This is intended to be a general resource and not medical advice. Always call your primary medical professional or 911 at the first sign of concerning symptoms.
Man, it's HOT outside! The dog days of summer are sticking around, and with school back in session and fall sports well underway, opportunities for people of all ages to fall ill due to heat increase significantly. Before I define heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke, remember these prevention tips when outside in hot weather:
- Wear loose fitting, lightweight clothing
- Use sunscreen. Sunburn keeps skin from being able to cool itself.
- Stay hydrated. Water and drinks with electrolytes-- not sugary drinks like soda-- help your body sweat appropriately (it's a good thing!)
- NEVER leave anyone (or pets) in a parked car, even with windows cracked or in shade, in hot weather.
- Know if you or someone else is at increased risk due to medications taken regularly or certain medical conditions.
Here's what you need to know about HEAT CRAMPS, HEAT EXHAUSTION, AND HEATSTROKE.
Heat Cramps
Signs and symptoms: Painful, involuntary muscle spasms that are worse during exercise in hot temperatures. Spasms usually occur in the calves, arms, abs and back, but any muscle group is susceptible.
Treatment: First, always consider calling your primary medical professional, especially if/when symptoms do not go away within an hour or so. If you suspect you or someone you know has heat cramps, seek rest and try to cool down. Drink clear juice or an athletic drink containing electrolytes. Do not try to stretch do other range-of-motion exercises. Refrain from resuming exercise/athletic activities for several hours.
Heat Exhaustion
Signs and symptoms: Heavy sweating and a rapid pulse. Skin might feel cool and damp, even in hot weather. The person might feel faint or dizzy, and be experiencing muscle cramps (see heat cramps above). Dehydration, alcohol use, overdressing, and strenuous activity in hot weather can all be causes of heat exhaustion.
Treatment: Seek rest in a cooler area by laying down, and elevate feet slightly. Try to regulate body temperature and heart rate. Drink clear juice or an athletic drink containing electrolytes.
Heatstroke
Signs and symptoms: Extremely high body temperature (104*F or higher), confusion, slurred speech, nausea and vomiting, flushed skin, rapid breathing and heart rate.
Treatment: Seek immediate medical assistance. Heatstroke is the most serious form of heat-related illness. Get the person indoors or into shade. Remove excess clothing, and cool them with whatever is available- a cool tub of water, fan with cool mister, ice packs on the person's head, neck and armpits.
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