The hot summer heat is here, and with it comes the risk of heat-related illnesses. Heat-related illnesses can range from mild conditions like heat cramps and rashes to moderate illnesses like heat exhaustion, and more severe outcomes like heatstroke. As the body gets hotter, conditions can quickly get worse.
Being proactive in mitigating the risk of all heat-related illnesses is important. Also critical is to watch for the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion because it can lead to heatstroke, a life-threatening condition.
Heat exhaustion is the body’s response to overheating. It can be caused by being exposed to high temperatures, particularly when there is also high humidity, or as a result of intense physical activity. Although it can present differently for different people, there are common signs and symptoms to watch for.
Signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion:
- High body temperature
- Confusion and lack of coordination
- Skin rash
- Muscle cramps
- Dizziness or fainting
- Nausea or vomiting
- Heavy sweating
- Headache
- Rapid breathing and heartbeat
- Extreme thirst
- Dark urine and decreased urination
If you or someone around you experiences any of these symptoms during extreme heat, immediately stop all activity, move to a cool place and hydrate - water is best. If symptoms get worse or don’t improve, seek medical assistance.
Heatstroke is the most serious form of heat-related illness. It occurs when the body can no longer control its own temperature. Heatstroke requires emergency treatment. If left untreated heatstroke can damage vital organs, with damage worsening the longer treatment is delayed, or can cause death.
Signs and symptoms of heatstroke:
- High body temperature
- Confusion and lack of coordination
- Dizziness/fainting
- Severe nausea and vomiting
- No sweating
- Very hot, red skin
- Rapid breathing and heart rate
If you recognize these signs and symptoms in yourself or someone else, call 911 immediately and try to cool yourself or them down while help is on the way. Move the affected person to a cool place or shade, remove excess clothing, apply cold water to large areas of their skin and fan the person as much as possible. Do not leave the person alone until medical assistance has arrived.
Learn more about heat-related illnesses at canada.ca/health.
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