CLEVELAND — When sweltering-hot temperatures arrive, it’s important for you to take extra precautions to avoid any heat-related illnesses.
But do you know the signs and symptoms to watch for when it comes to heat stroke and heat exhaustion?
Here’s an outline of everything you need to know as listed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
“Heat-related illnesses, like heat exhaustion or heat stroke, happen when the body is not able to properly cool itself,” according to the CDC. “While the body normally cools itself by sweating, during extreme heat, this might not be enough. In these cases, a person's body temperature rises faster than it can cool itself down. This can cause damage to the brain and other vital organs.”
HEAT STROKE
“Heat exhaustion can lead to heat stroke, a serious heat-related illness,” the CDC explains. “Heat stroke is when body’s temperature rises quickly, and your body cannot cool itself down.”
The CDC warns that heat stroke "can cause death or permanent disability if emergency treatment is not provided."
Symptoms
- High body temperature (103 or higher)
- Hot, red, dry or damp skin
- Fast, strong pulse
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Confusion
- Losing consciousness (passing out)
What to do
- Call 911 right away as heat stroke is a medical emergency
- Move the person to a cooler place
- Help lower the person’s temperature with cool cloths or a cool bath
- Do not give the person anything to drink
HEAT EXHAUSTION
"Heat exhaustion is a mild heat-related illness that occurs hot temperatures and when you do not drink enough water or other non-alcoholic fluids,” the CDC says. “People at highest risk for heat exhaustion are the elderly, those with high blood pressure, and those working or exercising in the heat.”
Symptoms
- Heavy sweating
- Cold, pale and clammy skin
- Fast, weak pulse
- Nausea or vomiting
- Muscle cramps
- Tiredness or weakness
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Fainting
What to do
- Move to a cool place
- Loosen your clothes
- Put cool, wet cloths on your body or take a cool bath
- Sip water
Get medical help if you are throwing up, your symptoms get worse or last for longer than one hour.
WHO’S AT AN INCREASED RISK?
“The elderly, young children, and people with chronic conditions are more likely to get heat-related illness and become ill more quickly compared to healthy adults,” according to the CDC. “However, even young and healthy people can get heat-related illness from spending too much time in the heat.”
PREVENTION AND PREPARATION
So how can you prevent heat stroke / heat exhaustion? Here's a list of tips from the American Red Cross...