Heat-Related Illnesses — Prevention Is the Key
Understanding the Heat Index
The thermometer says 94° F, but your brain says, "It has to be at least 110° F. Let's get some ice cream."
Which is right: The mercury or your sugar-loving brain? Probably your brain, says the National Weather Service (NWS), the mastermind behind the heat index, which measures not how hot it IS outside but how hot it FEELS outside.
The heat index, a staple of morning weather reports, takes into account the air temperature and the humidity level. Humidity is part of the equation because high humidity stops sweat, your natural cooling agent, from evaporating.
Calculating the heat index numbers is complex, but it boils down to this common-sense rule: The higher the temperature and the higher the humidity, the higher the heat index and the greater your risk of suffering a heat-related illness.
Updated July 2008 — Heat-related illnesses, such as heat cramps and heatstroke, occur when the body’s temperature gets too high for it to cool itself effectively. In fact, if your body temperature reaches very high levels, the brain and other organs can be damaged.
Those most at risk for heat-related illnesses include the elderly, children age 4 or younger, overweight/obese people, people who take certain prescription drugs or drink alcohol, and people who are dehydrated or have a fever, poor blood circulation, sunburn or heart disease.
Dehydration
Drinking lots of water does not necessarily make you immune to dehydration. Water alone will not solve the problem, because it doesn’t replace essential nutrients and chemicals. When levels of electrolytes, such as sodium chloride and potassium, drop along with blood glucose, problems begin. Drinking “water plus,” which contains water plus sugar, salt and the body’s missing nutrients, will help to prevent dehydration. Examples include fruit juice, soup or commercially available sports drinks.
Babies and older people should stay out of the midday sun to reduce the chance of becoming dehydrated. Sunblock, hats and protective clothing can also lessen the risk of dehydration and other heat-related illnesses.
Symptoms of Dehydration:
- Weakness
- Dizziness
- Disorientation
- Irregular heartbeat
Heatstroke
The most serious heat-related illness is heatstroke, when the body temperature can climb to 106° F in as little as 10 minutes. Without treatment, heatstroke can lead to permanent injury or death.
If you suspect someone has heatstroke, seek professional medical help immediately. In the meantime, cool the person quickly by putting him into a shower or bath, spraying him with a garden hose or moving to an air-conditioned or shady area. Monitor his temperature until medical help is available.
Symptoms of Heatstroke:
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Confusion
- Unconsciousness
- Red, hot, dry skin
Heat Cramps
Anyone who works outside in hot weather — including athletes, gardeners and laborers — is subject to heat cramps. Usually affecting the legs, arms or abdomen, heat cramps are muscle pains and spasms caused by depletion of the body’s salt and moisture.
Treatment includes moving to an air-conditioned place or shady area, drinking clear juices or sports drinks and avoiding physical activity for several hours. Heat cramps should be addressed immediately or additional treatment may be needed. If heat cramps continue for more than an hour, seek medical attention.
Heat Rash
Heat rash is a common problem for active children, but it can affect people at any age. It is caused by excessive sweating and appears as bumps usually on the neck, the groin, inside the elbow or on the upper chest. To treat heat rash, stay indoors as much as possible and apply body powder to the affected area.
If you have questions about heat-related illnesses, speak to your physician. For a referral to a physician, please call Memorial Physician Referral Service toll-free at (800) 944-DOCS. We’re available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.