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ROCHESTER, Minn. — When temperatures skyrocket and the humidity soars, your risk of developing heat-related illnesses also rises. Kids under 2, adults over 65 and people with underlying health conditions are at greatest risk, but everyone should be vigilant and know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke, which is a medical emergency.
And you need to know what to do if you suspect someone you're with is getting into hot weather health trouble.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's website has great information about heat rash, heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. The list below outlines some of the CDC material.
Heat rash
- Signs and symptoms: Bunches of red bumps of the skin that look like pimples.
- What to do: Stay in a cool, dry place. Keep the rash dry. Use baby powder.
Heat cramps
- Signs and symptoms: Intense sweating and muscle cramps while exercising.
- What to do: Stop physical activity, move to a cool place, drink water and don't resume activities until the cramps go away.
- Seek medical care if: the cramps don't go away or if you have heart issues.
Heat exhaustion
- Signs and symptoms: Heavy sweating, clammy skin, fast pulse, nausea or vomiting, weakness, tiredness, dizziness and passing out.
- What to do: Get to a cool place, loosen clothes, sip water, cover body in cool damp cloths or take a bath or shower.
- Seek medical care if: symptoms worsen or last longer than an hour, you're throwing up.
Heat stroke — a medical emergency
- Signs and symptoms: High body temperature (above 103 degrees), red skin that's hot and dry or damp, fast pulse, dizziness, confusion, nausea and passing out.
- What to do: Call 911, move person to a cool place, lower person's body temperature with cool cloths or a cool bath, do not give anything to drink.
If at any time you're concerned that someone may be suffering from a heat-related illness and you're not sure what to do, contact your health care provider.
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