Heat Illness
Overview
Heat illness, also known as heat-related illness, is a spectrum of disorders that occur when the body is unable to properly cool itself, resulting in a rise in body temperature. The body normally cools itself by sweating, but sometimes sweating isn't enough and the body temperature rises rapidly. This can lead to damage to the brain and other vital organs.
Types of Heat Illness
There are several types of heat illness, ranging from mild conditions such as heat rash and heat cramps, to more severe conditions such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
Heat Rash
Heat rash, also known as prickly heat, is a skin irritation caused by excessive sweating during hot, humid weather. It can occur at any age but is most common in young children. Heat rash looks like a red cluster of pimples or small blisters.
Heat Cramps
Heat cramps are painful, involuntary muscle spasms that usually occur during heavy exercise in hot environments. The sweating that occurs causes the body to lose fluids and salts, which leads to cramping.
Heat Exhaustion
Heat exhaustion is a more severe condition than heat rash and heat cramps. It is a result of the body overheating and includes symptoms such as heavy sweating, rapid pulse, dizziness, fatigue, cool and moist skin with goose bumps when in the heat, and fainting.
Heat Stroke
Heat stroke is the most severe form of heat illness and is a life-threatening emergency. It is the result of long, extreme exposure to the sun where the individual does not sweat enough to lower body temperature. It is a condition that develops rapidly and requires immediate medical treatment.
Causes
Heat illness can occur as a result of exposure to high temperatures, particularly when combined with high humidity and strenuous physical activity. Without prompt treatment, heat illness can lead to life-threatening conditions.
Risk Factors
Certain factors can increase the risk of heat illness, including:
- Age: Infants and children up to age 4, and adults over age 65, are particularly vulnerable because they adjust to heat more slowly than other people.
- Health conditions: Certain chronic illnesses, such as heart or lung disease, can increase your risk of heat illness.
- Medications: Certain drugs, including diuretics, antihistamines, and beta blockers, can affect your body's ability to stay hydrated and dissipate heat.
Prevention
Prevention of heat illness involves recognizing the risks and taking steps to stay cool. This can include:
- Staying hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially when working or exercising in hot weather.
- Dressing appropriately: Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.
- Taking it easy during the hottest parts of the day: If you can't avoid strenuous activity in hot weather, drink fluids and rest frequently in a cool spot.
Treatment
Treatment for heat illness depends on the severity of the condition. For milder forms such as heat rash and heat cramps, moving to a cooler place, drinking fluids, and resting can help. For more severe forms such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke, medical attention is necessary.