While summer brings fun and relaxation, it also increases the risk of heat illness. Caused by exposure to high temperatures, especially in conjunction with exercise, heat illness begins with a type of muscle pain called heat cramps. If someone with heat cramps doesn’t move to a cooler area and get plenty of hydration and rest, the illness can advance to heat exhaustion or even heatstroke, a life-threatening condition that necessitates emergency health services. Here’s what everyone should know about these advanced stages of heat illness. 

What You Should Know About Heat Exhaustion & Heatstroke

Heat Exhaustion

As the second stage of heat illness, heat exhaustion occurs when someone becomes too hot. The person’s body becomes dehydrated, meaning it can’t produce enough water and electrolytes to sweat properly and regulate its internal temperature. 

Common symptoms of heat exhaustion include: 

• Increased body temperature, below 104˚ Fahrenheit 
• Heavy sweating
• Muscle cramps
• Increased thirst
• Faster breathing or heartbeat
• Irritability 
• Nausea or vomiting
• Pale, cool, clammy skin
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Fainting 

If you or a loved one shows symptoms of heat exhaustion, move to a cool, shaded area. Apply cool, wet towels or sponges to the skin, particularly the chest, limbs, face, and neck. The patient should also loosen their clothing, gently massage or stretch any cramping muscles, and consume cool water or sports drinks every 15 minutes, being careful not to drink too quickly. If the patient can’t drink or becomes less alert, seek medical attention.

Heatstroke

As the most advanced stage of heat illness, heatstroke can occur when heat exhaustion isn’t adequately treated. The body’s temperature continues to rise, often above 104˚ Fahrenheit, causing severe symptoms such as:

• Confusion
• Hallucinations
• Rapid breathing and heartbeat
• Dry, hot, flushed skin
• Severe headache
• Seizures
• Loss of consciousness

If you or a loved one shows symptoms of heatstroke, immediately call 911 or head to an emergency room. While waiting for health services, the patient should move to a cool, shaded area, loosen their clothing, take off sweaty clothes, drink cool water or sports drinks every 15 minutes if conscious, and have cool, wet towels or sponges applied to their skin. Also, ice should be applied to the wrists, underarms, and groin, and someone should continuously fan the patient’s skin.

If you’re experiencing heat cramps or heat exhaustion, head to Burton Creek Rural Clinic. Located in West Plains, MO, the experienced doctors and nurses at this walk-in clinic will work tirelessly to help you make a full, quick recovery. Their other health services include ultrasounds, mental health care, and laser hair removal. Learn more about the clinic online, and call (417) 256-2111 to schedule an appointment.