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Heat stroke is serious. Would you know how to spot the signs? Queenslanders know better than most just how hot summers can be. When it’s scorching outside, we switch on the air conditioners, keep our water chilled with ice, and slip, slop, slap, seek and slide. But when the mercury soars to extreme levels, we can get more than just hot and sweaty – heatwaves can put our health in danger. In Australia, major heatwaves cause more deaths than bushfires, cyclones, earthquakes, floods and severe storms combined. As heatwaves are projected to last longer and occur more often, extreme heat could put more people at risk of harm. It’s important to know how to care for our health when we’re faced with extreme heat. We’ve explored the symptoms of heatstroke and other heat-related illnesses, how to treat them, and tips for staying safe during heatwaves. What is heat-related illness and what causes it?Heat-related illnesses include heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heatstroke. These conditions can occur when we are exposed to extreme heat and our body can no longer cool itself or function effectively. So how does it happen? Our body’s natural defence against overheating is sweating. Sweat evaporates from our skin and helps to cool us down. But in some situations, our body can’t sweat enough to stay cool, or sweating alone won’t combat the conditions we’re facing. When our body temperature rises to dangerous levels, it can be fatal. Some of the factors that contribute to heat-related illness include:
Heat-related illness can affect anyone, but those at greatest risk include:
Symptoms and treatment for heat-related conditionsIf you recognise the signs and symptoms of any heat-related illness, it’s important to take action. Spotting the signs early helps to lower the risk of heatstroke, a condition that can cause permanent organ damage and potentially death, if untreated. Anyone with a heart condition, diabetes, kidney disease, high blood pressure, or following a low sodium or fluid-restricted diet should seek medical help right away if symptoms of heat-related illness are present.
Preventing heat-related illnessHeat-related illnesses can be prevented. It’s important to be prepared for extreme heat, especially if you have existing medical conditions. Remember to:
Babies and young children are more vulnerable to the effects of extreme heat, as they can’t adapt easily to changing temperatures. Take extra steps to care for young children during hot weather, and never leave anyone (including pets) unattended in a car. More informationDehydration – the condition all Queenslanders need to be aware of Four things to add to your summer survival kit Sun safety and skin cancer Survive the heat – Better Health Victoria Can you have heat exhaustion for days?Heat exhaustion or heatstroke can develop quickly over a few minutes, or gradually over several hours or days. Symptoms of heat exhaustion can include: tiredness and weakness. feeling faint or dizzy.
Can you have heat exhaustion for a week?Living with heat exhaustion and heat stroke
This can last for about a week. It's important to rest and let your body recover. Avoid hot weather and exercise. Ask your doctor when it's safe to return to your normal activities.
How do I know if Im suffering from heat exhaustion?The signs of heat exhaustion include:. tiredness.. dizziness.. headache.. feeling sick or being sick.. excessive sweating and skin becoming pale and clammy or getting a heat rash, but a change in skin colour can be harder to see on brown and black skin.. cramps in the arms, legs and stomach.. fast breathing or heartbeat.. What does heat exhaustion feel like the next day?Symptoms of heat exhaustion can include dizziness, headache, nausea, muscle cramps and others. Treatment includes removal from the heat, rest and fluids. Untreated, heat exhaustion can lead to heatstroke, which can be a life-threatening condition.
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