Extreme heat is a prolonged period of very hot weather, often combined with high humidity. It is the leading cause of weather-related deaths in the United States, responsible for more fatalities each year than hurricanes, floods, and tornadoes combined. According to the National Weather Service, heat waves result in hundreds of deaths annually—yet the danger is often underestimated.
Heat-related illness develops in stages. Recognizing the warning signs can help prevent a life-threatening emergency.
Stage one: Heat Cramps
Heat cramps are painful muscle spasms usually in the abdomen, legs or arms, caused by overheating and loss of fluids and salt.
- Heat cramps should be taken as a warning
- Move indoors or to a shaded area
- Drink plenty of cool fluids such as water or a drink with electrolytes
- Gently stretch and massage the affected muscles
If steps aren’t taken to cool down and hydrate, the body will soon move into the next stage of heat-related illness.
Stage two: Heat Exhaustion
Heat cramps do not always precede heat exhaustion, but almost always occurs during heavy activity in extremely hot and humid conditions. Profuse sweating causes further dehydration, but the sweat does not evaporate from the skin as it should (usually due to high humidity), and the body loses the ability to cool itself.
Signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion include:
- Heavy sweating or pale, moist or flushed skin
- Headache, dizziness or lightheadedness
- Extreme thirst
- Nausea
What to do if you experience heat exhaustion:
- Move indoors or to a shaded area
- Drink plenty of cool water or a sports drink with electrolytes
- Apply a wet cloth to the skin or spray cool (not cold) water from a spray bottle or garden hose
- If feeling faint or dizzy, lie back and elevate legs 6 to 8 inches
Act immediately. If ignored, heat exhaustion can quickly progress to the most serious heat-related illness, heatstroke.
Heatstroke:
Heatstroke is a severe, life-threatening emergency. It is a complete breakdown of the body’s temperature control system. Sweating ceases, body temperature rises and vital organs begin to shut down. If immediate action is not taken, heatstroke will lead to shock, coma, brain damage and even death.
Signs and symptoms of heatstroke include:
- A severe headache
- Rapid, weak heartbeat
- Rapid, shallow breathing
- High body temperature (sometimes as high as 105°F)
- Cessation of sweating and dry, red, hot skin
- Confusion, fainting or complete loss of consciousness
- Seizures
Steps to take if someone is experiencing a heatstroke:
- Call 911 immediately
- Immediately move the person indoors or to a cool, shady place
- Lower their body temperature by covering them with wet sheets or spraying cool water
- Wrap ice or cold packs in a cloth and place them in the armpits, neck and groin area
- If they are alert enough, give cool fluids to drink
Of course, the best treatment of all for heat-related illness is prevention. Follow these tips:
- Avoid vigorous outdoor activity between the hours of 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., when temperatures often peak
- Drink fluids throughout the day instead of waiting until you’re thirsty, and avoid beverages containing caffeine or alcohol
- Wear light-colored, loose clothing and a hat for shade
- Teach children to recognize when they’re too hot and need to cool down. Teach them that in these cases, they must go indoors right away and drink water
- Check on elderly persons, young children and people taking certain medications such as diuretics as they are at a higher risk for heat-related illness. Extra care is required to prevent an emergency
