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Alternative names Return to top
HeatstrokeDefinition Return to top
Heat emergencies fall into three categories of increasing severity: heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke.Considerations Return to top
Heat illnesses are easily preventable by taking precautions in hot weather.
Children, elderly, and obese people have a higher risk of developing heat illness. People taking certain medications or drinking alcohol also have a higher risk. However, even a top athlete in superb condition can succumb to heat illness if he or she ignores the warning signs.
If the problem isn't addressed, heat cramps (caused by loss of salt from heavy sweating) can lead to heat exhaustion (caused by dehydration), which can progress to heatstroke. Heatstroke, the most serious of the three, can cause shock, brain damage, organ failure, and even death.
Causes Return to top
The following are common causes of heat emergencies:
Symptoms Return to top
The early symptoms of heat illness include:Later symptoms of heat exhaustion include:
The symptoms of heatstroke include:
First Aid Return to top
Do Not Return to top
Call immediately for emergency medical assistance if Return to top
Call 911 if:
Prevention Return to top
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Page last updated: 28 October 2004 |