While many look forward to the high-temperatures and recreation opportunities that come with summer, others recognize summer months as a time when the risk of heat stroke and heat exhaustion is the highest. Those who are most susceptible to heat stroke and heat exhaustion include young children and elderly individuals.
Heat Stroke Symptoms: Recognize Heat Stroke
Heat stroke is the most serious heat-related condition and can cause death or permanent disabilities, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). When a person experiences heat stroke, their body is unable to control its own temperature. The body temperature increases up to 106 degrees Fahrenheit in 10 to 15 minutes. As a result, the body cannot sweat and thus cannot cool down.
Symptoms of heat stroke include high temperatures, a lack of sweat, a high pulse rate and a headache, according to the CDC. Skin often will be red, hot and dry. Nausea and dizziness will often accompany other symptoms.
Heat Exhaustion Symptoms: Signs of Heat Exhaustion
Though not as severe as heat stroke, heat exhaustion also prevents a risk for those who could be affected by heat-related illnesses. Heat exhaustion often occurs when a person is dehydrated and the condition can manifest during a period of several days, according to the CDC.
Symptoms of heat exhaustion include heavy sweating, muscle cramps, weakness, paleness and tiredness. Those suffering from heat exhaustion may have cool and moist skin, may be dizzy and could have a headache or be nauseous. They often will be exhibit fast and shallow breathing.
How to Prevent Heat Stress and What to do if Someone has Heat Stress
Someone who exhibits heat stress symptoms or heat exhaustion symptoms should seek medical care immediately by calling 911. Move the person indoors or to a shady area and try to cool their body temperature immediately. The CDC recommends placing the person in a cool bath or shower, spraying them with cool water from a hose or fanning them vigorously.
Preventing heat stress can be fairly simple, provided the proper steps are taken. To keep from experiencing heat stroke or heat exhaustion, those in warm temperatures should drink cool, non-alcoholic beverages and refrain from engaging in strenuous activity, according to the CDC. On extremely hot days, the CDC recommends that at-risk individuals remain indoors in an air-conditioned atmosphere such as a home, public library or public mall.
Sources:
CDC Extreme Heat: Heat Stress in the Elderly. Center for Disease Control and Prevention. CDC.gov. Accessed Ma 24, 2010.
Kristen Nichols - Kristen is a freelance reporter and copywriter covering Olympic and Paralympic sport for Suite101.com. Kristen's love of sport developed ...
