Guide To Heat-Related Illnesses

Heat Stroke

Heat stroke is the most serious kind of heat-related illness and requires immediate emergency medical attention. If individuals don't treat heat stroke immediately, there could be damage to their muscles, kidneys, heart, and brain. This damage can be life-threatening or permanently disabling. Heat stroke occurs when an individual's body temperature rises to at least 104 degrees Fahrenheit. Some individual's temperature rises even higher. A 104 degrees Fahrenheit core body temperature is the main symptom of heat stroke. The condition can lead to multiple physical and neurological symptoms. For instance, patients may have altered behavior or an unusual mental state including slurred speech, confusion, irritability, agitation, delirium, and seizures. As symptoms progress, affected individuals may enter a coma. Patients with heat stroke often experience vomiting and nausea, a racing heart, flushed skin, rapid breathing, and a headache. It's important to call 911 if you think you or someone around you may be experiencing heat stroke.

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Heat Exhaustion

Heat exhaustion isn't as immediately life-threatening as heat stroke, but it's still a serious illness that requires prompt medical treatment. The most dangerous thing about heat exhaustion is if it's not treated, it can lead to heat stroke. Strenuous physical activity and high temperatures can cause the condition, especially if they're combined with high levels of humidity. Individuals can prevent heat exhaustion by hydrating, resting, and paying attention to their body. If an individual thinks they have heat exhaustion, they should stop their physical activity immediately. Then, they should drink sports drinks or cool water and move into the shade or an air-conditioned area. Heat exhaustion presents with multiple symptoms including heavy sweating, cool skin with goosebumps, dizziness, faintness, weak and rapid pulse, fatigue, muscle cramps, headache, nausea, and a drop in blood pressure when standing.

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