Recognize the signs and symptoms of heat illnesses
| Health tips: Heat exhaustion and heatstroke | | | Dear Reader,
As the temperature rises, so does the risk of health-related illnesses, like heat exhaustion and heatstroke. It’s important to recognize the signs and symptoms of heat illnesses and learn how to prevent them.
Heat exhaustion and heat cramps: With heat exhaustion and heat cramps, your internal body temperature doesn't rise as high as with heatstroke. Other symptoms may include cool, moist skin with goose bumps while in the heat; heavy sweating; faintness and dizziness; a weak, rapid pulse; and muscle cramps.
The following steps may lower your body temperature and ease symptoms: Get to a shady or air-conditioned place. Cool off with damp sheets and a fan, or take a cool shower or bath. If you're outdoors, soak in a cool pond or stream. Rehydrate — drink lots of fluids. Because you lose salt through sweating, consume sports drinks to replenish salt and water. Don't drink alcoholic or sugary beverages — these interfere with your body's ability to control your temperature. Rest. Don't resume strenuous activity for several hours after symptoms go away. | Heatstroke: Without prompt treatment, heat exhaustion can lead to heatstroke, a life-threatening condition that requires emergency medical attention. Untreated heatstroke can quickly damage your brain, heart, kidneys and muscles. The damage worsens the longer treatment is delayed.
Signs and symptoms: High body temperature of 104 F (40 C) or higher. Confusion, agitation, slurred speech, irritability, delirium, seizures and coma may occur. Alteration in sweating. In heatstroke brought on by hot weather, your skin will feel hot and dry to the touch. In heatstroke brought on by strenuous exercise, your skin may feel moist. Flushed skin. As body temperature increases, skin may turn red, especially in people with white skin. Nausea, vomiting and headache. Racing heart rate and rapid breathing. | | While waiting for emergency treatment to arrive, take immediate action to cool the overheated person: Get the person into shade or indoors and remove excess clothing. Cool the person with whatever means available — use a cool tub of water or a cool shower; spray with a garden hose; sponge with cool water; fan while misting with cool water; or place ice packs or cold, wet towels on the person's head, neck, armpits and groin. |
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