptoms can come on suddenly or after early signs of heat exhaustion. Recognizing them early can make all the difference.

Look out for these common symptoms:

• Very high body temperature (above 104°F / 40°C)
• Red, hot, and dry skin (no sweating in some cases)
• Rapid heartbeat and breathing
• Throbbing headache
• Nausea and vomiting
• Dizziness or fainting
• Confusion, irritability, or disorientation
• Muscle cramps or weakness
• Seizures
• Loss of consciousness

Important: If someone is experiencing these signs, they need urgent medical help. Don’t wait for symptoms to pass on their own.

First Aid for Sunstroke: What You Should Do Immediately

If you suspect someone has sunstroke, time is of the essence. Follow these simple first aid steps while waiting for emergency services:

Step-by-Step First Aid Guide:

1. Move the person to a cooler place
   Get them indoors or to a shaded area—anywhere away from direct sunlight.
2. Help lower their body temperature
   • Remove excess clothing.
   • Use a cold, wet cloth or sponge to cool their skin.
   • Apply ice packs to the armpits, neck, and groin, where blood flow is high.
   • Fan them while spraying cool water.
3. Offer fluids—if they’re alert
   If the person is conscious, offer cool water or an oral rehydration solution (ORS). Avoid caffeine or alcohol.
4. Do NOT give anything by mouth if they’re unconscious
   This can lead to choking. Instead, focus on cooling them and getting medical help.
5. Call emergency services immediately
   Sunstroke can escalate quickly. Don’t delay medical attention.

Who Is Most at Risk of Sunstroke?

While sunstroke can affect anyone, certain people are more vulnerable, especially during Indian summers.

High-risk groups include:

• Infants and young children
  Their bodies don’t regulate temperature as effectively.
• Older adults (above 60 years)
  Age-related changes make it harder to cope with heat.
• People with chronic illnesses
  Diabetes, heart disease, and obesity can increase the risk.
• Outdoor workers
  Construction workers, delivery agents, traffic police, and farmers are regularly exposed to extreme heat.
• Athletes or fitness enthusiasts
  Exercising in hot weather without hydration can trigger sunstroke.
• People on certain medications
  Some medications (like diuretics or antihistamines) can impair the body’s ability to stay cool.

How to Prevent Sunstroke: Simple Daily Habits

The best way to avoid sunstroke is to prevent overheating in the first place. Here’s how you can stay safe during summer:

1. Stay Hydrated
   • Drink plenty of water throughout the day—even if you don’t feel thirsty. Add natural electrolytes like ORS, lemon water, buttermilk, or coconut water to replenish salt and minerals.
2. Dress for the Heat
   • Wear loose, light-colored cotton clothes that allow your skin to breathe. Avoid dark colors that absorb heat. Don’t forget your hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
3. Avoid Peak Sun Hours
   • Try to limit outdoor activities between 10 AM to 4 PM, when the sun is strongest. If you must go out, take breaks in the shade.
4. Use Sunscreen
   • Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30. Sunburn can interfere with the body’s cooling system and increase your risk of sunstroke.
5. Modify Physical Activity
   • Avoid vigorous workouts in the heat. If you’re exercising outdoors, do it early in the morning or after sunset.
6. Never Leave Children or Pets in a Parked Car
   • Even for a few minutes, a closed car can turn into a furnace. This is one of the leading causes of fatal heatstroke in children.

Heatstroke and India: A Growing Concern

In India, where summer temperatures can regularly cross 45°C, the threat of sunstroke is real and rising.

• Cities like Delhi, Patna, Ranchi, and Kanpur experience prolonged heatwaves.
• According to the National Disaster Management Authority, thousands of people have died due to heat-related illnesses over the past few years.
• With climate change, these numbers are expected to increase.

This makes awareness and prevention critical—especially for families, the elderly, and outdoor workers.

When to Visit a Hospital

If someone is showing signs of sunstroke and first aid doesn’t help, it’s time to head to the nearest hospital. Symptoms like:

• Confusion
• Unconsciousness
• High fever
• Difficulty breathing
• Continuous vomiting

… all require immediate medical attention.

At Paras Hospitals, our emergency care team is available 24x7 to provide rapid, expert care for heat-related illnesses. Whether it’s sunstroke, dehydration, or heat exhaustion, our experienced doctors and nurses are equipped to handle it all.

Final Takeaway: Don’t Let the Heat Beat You

Sunstroke isn’t something to take lightly. But the good news? With a little planning and awareness, it’s easy to prevent.

This summer, let’s promise ourselves and our loved ones:

• To drink more water,
• Stay cool and shaded,
• Check on vulnerable neighbors or elderly family members,
• And recognize the signs early.

If you feel hot, dizzy, or tired—listen to your body. It’s telling you to rest, rehydrate, and cool down.

Your health matters. Let’s beat the heat together—one drop of water and one shady spot at a time.

Need Help? Visit Paras Hospitals

At Paras Hospitals, we believe in putting patients first. Our team of expert emergency doctors is always ready to treat sunstroke and other heat-related illnesses with compassion and care.

Don’t wait—if you suspect sunstroke, seek medical attention immediately. Your quick action could save a life.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Sunstroke

What is the difference between sunstroke and heat exhaustion?

Heat exhaustion is a milder condition caused by dehydration and overheating. You may feel dizzy, tired, or sweaty. If not treated, it can progress to sunstroke, which is more severe and includes symptoms like confusion, high fever, and loss of consciousness. Sunstroke is a medical emergency.

How long does it take to recover from sunstroke?

Recovery time depends on the severity of the sunstroke. Mild cases may recover in a few hours to a day with proper rest and hydration. Severe cases can take several days and may require hospitalization. Always follow your doctor’s advice for a full recovery.

Can sunstroke cause long-term damage?

Yes, if left untreated, sunstroke can lead to serious complications such as brain swelling, kidney failure, or damage to internal organs. Quick treatment is crucial to avoid long-term effects.

Can you get sunstroke even if it's cloudy or windy?

Yes. Even on cloudy days, UV rays and heat can still affect your body, especially during high humidity. Always stay hydrated and protect yourself if you’re spending time outdoors.

What drinks help prevent sunstroke?

Drink water, ORS (oral rehydration solution), coconut water, lemon water, or buttermilk. These keep you hydrated and replenish essential salts and minerals. Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and sugary sodas, which can dehydrate you.

Who should be most careful during heatwaves?

During heatwaves, certain groups need to be especially cautious. These include elderly individuals, infants, and young children, as their bodies struggle to regulate temperature effectively. People with chronic health conditions like diabetes, heart disease, or obesity, as well as pregnant women, are also at higher risk. Outdoor workers and athletes who spend long hours in the sun face greater exposure, and those taking medications like diuretics or antidepressants may have impaired heat regulation. Staying hydrated, avoiding the sun during peak hours, and keeping cool are essential for these vulnerable groups.

Is sunstroke contagious?

No, sunstroke is not contagious. It’s a heat-related illness caused by external temperature and dehydration, not by bacteria or viruses.

What is the best time to go outside during summer?

Try to avoid going outside between 10 AM to 4 PM. If needed, go early in the morning or after sunset, when temperatures are cooler.