Heat-related health problems happen when your body temperature gets too high.
There are five types:
Sunburn
Heat rash
Heat cramps
Heat exhaustion
Heat stroke
What causes them?
Sunburn
When you are in the sun for too long, your skin can burn. This is called a sunburn.
Heat Rash
Too much sweating causes a heat rash.
The sweat irritates your skin and causes small, red bumps to form.
It usually happens on the neck and chest, in the groin, under the breasts, and at the elbow joint.
Heat Cramps
People who sweat a lot during exercise can get heat cramps.
Sweat is made of your body's salt and water. When you sweat a lot, your body loses too much salt. The low salt level causes muscles to tighten and cramp, which can be painful.
They usually happen in your arm and leg muscles.
Heat cramps can be a sign of heat exhaustion.
Heat Exhaustion
Heat exhaustion happens when your body sweats too much. Your body looses too much salt and water.
If not treated, heat exhaustion can lead to a heat stroke.
Heat Stroke
Heat stroke occurs when your body cannot cool itself.
Your body temperature can get to 103 to 106 degrees Fahrenheit within 10 to 15 minutes.
This is very dangerous. It can cause permanent injury or death.
Who can get them?
Anyone can get a heat-related health problem or heat illness.
Those most at risk are:
infants and young children
the elderly
overweight people
those who work or exercise outdoors in the heat
people who are ill or taking medicines
What are the signs and symptoms?
Sunburn
Red and painful skin
Blisters (if the sunburn is severe)
Fever
Heat Rash
Red, small bumps on your skin
Heat Cramps
Muscles tighten, cramp or spasm
Heat Exhaustion
High body temperature
Heavy sweating
Dizziness
Nausea and vomiting
Headache
Tiredness
Weakness
Cool, clammy skin
Heat Stroke
Body temperature over 103 degrees Fahrenheit
No sweating
Red, hot and dry skin
Dizziness
Confusion
Disorientation--not knowing what is happening
Headache
Seizure
Unconsciousness
Are they contagious?
No, heat-related health problems are not contagious.
How are they treated?
Sunburn
Stay out of the sun.
Put the sunburned skin under cool water.
Put lotion over it to keep the skin moist.
Do not pop the blisters. Cover them with clean gauze or cloth.
Acetaminophen (such as Tylenol, Tempra, or Panedol) or ibuprofen can help with pain.
Heat Rash
Get out of the heat.
Keep the heat rash dry. Do not put lotions or creams on it.
It will go away with time.
Heat Cramps
Sit in a cool place.
Drink fluids.
Eat salted foods. DO NOT take salt tablets.
Massage the muscle.
Stretch the muscle.
Heat Exhaustion
Get out of the heat and sun.
Drink plenty of fluids.
Get a sponge bath or place wet towels over body.
Call your doctor if you think your child has heat exhaustion.
Heat Stroke
Get the person out of the heat and sun.
Call 911
Cool the person however you can. Examples:
Get him in a cool bath or shower.
Spray him with cool water from a garden hose.
Give him a cool sponge bath.
Continue cooling him until his body temperature drops to 101 or 102 degrees Fahrenheit, or until medical personnel arrive.
How long do they last?
Sunburn
Sunburns usually heal in about 1 week.
Heat Rash
Heat rashes usually clear up in about 1 week.
Heat Cramps
Heat cramps usually go away within 1 hour.
Heat Exhaustion
Heat exhaustion lasts until the body temperature and body fluids are normal.
Heat Stroke
Heat stroke lasts until the body temperature and body fluids are normal.
Damage from heat stroke can be peramanent.
Can they be prevented?
Yes, all heat-related health problems and heat illnesses can be prevented.
Wear sunscreen. Put it on before going into the sun. Put more on often, especially if sweating or swimming.
Drink plenty of fluids.
Avoid caffeine and alcohol.
Exercise early in the morning or later in the day.
Take time to rest during your activity.
Wear lightweight clothing.
If you feel sick, stop exercising or working. Sit down in a cool place.
Stay cool indoors.
Always exercise with a friend.
When should I call the doctor?
Call your doctor if you think your child has the symptoms of heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
Call your doctor if your child's body temperature is above 102 degrees Fahrenheit.
Call your doctor if your child has difficulty breathing.
Call your doctor if the sunburn caused blisters and is very painful.
Call your doctor if you have any questions about your child's condition.
Quick Answers
Heat-related health problems occur when your body temperature gets too high.
The serious heat-related health problems occur when the body cannot cool itself. For example, the body is unable to sweat.
The most common heat-related health problems include sunburn, heat rash, heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke.
People most at risk are infants and young children, the elderly, those who are overweight, those who work or exercise in the heat, and people who are sick or taking medicines.
There are many different signs and symptoms of heat-related health problems.
Heat-related health problems can be prevented.
Call your doctor if you think your child is suffering from heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
Call your doctor if your child's body temperature is above 102 degrees Fahrenheit.
Call your doctor if you have any questions about your child's condition.
References
Allina Hospitals and Clinics, McKesson Health Solutions LLC. Heat Illness Ð Exercising in the Heat. 2004, February 12. (cited 2004, February 12). URL: http://www.medformation.com/ac/crssma.nsf/sma/sma_heatilln_sma.htm
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Extreme Heat: A Prevention Guide to Promote Your Personal Health and Safety. 2003, June 25. (cited 2004, February 12). URL: http://wonder.cdc.gov/wonder/prevguid/p0000449/p0000449.asp
NASA Goddard Space Flight Center. Heat Stroke Prevention. 2002, August 9. (cited 2004, February 12). URL: http://www.gsfc.nasa.gov/goddardnews/20020809/safe.html
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