How to Recognize Heat Related Illness

Heat related illness can range from mild cramping to seizures and death. It pays to learn the signs of heat cramps, dehydration, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. It is important to know what to do when you recognize the signs of trouble. Heat related emergencies require prompt action and should never be taken lightly.

The three most often encountered heat related illnesses are:
1. Heat Cramps: Caused by salt loss through sweating during exercise or work, generally people who suffer heat cramps are drinking water but not replacing electrolytes. Signs and Symptoms of heat cramps are localized muscle cramps, usually in the arms and legs but sometimes in the abdomen. The person suffering heat cramps is awake and alert, their pulse may be a bit fast but otherwise their vital signs are normal. Their skin will feel cool or maybe slightly warm. Prevention can be as simple as adding sport drinks, tomato juice or chilled bouillon drinks to the fluid replacement regimen. The recommended treatment is to get the affected person to a cool environment, give them electrolyte balanced fluids and consult your physician. If the cramps are serious the Doctor may want to give IV therapy and monitor the victim for a time. Do not give salt tablets.

2. Heat Exhaustion: The person with heat exhaustion is awake, but may respond slowly, and complain of dizziness or lightheadedness and a headache. They usually have a fast pulse and are breathing fast. Skin is generally pale and damp and feels normal or a little warm. This person needs to be seen in the emergency room. If the affected person is lying down they may become very dizzy or pass out if they sit up. If they are sitting they may faint when they stand. If the person is still responsive get them into an air-conditioned car and give them some sports drink to sip while you take them to the emergency room. Call an ambulance if the person is nauseated or fainting.

3. Heat Stroke: The person with heat stroke is in severe trouble. They will likely have complained of dizziness and headache. The pulse and respirations are very fast and the skin is hot red and dry. The person's condition will progress quickly to confusion, unusual behavior, seizures, coma and death without immediate professional intervention. Call for an ambulance and try to rapidly cool the affected person with cold packs around the head, the chest, in the armpits and in the groin areas. Do not try to get the person to swallow fluids if they have lost consciousness or have had a seizure.

People who are particularly susceptible to heat related illness are those with these pre-existing conditions:
• Fevers
• Infections
• Seizure disorders
• Hyperthyroidism
• Alcoholism
• Cystic Fibrosis
• Obesity
• Diabetes
• Thyroid disease
• Malnutrition
• Cardiovascular diseases
• Babies and the elderly

The best method for avoiding heat related illness is to limit heat exposure, limit activity, maintain fluid intake and be sure that electrolyte balances are maintained. Sports drinks or tomato juice which has both salt and potassium in it are good for maintaining electrolyte balance. Check the article "Keep Cool During Heat Wave and Power Outage Crisis" for additional tips on keeping cool.