Dangers of Heat Exposure

Warm weather brings joy to everyone's lives, but sometimes we overindulge in it. It can become especially dangerous during strenuous activity or exercise outdoors. The following are examples of three physical problems triggered by hot weather that are often due to a combination of high temperature and dehydration.

Heat cramps

Heat cramps are jolting, throbbing muscle spasms that typically affect the hamstrings. They seem to coincide with heat, dehydration, and poor physical fitness, as opposed to a salt deficiency or mineral imbalance. Rest, water intake, and cooler air will help the cramps subside.

Heat exhaustion

The name hints that heat exhaustion is caused by a mixture of exhaustion and excessive heat exposure, but it is also a result of dehydration. Symptoms related to heat exhaustion include:

Paleness
Wooziness
Nausea
Vomiting
Fainting
Rise in body temperature to 101°F or 102°F

Mild heat exhaustion may be cured with rest and drinking water, while ice packs and an air-conditioned environment may help as well. Severe cases of heat exhaustion may call for an IV, especially if repeated vomiting prevents them from swallowing enough water.

Heat stroke

Heat stroke is the worst off all conditions caused by high temperatures. If it is hot enough, people who are inactive can even suffer from heat stroke. A victim will exhibit warm, rosy skin, but they will not perspire at all. However, an athlete who experiences heat stroke after an intense workout in hot weather could still be sweating significantly. Whether it is induced by exercise or not, a person with heat stroke often has a temperature of approximately 106°F and may become unconscious, hallucinate, or go into convulsions. If a person suffering from heat stroke does not lower their body temperature fast enough, it can turn deadly. Immediate first aid should feature the application of ice packs to the surface of the skin. Once EMS has arrived, the patient needs to be rehydrated with IV fluids and escorted to a hospital as quickly as possible. Since numerous organs can stop functioning during heat stroke, the patient will most likely need to remain at the medical facility for testing.

If you experience signs of heat cramps, heat exhaustion, or heat stroke, take your temperature using an oral or rectal thermometer because an ear or forehead thermometer could give false readings; sweat has the ability to disguise your body temperature if a forehead thermometer is used.

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