Frequently Asked Questions for Extreme Heat
- What happens to the body as a result of exposure to extreme
heat?
People suffer heat-related illness when the body’s temperature
control system is overloaded. The body normally cools itself by
sweating. But under some conditions, sweating just isn’t enough. In
such cases, a person’s body temperature rises rapidly. Very high body
temperatures may damage the brain or other vital organs. Several
factors affect the body’s ability to cool itself during extremely hot
weather. When the humidity is high, sweat will not evaporate as
quickly, preventing the body from releasing heat quickly. Other
conditions that can limit the ability to regulate temperature include
old age, youth (age 0-4), obesity, fever, dehydration, heart disease,
mental illness, poor circulation, sunburn, and prescription drug use
and alcohol use.
- Who is at greatest risk for heat-related illness?
Those at greatest risk for heat-related illness include infants and
children up to four years of age, people 65 years of age and older,
people who are overweight, and people who are ill or on certain
medications.
- What is heat stroke?
Heat stroke is the most serious
heat-related illness. It occurs when the body becomes unable to
control its temperature: the body’s temperature rises rapidly, the
sweating mechanism fails, and the body is unable to cool down. Body
temperature may rise to 106°F or higher within 10 to 15 minutes. Heat
stroke can cause death or permanent disability if emergency treatment
is not provided.
- What are the warning signs of a heat stroke?
Warning
signs of heat stroke vary but may include the following:
- An extremely high body temperature (above 103°F)
- Red, hot, and dry skin (no sweating)
- Rapid, strong pulse
- Throbbing headache
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Confusion
- Unconsciousness
- What should I do if I see someone with any of the warning signs
of heat stroke?
If you see any of these signs, you may be
dealing with a life-threatening emergency. Have someone call for
immediate medical assistance while you begin cooling the victim. Do
the following:
- Get the victim to a shady area.
- Cool the victim rapidly, using whatever methods you can. For
example, immerse the victim in a tub of cool water; place the person
in a cool shower; spray the victim with cool water from a garden
hose; sponge the person with cool water; or if the humidity is low,
wrap the victim in a cool, wet sheet and fan him or her vigorously.
- Monitor body temperature and continue cooling efforts until the
body temperature drops to 101-102°F.
- If emergency medical personnel are delayed, call the hospital
emergency room for further instructions.
- Do not give the victim alcohol to drink.
- Get medical assistance as soon as possible.
- What is heat exhaustion?
Heat exhaustion is a milder form
of heat-related illness that can develop after several days of
exposure to high temperatures and inadequate or unbalanced replacement
of fluids. Those most prone to heat exhaustion are elderly people,
those with high blood pressure, and those working or exercising in a
hot environment.
- What are the warning signs of heat exhaustion?
The
warning signs of heat exhaustion include the following:
- Heavy sweating
- Paleness
- Muscle cramps
- Tiredness
- Weakness
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Nausea or vomiting
- Fainting
The skin may be cool and moist. The pulse rate will be fast and
weak, and breathing will be fast and shallow. If heat exhaustion is
untreated, it may progress to heat stroke. See medical attention if
symptoms worsen or last longer than one hour.
- What steps can be taken to cool the body during heat
exhaustion?
- Drink cool, nonalcoholic beverages.
- Rest.
- Take a cool shower, bath, or sponge bath.
- Seek an air-conditioned environment.
- Wear lightweight clothing.
- What are heat cramps and who is affected?
Heat cramps are
muscle pains or spasms – usually in the abdomen, arms, or legs – that
may occur in association with strenuous activity. People who sweat a
lot during strenuous activity are prone to heat cramps. This sweating
depletes the body’s salt and moisture. The low salt level in the
muscles causes painful cramps. Heat cramps may also be a symptom of
heat exhaustion. If you have heart problems or are on a low-sodium
diet, seek medical attention for heat cramps.
- What should I do if I have heat cramps?
If medical
attention is not necessary, take the following steps:
- Stop all activity and sit quietly in a cool place.
- Drink clear juice or a sports beverage.
- Do not return to strenuous activity for a few hours after the
cramps subside because further exertion may lead to heat exhaustion
or heat stroke.
- Seek medical attention for heat cramps if they do not subside in
1 hour.
- What is heat rash?
Heat rash is a skin irritation caused
by excessive sweating during hot, humid weather. It can occur at any
age but is most common in young children. Heat rash looks like a red
cluster of pimples or small blisters. It is more likely to occur on
the neck and upper chest, in the groin, under the breasts, and in
elbow creases.
- What is the best treatment for heat rash?
The best
treatment for heat rash is to provide a cooler, less humid
environment. Keep the affected area dry. Dusting powder may be used to
increase comfort, but avoid using ointments or creams -- they keep the
skin warm and moist and may make the condition worse.
- Can medications increase the risk of heat-related illness?
The risk for heat-related illness and death may increase among people
using the following drugs: (1) psychotropics, which affect psychic
function, behavior, or experience (e.g. haloperidol or
chlorpromazine); (2) medications for Parkinson’s disease, because they
can inhibit perspiration; and (3) tranquilizers such as
phenothiazines, butyrophenones, and thiozanthenes.
- How effective are electric fans in preventing heat-related
illness?
Electric fans may provide comfort, but when the
temperature is in the high 90s, fans will not prevent heat-related
illness. Taking a cool shower or bath or moving to an air-conditioned
place is a much better way to cool off. Air conditioning is the
strongest protective factor against heat-related illness. Exposure to
air conditioning for even a few hours a day will reduce the risk for
heat-related illness. Consider visiting a shopping mall or public
library for a few hours.
- How can people protect their health when temperatures are
extremely high?
Remember to keep cool and use common sense.
Drink plenty of fluid, replace salts and minerals, wear appropriate
clothing and sunscreen, pace yourself, stay cool indoors, schedule
outdoor activities carefully, use a buddy system, monitor those at
risk, and adjust to the environment.
- How much should I drink during hot weather?
During hot
weather you will need to drink more liquid than your thirst indicates.
Increase your fluid intake, regardless of your activity level. During
heavy exercise in a hot environment, drink two to four glasses (16-32
ounces) of cool fluids each hour. Avoid drinks containing alcohol
because they will actually cause you to lose more fluid.
- Should I take salt tablets during hot weather?
Do not
take salt tablets unless directed by your doctor. Heavy sweating
removes salt and minerals from the body. These are necessary for your
body and must be replaced. The easiest and safest way to do this is
through your diet. Drink fruit juice or a sports beverage when you
exercise or work in the heat.
- What is the best clothing for hot weather or a heat wave?
Wear as little clothing as possible when you are at home. Choose
lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing. In the hot sun, a
wide-brimmed hat will provide shade and keep the head cool. If you
must go outdoors, be sure to apply sunscreen 30 minutes prior to going
out and continue to reapply according to the package directions.
Sunburn affects your body’s ability to cool itself and causes a loss
of body fluids. It also causes pain and damages the skin.
- What should I do if I work in a hot environment?
Pace
yourself. If you are not accustomed to working or exercising in a hot
environment, start slowly and pick up the pace gradually. If exertion
in the heat makes your heart pound and leaves you gasping for breath,
STOP all activity. Get into a cool area or at least in the shade, and
rest, especially if you become lightheaded, confused, weak, or faint.
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