Medical Attention For Heat Exhaustion (Heat Cramps, Heat Stroke, Dehydration)

“With the temperatures outside extremely hot and with humidity soaring, you should know how to protect yourself against heat exhaustion. Heat exhaustion can lead to heat stroke, which can be life-threatening, particularly for people who are elderly or those who have heart and lung conditions. If you think you, or someone you know, has heat stroke it’s important to get out of the heat and seek immediate care”.

-Dr. Bella Zimilevich, MD

About Heat Exhaustion/Heat Stroke

Simply put, heat exhaustion occurs when your body becomes overheated. Normally, your body cools itself by sweating. Body temperature is controlled by a part of your brain known as the hypothalamus, which maintains the body’s temperature within a fairly narrow range. When you are outside in very hot weather and don’t replace the fluids your body loses through sweating, the hypothalamus is overwhelmed and begins to produce more heat than the body can handle by sweating. Heat exhaustion is a form of dehydration caused by exposure to excessive heat for prolonged periods, or from drinking fluids that don’t contain enough sodium (salt).

Heat stroke is a more serious form of heat exhaustion and can lead to coma and even death if not treated. People with heat stroke may be confused with dry skin. Heat stroke occurs when heat exhaustion is not treated.

Symptoms of Heat Stroke/Heat Exhaustion

If you have heat exhaustion, you may experience:

• dizziness/weakness/fainting
• rapid heart rate (tachycardia)
• thirst
• excessive sweating
• nausea vomiting
• muscle cramping (heat cramps)
• pale, cool and clammy skin
• fatigue
• headache
• elevation in temperature (most often a mild rise)

In heat stroke, the body temperature exceeds 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit)  and coma or seizure may follow. Heart attack and death may also occur. Heat stroke is an extremely serious condition.

Who is Most at Risk?

How to Prevent Heat Stroke

The best offense is a good defense- try to avoid the sun during the hottest part of the day whenever possible.

What to do if you think you have heat exhaustion:

If you think you, or someone else, may have heat exhaustion, get to a cool place out of the heat. Remove any excessive clothing. You can place ice packs on the back of the neck and head and in the armpits and groins-this will cool the body quickly. You can also use fans or a cool bath to lower body temperature (do not put someone who is not fully conscious in the tub and leave them unattended). Replenish fluid loss by drinking water, naturally sweetened fruit juices or sports drinks.

If you or the person you are treating do not feel better after 20 minutes, you should be seen by a medical professional. If the person is semi-conscious or fully unconscious call an ambulance for immediate assistance.

If you come to see me in the clinic with symptoms of heat exhaustion, I will assess your temperature, pulse, respirations and blood pressure. I will examine you for signs and symptoms of dehydration. I may order diagnostic tests such as blood work or a urine test to assess the extent of dehydration. I may also use cooling measures to bring your body temperature down.

The best way to avoid heat exhaustion and heat stroke is to avoid the heat as much as possible. If you or someone you know are experiencing symptoms of heat exhaustion, call for an immediate appointment.

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