Symptoms of Heat Related Illnesses

As the country continues to experience one of the longest and hottest summers in history, it is becoming vitally important that we  understand symptoms of heat related illnesses. 

Keeping hydrated and not overexerting is essential. If a person becomes dehydrated after a period of time in the heat, such as during exercise, they can usually replenish their fluids by drinking water or sports drinks. However, if a person becomes severely dehydrated, there is no longer enough fluid in the body to carry blood to the organs. A person suffering from severe dehydration will show symptoms such as altered behavior (confusion, anxiety), faintness, inability to stand or to walk, rapid breathing, cold clammy skin or hot dry skin, and little or no urine output.   Children and babies can become dehydrated much quicker than adults, because their bodies use more water and their kidneys do not conserve water as well as the kidneys of an adult.

Check on the elderly or those without air-conditioning. The key to not becoming ill is to keep the body temperature from getting too high (hyperthermia). Hyperthermia occurs when the body is unable to transfer heat by sweating or by thermoregulation, which is the direction of blood to the skin to cool our body. That is why it is so important NEVER to leave a child or an animal (or anyone, for that matter) in a car when temperatures are above normal. Hyperthermia can also occur if people are working or living in small, unventilated or poorly ventilated spaces. 

Some common heat-related illnesses, their symptoms and treatments, include: 

• Heat Rash. This generally occurs in babies, but can happen to anyone when the sweat ducts become blocked. Symptoms of heat rash include a rash, which looks like little pimples, and itching. Do not dress babies too warmly to prevent heat rash.