Now that summer is here, there’s a greater chance of heat-related ailments. The spectrum of heat-related ailments includes mild ailments like heat cramps and rashes, moderate illnesses like heat exhaustion, and more severe consequences like heatstroke. Conditions might rapidly worsen as the body heats up.
It’s critical to take preventative measures to reduce the likelihood of any heat-related ailments. It’s also vital to keep an eye out for heat exhaustion symptoms and signs, as they can escalate into heatstroke, a potentially fatal condition.
Heat exhaustion
The body’s reaction to overheating is heat exhaustion. Excessive physical activity or exposure to high temperatures, especially in conjunction with excessive humidity, can be the cause of it. There are common indications and symptoms to look out for, even though it can appear differently for different people.
Signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion:
- High body temperature
- Confusion and lack of coordination
- Skin rash
- Muscle cramps
- Dizziness or fainting
- Nausea or vomiting
- Heavy sweating
- Headache
- Rapid breathing and heartbeat
- Extreme thirst
- Dark urine and decreased urination
In cases of high heat, cease all activity immediately, find a cool place to be, and hydrate—water is the best option—if you or anybody nearby gets any of these symptoms. Seek medical attention if symptoms worsen or don’t go better.
Heatstroke
Of all the heat-related illnesses, heatstroke is the most severe. The loss of ability to regulate body temperature causes it to happen. Treatment for heatstroke must be provided immediately. Heatstroke may be fatal if treatment is not received, or it may cause serious organ damage that will get worse the longer it is ignored.
Signs and symptoms of heatstroke:
- High body temperature
- Confusion and lack of coordination
- Dizziness/fainting
- Severe nausea and vomiting
- No sweating
- Very hot, red skin
- Rapid breathing and heart rate
If you see any of these symptoms in yourself or another person, don’t hesitate to phone 911 and attempt to calm down until help arrives. As much as you can, fan the afflicted individual, relocate them to a cool spot or shade, take off any extra clothing, and apply cold water to broad regions of their skin. Until medical help arrives, do not leave the person alone.
Learn more at https://newscanada.com/en/Know-the-warning-signs-of-heat-exhaustion-and-heatstroke-139034
Reference: https://newscanada.com/
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