Exposure to excessive heat caused 8,015 deaths in the U.S. between 1979 and 2003, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. That's more fatalities from hurricanes, lightning, tornadoes, floods and earthquakes, all combined, during the same time period. Infants, children and the elderly are the most likely to suffer from heat stress, but it can happen to anybody; the young and healthy are at particular risk during periods of strenuous activity in high temperatures. Recognizing the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke in time to seek treatment might save your life, or that of a loved one.
Heat Exhaustion
Heat exhaustion may be triggered by several days of inadequate or unbalanced fluid intake during high temperatures, excessive exercise and heavy perspiration. Possibly symptoms include heavy sweating, a rapid, weak heartbeat, muscle cramps, low blood pressure, cool, moist and pale skin, slightly elevated body temperature, weakness and dizziness, headache, nausea, vomiting, dark-colored urine, paleness and fainting. Monitor victims of heat exhaustion closely, as advised on MayoClinic.com, because heat exhaustion can quickly become a case of heat stroke. Seek medical attention immediately if the victim's temperature rises above 102 degrees F.
Heat Stroke
Symptoms of heat stroke, the most serious heat-related illness, include an oral temperature above 103 F. According to the CDC, heat stroke can elevate your body temperature to 106 F, or higher, within 10 to 15 minutes. Heat stroke occurs because your body's cooling mechanism has broken down; you might notice that a victim of heat stroke no longer sweats and has red, hot and dry skin. Other symptoms of heat stroke include a rapid pulse, shallow rapid breathing, a throbbing headache, unusually high or low blood pressure, dizziness, nausea, fainting and confusion. A heat stroke victim's muscles might also twitch uncontrollably.
First Aid
First aid for heat exhaustion and stroke begins with getting the victim out of the sun and heat, and cooling the victim off. In a mild case of heat exhaustion, the CDC advises relatively mild measures, like resting in an air conditioned room and drinking cool liquids. For more severe cases of heat exhaustion or a case of heat stroke, more drastic, immediate measures are warranted. In an online article titled "Heatstroke: First Aid," Mayo Clinic Staff recommend covering the person with damp sheets or spraying him with cool water. The CDC recommends other alternatives: Placing the victim in a cool water both or shower, or sponging him with cool water. If you suspect someone is suffering from heat stroke, seek immediate medical assistance in addition to the cooling measures. In cases of heat exhaustion, the CDC recommends seeking medical attention if symptoms are severe, worsen, last longer than 1 hour, or if the victim has heart problems or high blood pressure.
