Excessive heat is not uncommon; it happens pretty much every year. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
But just because it\u2019s a common occurrence doesn\u2019t mean high temperatures are normal or good for us. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Hot weather is not about fun and games; it points to aggravated climate change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Rising temperatures each summer affect thousands of people who develop heat-related illnesses. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Scroll down to see what they are and what to do about them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
High temperatures, just like cold, affect the body and its physiological processes in many ways. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The primary concern is the change in the body\u2019s core temperature beyond a healthy or normal range. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
High temperatures often also come with high relative humidity. High humidity makes things worse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You see, high body temperature in excessive heat events link to increased respiratory and heart rates. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
In extreme cases, it can cause damage to the heart, brain, lungs, liver, and kidneys. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
In response to extreme temperatures, blood vessels near the skin dilate. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
This reaction could be problematic for men and women with cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, kidneys bear too much stress and may fail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
High temperatures i.e. heat waves<\/a> have the potential to aggravate various chronic illnesses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Heat exposure can lead to heat illnesses, severe dehydration, thrombogenesis (blood clots), and cerebrovascular accidents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Although we\u2019re going to discuss heat-related illnesses more thoroughly below, it\u2019s worth mentioning high temperatures can cause heatstroke where the body temperature rises quickly but the sweating mechanism fails. <\/p>\n\n\n\n As a result, the body can\u2019t cool down. High temperatures can also have a negative impact on body fluid levels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Generally speaking, everyone can suffer from the consequences of extreme heat, but some people are more vulnerable than others. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Older adults and those with chronic conditions such as heart disease<\/a>, kidney disease<\/a> are more likely to have heat illness. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Respiratory conditions such as chronic lung disease are also risk factors because heat contributes to the buildup of harmful air pollutants. <\/p>\n\n\n\n People who are taking medications such as diuretics are also at a greater risk of extreme heat. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Basically, all medications that affect the body\u2019s ability to hold onto water or sweat make a person more vulnerable to heat illness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Risk factors also include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Simply put, the term heat-related illness refers to the illnesses caused by exposure to high temperatures. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The human body can cool off, but this function has its limits. <\/p>\n\n\n\n In the presence of high temperatures i.e. heatwave, the body can overheat. <\/p>\n\n\n\n As the body overheats, various symptoms occur, ranging from headaches to vomiting and muscle cramps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Heat illness is not a single disease but refers to several conditions induced by high air temperature. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Below, we discuss seven different heat disorders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Heat stress happens when the body is unable to get rid of excess heat. <\/p>\n\n\n\n In turn, heart rate increases, and the core temperature of the body rises. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It can lead to other, more serious heat illnesses if left unmanaged properly. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Heat stress term is used to refer to heat-related illnesses in general.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Heatstroke is a condition induced by overheating of the body due to exposure to physical exertion in high temperatures e.g. heatwave. <\/p>\n\n\n\n In fact, heatstroke is the most severe form of heat-related illness, and it usually occurs when the body temperature reaches at least 104\u00b0F (40\u00b0C). <\/p>\n\n\n\n Emergency treatment is necessary for people who experience heatstroke.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Heat exhaustion is a condition that develops when the body is dehydrated and thereby unable to control internal temperature. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It is more serious than heat cramps but less severe than heatstroke. <\/p>\n\n\n\n But, if not appropriately treated, heat exhaustion can lead to heatstroke, a life-threatening condition. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Like other heat-related illnesses, heat exhaustion is preventable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Also known as prickly heat, heat rash is a condition marked by the formation of an itchy rash of small and raised spots. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It develops when blocked pores or sweat ducts trap perspiration under the skin. <\/p>\n\n\n\n While it usually affects newborns, adults can have heat rash as well. The condition usually clears out on its own. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Heat cramps are involuntary and painful spasms that occur during strenuous physical activities in hot temperatures. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Spasms associated with heat cramps are usually more painful and last longer than \u201cregular\u201d leg cramps. <\/p>\n\n\n\n In most cases, heat cramps affect calves, arms, back, and abdominal walls, but they can also occur elsewhere in the body too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Heat syncope, or fainting<\/a>, is a mild form of heat-related illness, and it happens due to physical exertion in hot temperatures. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Basically, heat syncope occurs when blood vessels dilate as the body tries to cool itself. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Dilation of blood vessels can be to such an extent that blood flow to the brain is reduced.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Rhabdomyolysis happens when heat stress in combination with prolonged physical exertion causes muscles to break down, rupture, and even die. <\/p>\n\n\n\n With the death of muscle tissue, large proteins and electrolytes reach the bloodstream and cause kidney damage and irregular heart rhythm. <\/p>\n\n\n\n As mentioned above, heat-related illnesses are preventable. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Understanding all signs and symptoms is very important. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Below you can see how different heat-related illnesses manifest themselves. <\/p>\n\n\n\n In most cases, it is apparent to doctors if a patient has heatstroke or heat exhaustion. <\/p>\n\n\n\n They may order laboratory tests to confirm the diagnosis. <\/p>\n\n\n\n These include checking rectal temperature, urine test, blood test, muscle function tests, X-rays, or other imaging tests. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Once the condition is diagnosed, the doctor recommends proper treatment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Heat illnesses should not be overlooked. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Even milder forms of heat illnesses can cause serious problems if you don\u2019t treat them adequately. <\/p>\n\n\n\n For example, heat exhaustion can lead to heat stroke, which requires immediate medical attention. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Heatstroke can also cause various complications, including vital organ damage and heat-related deaths. <\/p>\n\n\n\n As mentioned above, heat illnesses can also worsen existing chronic conditions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Mild heat illnesses such as heat cramps and heat rash are relatively easy to treat, and you can do it at home. <\/p>\n\n\n\n That said, if symptoms persist or you experience heat stroke or heat exhaustion, you will need to go to the emergency room. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The specific treatment depends on the type of heat illness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To treat heat rash, you will need to go somewhere cool indoors, gently dry off your skin, and put cold compresses. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Avoid using products that clog pores (ointments, creams, baby powders). <\/p>\n\n\n\n Consult a healthcare provider if symptoms don\u2019t go away. <\/p>\n\n\n\n On the other hand, the most practical way to treat heat cramps is to rest and drink water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you have heat exhaustion, you will need to get inside or in a shaded, cool area. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Sip on cold water and apply cold cloths onto your skin. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Stand near a fan and spray yourself with mist. You should also call 911 or go to ER.<\/p>\n\n\n\n People with symptoms of heatstroke need to leave the hot area immediately and either call 911 or go to ER. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Of course, it\u2019s always better to have someone take them to ER rather than driving on their own. <\/p>\n\n\n\n A person with heat stroke needs to get medical treatment 30 minutes after symptoms appear. <\/p>\n\n\n\n They should not drink water or any fluid. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s essential to elevate your feet, loosen or remove clothes, and apply cold compresses or spray skin with water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Heat exhaustion\/stroke should not be underestimated, and if you experience symptoms of these heat illnesses, you need medical assistance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Medical treatment for heatstroke revolves around cooling the body to a normal temperature to prevent or decrease damage to the vital organs and brain. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Healthcare professionals may immerse a patient into cold water, wrap a patient in cooling blankets or ice, and give medications to stop shivering (because it increases body temperature). <\/p>\n\n\n\n Additionally, a healthcare provider may suggest an evaporation method to bring the patient\u2019s temperature down if cold immersion therapy is not available. <\/p>\n\n\n\n This method includes misting cool water on the body while warm air is fanned over the patient. As a result, water evaporates and cools the skin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The abovementioned medical treatments for heatstroke may also serve to manage heat exhaustion. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The heatwave is not to be ignored, especially if you (or someone you know) are at a higher risk of developing a heat-related illness. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Prolonged summer heatwave with excessive humidity is also a problem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Since warmer temperatures mean higher ozone levels, you should check the Air Quality Index<\/a> published by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). <\/p>\n\n\n\n Checking air quality is particularly useful if you plan outdoor summer activities and have asthma or another lung disease. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You should also check for excessive heat warnings and look out for heat advisories.<\/p>\n\n\n\nWho is at greater risk from extreme heat?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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What is heat-related illness?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
What are the types of heat illnesses?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Heat stress<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Heatstroke<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Heat exhaustion<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Heat rash<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Heat cramps<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Heat syncope<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Rhabdomyolysis<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Symptoms of heat-related illnesses<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Heatstroke<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Heat exhaustion<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Heat rash<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Heat cramps<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Diagnosis<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Complications and Risks of Heat Illnesses<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Treatment<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Treating at home<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Medical Treatment<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
How can you keep yourself and others safe during heatwaves?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Check Air Quality Index and Track Extreme Heat<\/h3>\n\n\n\n