It's Summer, Protect Yourself in the Heat

This fact sheet summarizes common heat-induced illnesses – heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. The information is attributed to Henry Ford Hospital’s Department of Emergency Medicine.

PREVENTION TIPS

• Drink plenty of fluids. Avoid alcohol because it acts as a diuretic and will cause dehydration.
• Avoid exertion in the sun, especially during the day’s hottest hours.
• Acclimate yourself to the heat.
• Stay in air conditioning or use fans as much as possible.
• Wear a hat and loose, lightweight clothing.
• Put cool but not cold wet towels on your body.
• Take frequent cool or tepid showers or baths.

HEAT CRAMPS

• The least serious of heat-induced illnesses, heat cramps usually occur after rigorous exercising. The person is not dehydrated and the body’s temperature remains normal.
• Cause: Excessive sweating causes an imbalance of important minerals such as sodium and potassium.
• Symptoms: Painful muscle spasms, usually in the abdomen or legs; light headedness and weakness.
• First Aid: The person should seek a cool area and drink commercially available electrolyte fluids.

HEAT EXHAUSTION

• Heat exhaustion is similar to heat cramps except that the person is dehydrated. It’s the most common heat-induced illness.
• Cause: Loss of body fluids and salt often after exertion or heavy perspiration. Left untreated, it can lead to heat stroke, a life-threatening condition.
• Symptoms: Fatigue, faintness, dizziness, headache, delirium, nausea, rapid pulse rate. The skin may be cold and clammy. The symptoms resemble shock.
• First Aid: Lay the person down in a cool area with their feet slightly elevated. Give the person cool (not iced) fluids, adding a teaspoon of salt per quart of liquid. Apply tepid (room air temperature) wet towels to the body.

HEAT STROKE

• This condition is the most serious of heat-related illness. Among those considered at risk are the obese, elderly, infants and athletes.
• Cause: Prolonged exposure to hot and humid conditions, which interfere with the evaporation of sweat, a cooling mechanism for the body.
• Symptoms: Skin is hot and dry, body temperature rises sharply; sweating often stops; pulse is rapid and weak; dizziness, nausea, confusion.
• First Aid: Call 911 and immediately remove the person’s clothing. Wrap the person in wet sheets. Increase cooling by fanning. Elevate legs 8-12 inches.

MEDIA CONTACT:
David Olejarz
(313) 874-4094
David.Olejarz@hfhs.org