When the temperature outside rises, so does the risk for developing a heat-related illness. Heat-related illnesses can range from mild to severe, and in some cases can even be deadly. But there are steps you can take to prevent them.
Here’s what you need to know about heat-related illnesses: what they are, how to prevent them, and what to do if you or someone else has one.
Heat-related illnesses are a type of illness that is caused by exposure to hot temperatures. These illnesses can range from mild to severe, and in some cases can even be deadly. Some of the most common types of heat-related illness include heat stroke, heat exhaustion, and heat cramps.
Heat stroke is the most serious type of heat-related illness. It occurs when your body temperature rises to 104 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. Symptoms of heat stroke include confusion, seizures, and loss of consciousness. If not treated immediately, heat stroke can lead to death.
Heat exhaustion is another type of heat-related illness that can be serious if not treated properly. Heat exhaustion occurs when your body temperature rises to 103 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. Symptoms of heat exhaustion include heavy sweating, weakness, and fainting.
Heat cramps are the least serious type of heat-related illness, but they can still be uncomfortable. Heat cramps occur when your muscles cramp up due to exposure to hot temperatures. Symptoms of heat cramps include muscle pain and spasms.
There are several things you can do to prevent heat-related illness:
- Drink plenty of fluids, especially water, even if you’re not thirsty.
- Avoid drinks with caffeine or alcohol.
- Wear loose, lightweight, and light-colored clothing.
- Take frequent breaks in a cool or air-conditioned place.
- Never leave children or pets alone in a car, even for a short time.
- Check on friends, family, and neighbors who are at risk for heat-related illness.
If you have to be outside in hot weather, take extra precautions:
- Wear a hat or use an umbrella.
- Limit your time in the sun.
- Use sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher and reapply it every two hours.
Heat-related illnesses can range from mild to severe, and in some cases can even be deadly. But there are steps you can take to prevent them. Here’s what you need to know about the symptoms of heat-related illness:
- Mild symptoms: These include things like heat cramps, which are muscle pain or spasms that happen when your body is dehydrated. Heat rash is another mild symptom, and it looks like a red or swollen skin rash. Heat edema is swelling in the hands, feet, and ankles due to fluid retention.
- Moderate symptoms:: These include things like heat exhaustion, which happens when your body loses too much fluids through sweating and you don’t replace them. Symptoms of heat exhaustion include heavy sweating, weakness, cold or clammy skin, fast heart rate, nausea or vomiting.
- Severe symptoms:: These include things like heat stroke, which is a medical emergency. Heat stroke happens when your body temperature gets too high and you can’t sweat anymore to cool off. Symptoms of heat stroke include hot, red, dry or moist skin, fast heart rate, headache, confusion, nausea or vomiting.
If you or someone else has any of these symptoms of heat-related illness, it’s important to get out of the heat and into a cool place as soon as possible. And be sure to call 911 if someone has any of the severe symptoms listed above.
Why is it important to stay hydrated in hot weather?
Dehydration is one of the main causes of heat-related illness, so it’s important to make sure you’re drinking enough fluids when it’s hot outside. To stay hydrated, drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol and caffeinated beverages. If you’re working or exercising outside, take breaks often to cool down and drink fluids.
If you’re already feeling dehydrated, you may need to replace lost fluids by drinking an electrolyte solution like sports drinks or oral rehydration solutions. These beverages can help replace lost electrolytes, which are minerals that help your body function properly. Symptoms of dehydration include thirst, dark urine, dry mouth, and decreased urination.
If you or someone else has a heat-related illness, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms of a heat-related illness can range from mild to severe, and in some cases can be deadly. If you’re with someone who has a heat-related illness, call 911 or take them to the nearest emergency room.
There are a number of factors that can increase your risk for developing a heat-related illness. Some of these include:
- Being 65 years of age or older
- Having a chronic medical condition, such as heart disease, diabetes, or respiratory problems
- Taking certain medications that can affect your body’s ability to regulate its temperature or make you more susceptible to dehydration
- Being overweight or obese
- Having a history of heat-related illness
- Working or exercising in hot weather conditions
- Dressing improperly for hot weather conditions
If you have any of these risk factors, it’s important to take extra precautions when the temperature outside rises.
Climate change is making heat waves more frequent and more intense. That means the risk for developing a heat-related illness is also on the rise. Heat waves can cause dehydration, which makes it harder for the body to cool itself down.
They can also worsen chronic illnesses like heart disease and respiratory problems. And, they can lead to mental health problems like anxiety and depression.
If you live in an area that’s prone to heat waves, it’s important to take steps to protect yourself from the heat. Stay indoors as much as possible when it’s hot outside. Drink plenty of fluids and avoid strenuous activity. And, check on your friends and neighbors who might be at risk for developing a heat-related illness.
What are some tips for staying safe in hot weather?
When the temperature outside rises, so does the risk for developing a heat-related illness. Heat-related illnesses can range from mild to severe, and in some cases can even be deadly.
But there are steps you can take to prevent them. Here’s what you need to know about heat-related illnesses: what they are, how to prevent them, and what to do if you or someone else has one.
Heat-related illnesses occur when your body is unable to cool itself down. This can happen when you’re exposed to high temperatures or when you’re physically active in hot weather.
When your body temperature rises, it causes dehydration and puts strain on your heart and other organs. If not treated quickly, heat-related illness can lead to serious health problems like heat stroke.
There are several things you can do to stay safe in hot weather and prevent heat-related illness:
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids, especially water. Avoid sugary drinks, alcohol, and caffeine, which can dehydrate you.
- Wear loose, light-weight clothing.
- Limit your time outdoors, and take breaks in a cool, air-conditioned place if possible.
What are some signs and symptoms of dehydration?
Dehydration occurs when your body doesn’t have enough water to carry out normal functions. You can become dehydrated from sweating, vomiting, or diarrhea. Signs and symptoms of dehydration include:
- feeling thirsty
- dry mouth
- decreased urine output
- dark-colored urine
- fatigue
- dizziness
Dehydration can be serious, so it’s important to drink plenty of fluids and see a doctor if you or someone you know has signs or symptoms of dehydration.
If you or someone else has a heat-related illness, it’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Symptoms of a more severe heat-related illness, like heat stroke, can come on quickly and can be life-threatening. If you think someone has heat stroke, call 911 immediately.
In general, if you or someone else is experiencing any of the following symptoms, it’s a good idea to see a doctor:
- Confusion or loss of consciousness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Headache
- Muscle cramps
- Rapid heartbeat or pulse
- Rapid breathing
- Excessive sweating or no sweating at all
- Flushed or red skin
If you can’t get to a doctor right away, there are some things you can do to help ease symptoms. For example, if someone has heat stroke, try to cool them down by moving them to a cooler location, applying cool water to their skin, and fanning them. But again, it’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Yes, kids can get heat-related illnesses. In fact, they’re at an even higher risk than adults because their bodies aren’t as good at regulating their internal temperature.
Kids also sweat less than adults, so they’re more likely to become dehydrated in hot weather. If you have a child, it’s important to be extra vigilant about preventing and treating heat-related illnesses.
