Signs and Stages of Heat Sickness

What is Heat Sickness?

As the weather heats up here in August, it is important to be aware of how the sunshine and heat can affect us. We need to be mindful of how our bodies respond to sun and heat. As the temperature outside rises, our body constantly tries to cool itself off. We do this usually by increasing sweat production. Because of this, there is increased risk of dehydration. But as the body is unable to cope with the heat, other things can happen including fever and vomiting. We hope that this helps you to avoid that.

Types of Heat Sickness

There are 3 main types of Heat Sickness:

• Heat Cramps

• Heat Exhaustion

• Heat Stroke

There are 2 other conditions that are heat related that also affect us: Sun Burn and Heat Rash. Both of these are noticeable on the skin and require cooling off. The difference is applying lotion to Sun Burn and keeping Heat Rash Dry.

Heat Cramps

This is the lowest level of heat sickness, but it is still important to be aware of and treat. Heat cramps are signified by heavy sweating (more than usual) during exercise and an increase in muscle pain or spasms. To treat heat cramps, cool down, drink water and lower intensity to a walk or sitting until spasms and pain go away. Be mindful of the risk for dehydration due to the excessive sweating.

Heat Exhaustion

This gets a bit more serious, but tends to resolve on its own in a day or two. Signs of heat exhaustion:

• Heavy Sweating

• Cool/cold skin

• Fast and weak pulse

• Nausea and/or vomitting

• Headache

• Dizzyness

• Fainting

Any of these can mean you have heat exhaustion. When you start experiencing more than heavy sweating (see heat cramps above) you need to get to a cool location and out of the sun as soon as possible. Put on cool, or even wet, clothes to help cool the body down. Re-hydrate with small sips of water. Try to avoid sports drinks.

Heat Stroke

This is the most serious type of heat sickness. At this stage you have moved beyond heat exhaustion and some of the symptoms change. You pulse is still fast, but now it is strong. Your skin becomes warm, or even hot. Nausea, headache, dizzyness, and fainting are stronger possibilities.

Take your temperature and if it is higher than 102 call a medical professional. Immediately get into a cool environment. Use cool cloths or a cool bath to help lower your body temperature. Most importantly DO NOT INTAKE ANY FLUIDS.

The good news is that you can usually identify as you move down from heat cramps to heat exhaustion to heat stroke. Hopefully you can get into a cool place and rest for the bare minimum. As long as the fever is under control in a few hours (usually due to cooling off the entire body) there are minimal if any long term effects to heat sickness.