Heat-related illnesses, like heat exhaustion or heat stroke, occur when the body cannot properly cool. While the body normally cools itself by sweating, this might not be enough during extreme heat. In these cases, a person's body temperature rises faster than it can cool down, damaging the brain and other vital organs.
Heat exhaustion is a milder heat-related illness, but if untreated, it can lead to heat stroke, a potentially life-threatening condition.
Heat stroke occurs when the body's internal temperature rises to dangerous levels because the body's standard cooling mechanism breaks down.
If you exercise or work in very hot weather and don't drink enough water or other fluids, your body may not be able to produce enough sweat to cool itself. Heat stroke can occur if the body temperature remains above 103 degrees for very long, leading to even higher temperatures. A temperature that remains above 106 degrees can cause organ shutdown, brain damage and possibly death.
As we age, our bodies become less efficient at cooling, so older adults and those with circulation problems should be especially concerned about prolonged heat.
Symptoms of heat exhaustion
Excessive sweating
Cool, clammy skin
Pale or ashen appearance
Rapid heartbeat
Headache
Dizziness
Nausea or vomiting
Abdominal or muscle cramps
Fatigue
Fainting
Weakness
Slight fever
What to do if you suspect heat exhaustion
Move the victim to a cool, shaded site and loosen tight or sweat-soaked clothing.
If the person is alert and able to swallow and breathe without difficulty, let them drink cool water (without ice) and follow that with a weak salt solution (1 teaspoon of salt in 1 quart of water) or a sports drink containing electrolytes, such as Gatorade. You can also give a pediatric oral rehydration formula such as Pedialyte. Do not give the victim salt tablets.
Have the person lie down and elevate their legs and feet.
Give the victim a sponge bath or pour cool water over them.
If you have one available, use an electric fan or a hair dryer set on cool to fan the victim. If not, use a magazine or your hand. This helps lower the skin temperature.
Using a thermometer, take the victim's temperature every few minutes. Continue cooling the person until body temperature has dropped to 101 or 102 degrees Fahrenheit. But be careful that the person doesn't become chilled. If the victim's temperature begins to climb again, repeat the cooling process.
If the person's condition does not improve quickly, call 911 or go to an emergency facility immediately. In some cases, the victim may need to get intravenous fluids or be resuscitated.
Symptoms of heat stroke
Heat stroke is much more serious than heat exhaustion, and it can come on suddenly. Symptoms of heat stroke include the following:
High body temperature, 103 degrees Fahrenheit or more
Red, hot or dry skin
Racing pulse
Rapid and shallow breathing
Confusion
Seizures
Hallucinations
Unusual behavior, such as irritability or aggressiveness
Dark urine
Nausea
Throbbing headache
Unconsciousness
What to do if you suspect heat stroke
If the person shows serious signs of disorientation, falls unconscious or begins twitching, they need immediate medical attention.
Call 911 or go to an emergency facility right away.
While waiting for help, move the victim to a shady area and into an air-conditioned location if possible.
Quickly remove the outer layers of clothing.
Cool the victim rapidly using the best means available: Spray the person with a garden hose or spray bottle, sponge with cool water, place in a tub of cool water, or wrap in cool, wet sheets and fan vigorously.
Put cold compresses or ice packs under the victim's armpits and on the neck and groin.
Monitor body temperature using a thermometer. Continue treatment until the temperature has dropped to 101 or 102 degrees Fahrenheit, and keep checking every few minutes to ensure that it doesn't climb again.
Remember, do NOT give the victim an alcoholic drink, even if it is cool. This can raise body temperature. Avoid tea and other stimulants as well.
Do not give the victim antihistamines or pain relievers such as aspirin.
If the ambulance is delayed, call the emergency room for instructions.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
