As the days get longer and the weather is hot naturally people tend to spend more time outdoors. Picnics, trips to beach, floating, they all involve exposure to the sun and the heat.
It is important to remain vigilant in order to prevent heat-related illnesses that can result in serious complications, or even death. Even though heat related deaths are preventable they still claim the lives of over 100 Americans each year.
The main cause of a heat-related illness is your body’s inability to cool itself. Sweat is your body’s natural tool for cooling you down. If you overexercise or work strenuously in hot weather or a heated room, your body may have difficulty producing enough sweat to keep you cool.
If you experience heat exhaustion for a long periods of time it could lead to heat stroke. Heat stroke can come on quickly, especially if it is very hot. It is also important to address heat related illnesses quickly instead if letting them build to heat stroke levels.
Heat Exhaustion Symptoms include:
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Headache
- Excessive Thirst
- Muscle aches and cramps
- Confusion
- Dizziness or fainting
- Cold or clammy skin
- General weakness
Heat Stroke is the most serious heat-related injury and is considered an emergency and is often in conjunction with dehydration. If you suspect someone has heat stroke, also called sunstroke, call 911 immediately.
Some symptoms of heatstroke include:
- Elevated body temperature of over 103 degrees
- Rapid pulse or heart rate
- Throbbing headache
- Nausea and vomiting
- Loss of consciousness
- Hot, flushed, dry skin
The CDC has a handy chart detailing the signs and symptoms of most heat-related illnesses.
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