Summer heat means swimming, popsicles and more time outdoors. Many people love warmer weather but do not always know the dangers. Three conditions caused by high temperatures that you should be aware of include heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heatstroke.
- Heat cramps are severe muscle cramps in the legs and stomach caused by exposure to high heat.
- Heat exhaustion occurs when a person is exposed to hot temperatures and also becomes dehydrated. A person may experience intense sweating, weakness, nausea, muscle cramps and more.
- Heatstroke (also known as sunstroke) is more severe than heat exhaustion and occurs when a person’s body temperature rises too quickly without being able to cool down. It is a medical emergency and is especially dangerous in children and the elderly. A person may experience a high fever above 103 degrees Fahrenheit, coma, shock, skin changes, dizziness, vomiting, confusion, slurred speech or loss of consciousness.
All three conditions have similarities:
- Caused by exposure to high temperatures (often with humidity present)
- Include dehydration
- Can include symptoms such as nausea, headache and weakness
- Occur more often during exercise or exertion
Despite their similarities, the main differences are:
- Heat cramps and exhaustion are milder and usually not life-threatening if treated quickly at home with fluids, rest and cooling techniques such as air conditioning or showers.
- Heat stroke is severe and requires emergency medical treatment.
You can help prevent all three conditions by doing the following:
- Stay hydrated by drinking lots of fluids.
- Wear weather-appropriate clothing (lighter layers during summer).
- Avoid excessive heat.
- Exercise indoors when temperatures are too hot.
- Be extra cautious during the early parts of summer before your body adjusts to higher temperatures.
Seek medical help for heat-related problems if a person has:
- high blood pressure
- heart problems
- symptoms that persist for more than an hour or two after cooling down and hydrating
- a temperature above 103 degrees Fahrenheit
- changes in pulse
- decrease in sweat even if they are hot
For more helpful summer safety tips, read below: