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Avoid Spot Treat: Heat Stroke & Heat ExhaustionIn hot temperatures your body may be unable to properly cool itself, leading to serious health problems. AvoidWhen the temperature is very high stay indoors. If you must go outside, dress properly and take breaks often. Know who is at high risk for heat stroke and heat exhaustion. Tips to Beat the Heat
SpotKnow the signs of heat stroke and heat exhaustion. Heat Stroke Signs & Symptoms
Heat Exhaustion Signs & Symptoms
If you see any of these signs, get medical help immediately. TreatWhile waiting for medical attention, you can help someone with heat stroke or heat exhaustion. Heat Stroke Move the victim to a shady area or indoors. Do not give the person fluids. Cool the body by:
Continue efforts to cool the person until help arrives or his or her body temperature falls below 102°F and stays there. Heat Exhaustion Get medical attention if symptoms get worse or last longer than one hour. Cool the body with:
Seek medical help immediately if symptoms are severe or if victim has heat problems or high blood pressure http://emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/ What are heat exhaustion and heatstroke?Heat exhaustion happens when your body gets too hot. If you don’t treat heat exhaustion, it can lead to heatstroke. This occurs when your internal temperature reaches at least 104°F. Heatstroke is much more serious than heat exhaustion. It can cause shock, organ failure, or brain damage. In extreme cases, heatstroke can kill you. Symptoms of heat exhaustion and heatstrokeSymptoms of heat exhaustion are:
In addition to these symptoms, warning signs of heatstroke also include:
What causes heat exhaustion and heatstroke?Heat-related illnesses occur when your body can’t keep itself cool. As the temperature rises, your body produces sweat to stay cool. On hot, humid days, the increased moisture in the air slows down this process. When your body can’t cool, your temperature rises and you can become ill. Hot weather and exercise are the main causes of heat exhaustion and heatstroke. In hot settings, you need to be mindful of the temperature outside. The heat index is not the same as the temperature. It measures the air temperature plus the effects of humidity. A heat index of 90°F or higher calls for extreme caution. Prolonged exposure to high temperatures increases your risk of heat-related illnesses. How are heat exhaustion and heatstroke diagnosed?If a person is displaying known heat illness symptoms, take their temperature. A reading of 104°F or more means they probably have heatstroke. You should call 911 and get medical care right away. Can heat exhaustion and heatstroke be prevented or avoided?There are many things you can do to prevent heat-related illnesses. Babies, children, and elderly people are more sensitive to heat and require extra attention. You also are at greater risk if you are ill or obese, or have heart disease. People who work outside or in a hot setting also are at risk of heat exhaustion and heatstroke. Don’t go outside when the temperature and heat index are high. If possible, stay indoors in air-conditioned areas. If you must go outside, take the following precautions.
Certain medicines can put you in danger of heatstroke. They affect the way your body reacts to heat. Talk to your doctor if you take any of these or have an ongoing health problem. They can help you manage the heat with your condition. These medicines include:
Heat exhaustion and heatstroke treatmentIf you or someone else has heat exhaustion, treat symptoms in the following ways.
Call 911 if:
Living with heat exhaustion and heat strokeAfter you’ve had heat exhaustion or heatstroke, you will be sensitive to heat. 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. Questions to ask your doctor
What is heat exhaustion and how can you manage it?Heat exhaustion signs and symptoms include: Cool, moist skin with goose bumps when in the heat. Heavy sweating.. Move the person out of the heat and into a shady or air-conditioned place.. Lay the person down and elevate the legs and feet slightly.. Remove tight or heavy clothing.. What are two treatments for heat exhaustion?Treatment for heat stroke
Get the person to a shaded area. Remove clothing and gently apply cool water to the skin followed by fanning to stimulate sweating. Apply ice packs to the groin and armpits.
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