Heat illness is something we all may want to be aware of as we step out of your house in warm temperatures! A heat stroke is a severe form of heat-related illness and is a leading cause of death among athletes in July and August.
What is heat illness?
Your bodies create a tremendous amount of internal heat, are normally cooled through sweating and radiating heat through our skin. During hot weather, especially with high humidity or vigorous exercise in hot weather, sweating just isn’t enough. This natural cooling system may begin to fail, allowing internal heat to build up to dangerous levels thus developing a heat illness. Most heat illnesses occurs from staying out in the heat too long. Exercising too much for your age and physical condition are also factors. Older adults, young children and those who are sick or overweight are most at risk. If left untreated, heat exhaustion may escalate into heatstroke, which can be fatal.
Heat-related illnesses include:
- Heatstroke – a life-threatening illness in which body temperature may rise above 106° F in minutes; symptoms include dry skin, rapid, strong pulse and dizziness.
- Heat exhaustion – an illness that can precede heatstroke; symptoms include heavy sweating, rapid breathing and a fast, weak pulse.
- Heat cramps – muscle pains or spasms that happen during heavy exercise
- Heat rash – skin irritation from excessive sweating.
Symptoms of Heat Illness:
- Dehydration
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Weakness
- Nausea/vomiting
- Chills
- Hyperventilation (rapid breathing)
- Dark colored urine
How can it be treated?
- Getting cover under a shaded area.
- Loosen or remove clothing
- If it is heat stroke, cool the person rapidly using cool (not cold) water immersion. If immersion is not available you may use spray from a hose, cold water sponging or placing cold towels over the entire body.
- Monitoring body temperature.
- Providing cool beverages if possible
- Getting medical assistance as soon as possible
Stay updated with Care Club’s News in order to prevent yourself from current health risks!
