Heat-related Illness

What happens to the body as a result of exposure to extreme heat? 

People suffer heat-related illness when the body’s temperature control system is overloaded. The  body normally cools itself by sweating. But under some conditions,  sweating just isn’t enough. In such cases, a person’s  body temperature rises rapidly. Very high body temperatures may damage the brain or other vital organs. Several factors affect the body’s ability  to cool itself during extremely hot weather. When  the humidity is high, sweat will not evaporate as quickly, preventing the body from releasing  heat quickly. Other conditions that can limit the ability to regulate temperature include old age, youth (age 0-4), obesity, fever, dehydration, heart disease, mental illness, poor circulation, sunburn, and prescription drug use and alcohol use.
  
Who is at greatest risk for heat-related illness? 

Those at greatest risk for heat-related illness include infants and children up to four years of age, people 65 years of  age and older, people who  are overweight,  and people who are ill or on certain medications. 

What is heat stroke? 

Heat stroke is the  most serious heat-related illness. It occurs when the body becomes unable to control its temperature: the body’s temperature rises rapidly, the sweating mechanism fails,  and the body is unable to cool down. Body temperature may rise to 106°F or higher within 10 to 15 minutes. Heat stroke  can cause death or permanent disability if emergency treatment is not provided. 

What are the warning signs of a heat stroke? 

Warning signs of heat stroke vary but may include the following: 

• An extremely high body temperature (above 103°F) 
• Red, hot, and dry  skin (no sweating) 
• Rapid, strong pulse 
• Throbbing headache 
• Dizziness
• Nausea  
• Confusion
• Unconsciousness  

What should I do if I see someone with  any of the warning signs  of heat stroke? 

If you see any of these signs,  you may be dealing  with a life-threatening emergency. Have someone call for immediate medical assistance while you begin cooling the victim. Do the following: 

• Get the victim to a shady area. 
• Cool the victim rapidly, using whatever methods you can. For example, immerse the victim  in a tub of cool water; place  the person  in a cool shower; spray  the victim with cool water from a garden hose; sponge  the person  with cool water; or if the humidity is low, wrap  the victim in a cool, wet sheet and fan him or her vigorously.   
• Monitor body  temperature and continue cooling efforts until  the body temperature drops  to 101-102°F. 
• If emergency medical personnel are delayed, call  the hospital emergency room for further instructions. 
• Do not give  the victim alcohol to drink. 
• Get medical assistance as soon as possible. 

What is heat exhaustion? 
  
Heat exhaustion  is a milder form of heat-related illness that can develop after several days of exposure  to high temperatures and inadequate  or unbalanced replacement of fluids. Those most prone to heat exhaustion are elderly people, those with high blood pressure, and those working  or exercising  in a hot environment. 

What are  the warning signs of heat exhaustion? 
  
The warning signs of heat exhaustion include  the following: 

• Heavy sweating 
• Paleness  
• Muscle cramps 
• Tired

Notes: Dr. Nelson Crumfield

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EditText of this page (last edited July 12, 2010)