Heat Illness (original) (raw)

Also called: Heat exhaustion, Heat stroke, Sunstroke

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Summary

Your body normally cools itself by sweating. During hot weather, especially when it is very humid, sweating just isn't enough to cool you off. Your body temperature can rise to dangerous levels and you can develop a heat illness.

Most heat illnesses happen when you stay out in the heat too long. Exercising and working outside in high heat can also lead to heat illness. Older adults, young children, and those who are sick or overweight are most at risk. Taking certain medicines or drinking alcohol can also raise your risk.

Heat-related illnesses include:

• Heat stroke - a life-threatening illness in which body temperature may rise above 106 °F (41 °C) in minutes. Symptoms include dry skin, a rapid, strong pulse, dizziness, nausea, and confusion. If you see any of these signs, get medical help right away.
• Heat exhaustion - an illness that can happen after several days of exposure to high temperatures and not enough fluids. Symptoms include heavy sweating, rapid breathing, and a fast, weak pulse. If it is not treated, it can turn into heat stroke.
• Heat cramps - muscle pains or spasms that happen during heavy exercise. You usually get them in your abdomen, arms, or legs.
• Heat rash - skin irritation from excessive sweating. It is more common in young children.

You can lower your risk of heat illness by drinking fluids to prevent dehydration, replacing lost salt and minerals, and limiting your time in the heat.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Start Here

• Extreme Heat (Department of Homeland Security) Also in Spanish

• Extreme Heat and Your Health (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) Also in Spanish

• Hot Weather Safety for Older Adults (National Institute on Aging) Also in Spanish

• About Heat and Your Health (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) Also in Spanish

• Protect Your Heart in the Heat (American Heart Association)

• Safety Tips for Hot Weather Exercise (Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research)

• Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke (American Academy of Family Physicians) Also in Spanish

• Heat Rash or Prickly Heat (Miliaria Rubra) (VisualDX)

• Heat Stress and Workers (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health)

• Heat-Related Illnesses (American College of Emergency Physicians)

• Heat emergencies (Medical Encyclopedia) Also in Spanish

• How to avoid overheating during exercise (Medical Encyclopedia) Also in Spanish

• Protecting Yourself from Heat Stress (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health) - PDF Also in Spanish

• Working in the Heat: Know the Hazards (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) - PDF - Information on Workers and Heat risks