Attention to those who fall asleep while sunbathing: ‘A life-threatening situation’

Internal Medicine Specialist Assoc. Prof. Dr. Alihan Oral issued warnings against heat stroke. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Alihan Oral, emphasizing that falling asleep while sunbathing can pose a vital danger, shared ways to protect against heat stroke.

With the increase in temperatures nationwide, experts have started to issue warnings one after another. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Alihan Oral, an Internal Medicine Specialist at Biruni University Hospital, who made statements about heat stroke, stressed the importance of avoiding going outside between 12.00 and 16.00 and emphasized the necessity of taking protective measures against the sun. Oral stated that among these measures are using a hat, umbrella, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Additionally, he recommended choosing light-colored clothes and scheduling exercise for cooler hours, mentioning that individuals in the risk group should be more cautious.

“It is a life-threatening condition”
Providing information about heat stroke, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Alihan Oral said, “Heat stroke is a life-threatening condition that occurs when there is a problem with the sweat glands responsible for regulating the body’s temperature due to the increase in temperature. In cases of heat stroke, as the body cannot regulate its natural temperature, the temperature of internal organs increases. This can lead to failure of many organs. Symptoms may include headaches, nausea, vomiting, weakness, fatigue, and even fainting.”

“We should avoid going outside between 12.00 and 16.00”
Stating that it can lead to a life-threatening situation, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Alihan Oral expressed, “Due to fluid loss, the condition can progress to hospitalization. It affects the heart and can lead to the loss of the patient. Now, the important point here is to prevent this from happening. What is it? Of course, protective measures from sunlight such as a hat, umbrella, and sunglasses can be effective. Sunscreen can also be beneficial. There are hours when the sun’s rays are more direct. What are those hours? Generally, we should avoid going outside between 12.00 and 16.00. Wearing light and light-colored clothes is protective. If we are going to exercise, we need to shift our exercise to hours when the temperature is lower. And we should consume plenty of water.”

“Those who fall asleep while sunbathing are at great risk”
Warning about those who fall asleep while sunbathing, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Alihan Oral said, “Those who fall asleep while sunbathing are at great risk, they cannot feel it. You cannot feel that heat. It already emerges later. Suddenly you have a headache, feel nauseous, you can faint. There are risk factors for this. Who are they? Pregnant women, children under two years old, the elderly, those with chronic illnesses, those with diabetes, those with heart diseases, obese individuals, those with COPD, or people who will work under the sun.”

“The patient should be taken to a cool place and undressed”
Listing what should be done in case of heat stroke, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Alihan Oral said, “First, the patient should be taken to a cool place and undressed. The patient should drink plenty of water. The patient should be kept in a cool place to reduce the temperature, and if necessary, should be taken to the hospital. More serious cases require hospitalization. They need to receive fluids intravenously. If the symptoms persist, it is necessary to seek medical attention.”