As far as weather-related hazards go, extreme heat is among the most dangerous. According to the Centers for Disease Control, extreme heat causes more deaths each year than floods, hurricanes and tornadoes.
That’s because not everyone realizes how stressful high temperatures can be to the body.
“Extreme heat forces both the heart and skin to work really hard,” said Dr. Dylan Wyatt, emergency medicine physician at Aspirus Health. “The body wants to pull heat away from the core. The hotter it gets, the harder that becomes.”
Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are the two main heat-related illnesses to watch for. Wyatt explains what each is and how to spot the signs early.
Heat exhaustion
“Heat exhaustion is when the body is struggling to keep up with the demands of its cooling,” said Wyatt.
This occurs when the body becomes overheated and dehydrated and is no longer able to effectively regulate its temperature.
Common symptoms include:
• Heavy sweating.
• Weakness or fatigue.
• Headache.
• Dizziness or lightheadedness.
• Nausea.
• Muscle cramps.
• Fast heartbeat.
It is often accompanied by a strong sense of thirst and cool, clammy skin.
If these symptoms start to develop, it is important to move to a cooler or shaded area, rest, and drink water or electrolyte fluids to rehydrate.
Heat stroke
Heat stroke is the most severe form of heat-related illness and is a medical emergency.
“The difference between heat exhaustion and heat stroke is between a red flag warning sign and an emergency siren,” said Wyatt.
This happens when the body’s temperature rises to 104 degrees or higher, and the body can no longer cool itself down.
Symptoms can include:
• Confusion.
• Agitation.
• Slurred speech.
• Severe headache.
• Nausea or vomiting.
• Rapid pulse.
• Fainting or loss of consciousness.
• Very high body temperature.
Skin may feel hot, and in some cases dry, though sweating may still occur.
Heat stroke can quickly lead to organ failure, brain damage or death if not treated promptly. Call 911 immediately while trying to cool the person until help arrives.
How to protect yourself
In addition to recognizing and responding to the symptoms of heat-related illnesses, there are important steps you can take to prevent them.
Staying hydrated should be the top of your priorities.
“You need to be drinking eight ounces of water for about every 15 minutes of activity in the heat,” said Wyatt. “If you start to feel thirsty, you are already behind.”
He added that a reliable indicator of hydration is urine color. If it is lighter than lemonade, such as clear or pale yellow, you are well hydrated.
It is also important to avoid physical exertion during the hottest parts of the day.
“Try to schedule work or intensive training exercises earlier in the morning when temperatures are cooler,” Wyatt said.
If you have questions about how to stay safe in hot weather, talk to your primary care provider.
