Hot-Weather Health Threats

Mother nature has turned up the heat. It's summer - and hot weather comes with the territory. But be careful. Too much heat can be dangerous.

About 300 people die each year from the heat, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Normally, the body cools itself by sweating. Sometimes, though, sweating isn't enough. When this happens, the body cannot cool itself, which can lead to heat cramps, heat exhaustion or heat stroke.

Heat cramps

People who sweat a lot when they are active are more prone to heat cramps. Too much sweating can deplete the body of salt and moisture, leading to heat cramps.

Muscle pain or spasm in the abdomen, arms or legs due to heat cramps usually occurs when you are physically active. Heat cramps often seem like mild annoyances, but do not ignore them. They can be a symptom of heat exhaustion. People with heart problems or those on a low-salt diet should call the doctor if they get heat cramps.

Heat exhaustion

Heat exhaustion usually develops after prolonged exposure to high temperatures, such as several hot days or even several hours of physical activity in extreme heat. Sodium and potassium are important minerals that help regulate fluids in and out of your body's cells. Too little to drink along, with out-of-sync body fluids, can cause heat exhaustion.

Those most vulnerable to heat-related illness are the elderly, people with high blood pressure and those who work or exercise in hot temperatures.

Signs of heat exhaustion include:

• Heavy sweating.
• Paleness.
• Muscle cramps.
• Tiredness.
• Dizziness.
• Headache.
• Nausea or vomiting.
• Fainting.
• Cool, moist skin.
• Weak pulse.
• Fast, shallow breathing.

Symptoms of heat exhaustion should not be ignored. They can lead to heat stroke. Confusion is a sign of heat stroke. If you notice this, call 911 right away.

Heat stroke

Heat stroke occurs when the body cannot regulate its temperature. This is a life-threatening condition. The sweating mechanism fails and the body cannot cool down. The body temperature rises extremely high, sometimes above 110 degrees F, and can cause damage to major organs.

Signs of heat stroke include:

• An extremely high body temperature. Normal body temperature is 98.6 degrees.
• Red, hot and dry skin without sweating.
• Quick pulse.
• Throbbing headache.
• Dizziness.
• Nausea.
• Confusion.
• Unconsciousness.

Prevention

Your best defense is prevention. Here's how you can protect yourself and your family:

• Make sure you stay well hydrated, especially if you are in the heat for extended periods of time.
• If you are being treated for a medical condition, ask your doctor how much you should be drinking. You need even more fluid if you are exercising or working in the heat.
• Fluids with caffeine, alcohol or a lot of sugar may actually dehydrate you so you may want to consider limiting your intake.
• Stay indoors, preferably in air conditioning. Visiting a mall for even a few hours can help your body cool down.
• Take a cool shower or bath.
• Limit your outdoor activities to the morning and evening.
• Cut down on your exercise in extreme heat, or exercise in the cooler times of day.
• Don't sunbathe. Wear a wide-brimmed hat in the sun.
• Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.
• Ask your doctor about your medications. Certain ones can affect body temperature regulation.
• Look for signs of heat-related illness in the elderly, infants and young children.

And if you or anyone with you seems to be having symptoms of a heat illness, get the person to a cool, shady area and try to cool the person down.

Related Articles Heat Too Hot to Handle

External Source The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

This article was reviewed and updated June 2007.

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