The body's natural cooling system and how heat overwhelms it
The body primarily cools itself through sweating, where evaporation helps remove excess heat. However, high humidity makes this process less efficient. When the body's temperature regulation is overwhelmed by prolonged or extreme heat, it can lead to dangerous temperature rises and a range of heat-related illnesses.
Understanding the spectrum of heat illness
Heat cramps
Heat cramps are painful muscle spasms, often in the legs, arms, and abdomen, caused by significant loss of salt and fluids through sweating during activity in the heat. They are the mildest heat injury but indicate the body is struggling.
First aid for heat cramps:
- Move to a cool place and rest.
- Drink water or sports drinks.
- Gently stretch and massage muscles.
- Seek medical help if cramps last over an hour, worsen, or if you have heart problems.
Heat exhaustion
Heat exhaustion is more serious, resulting from excessive water and salt loss. It happens when the body can't cool down properly and can progress to heatstroke.
Common symptoms of heat exhaustion include:
- Heavy sweating
- Weakness, fatigue, or dizziness
- Cool, pale, or clammy skin
- Fast, weak pulse
- Headache
- Nausea or vomiting
- Muscle cramps
First aid for heat exhaustion:
- Move to a cooler environment, ideally air-conditioned.
- Loosen clothing.
- Apply cool, wet cloths or use a cool bath.
- Give sips of cool water.
- Seek medical attention if symptoms worsen, vomiting occurs, or last over an hour.
Heatstroke: A medical emergency
Heatstroke is the most severe heat illness and a life-threatening emergency. The body's temperature control fails, causing core temperature to rise rapidly to 104°F (40°C) or higher. This requires immediate medical attention to prevent permanent disability or death. A key symptom is a change in mental state.
Common symptoms of heatstroke include:
- Very high body temperature (above 103°F)
- Hot, red, dry, or damp skin
- Rapid, strong pulse
- Throbbing headache
- Dizziness and confusion
- Slurred speech
- Loss of consciousness or seizures
First aid for heatstroke:
- Call 911 immediately.
- Move the victim to a cooler environment.
- Reduce body temperature rapidly with cool cloths or a bath.
- Do NOT give fluids.
Comparison of heat exhaustion and heatstroke
| Feature | Heat Exhaustion | Heatstroke |
|---|---|---|
| Body Temperature | Elevated, but typically below 104°F (40°C) | Significantly elevated, often above 104°F (40°C) |
| Sweating | Heavy sweating and cool, clammy skin | Sweating mechanism fails, resulting in hot, dry skin; however, in exertional heatstroke, skin may be damp |
| Mental State | Normal mental status, though may feel dizzy or irritable | Altered mental status, including confusion, slurred speech, or loss of consciousness |
| Pulse | Fast and weak | Rapid and strong |
| Severity | Serious, but not immediately life-threatening if treated promptly | Life-threatening medical emergency requiring immediate attention |
| Treatment | Move to cool place, provide cool fluids, loosen clothing, cool compresses | Call 911, move to cool place, rapidly cool the body; do NOT give fluids |
Who is most at risk for heat sickness?
Certain groups are more vulnerable to heat-related illness. These include older adults and young children due to less efficient temperature regulation, outdoor workers and athletes, individuals with chronic medical conditions like heart disease or diabetes, people on certain medications, and those in urban areas with higher temperatures.
Prevention strategies for beating the heat
Preventing heat illness involves simple steps: stay in air-conditioned areas, as fans may not suffice above 90°F; drink plenty of fluids but avoid alcohol, sugar, and caffeine; schedule strenuous activities for cooler times; wear light, loose clothing; never leave anyone in a parked car; and check on vulnerable individuals. You can find more resources on the CDC's website.
Conclusion
Heat can cause illnesses ranging from cramps to the life-threatening heatstroke. Recognizing the signs and understanding how heat affects the body is crucial. Preventative measures like staying hydrated and seeking cool environments are key. Knowing the difference between heat exhaustion and heatstroke, particularly the presence of altered mental state, is vital for seeking immediate emergency care.
