Summer brings longer days and plenty of sunshine, but the challenge of staying cool amid soaring temperatures comes with it. The sweltering heat can lead to various heat-related illnesses, some of which can be serious if not addressed promptly.

This article explores common heat-related illnesses and offers tips for preventing them.

Heat Syncope

Heat syncope is when someone suddenly faints in a hot environment, especially after standing for a long time or getting up quickly from a sitting or lying down position. Usually, lying down and elevating the legs can help individuals recover quickly. If someone is about to faint from heat syncope, they might exhibit the following symptoms:

·        Dizziness

·        Lightheadedness

·        Nausea

·        Blurry vision

·        Rapid heart rate

·        Sweating

Those not used to the heat, older adults, people with heart conditions, and those taking medications that affect blood pressure have a higher risk of heat syncope.

To prevent heat syncope, drink plenty of water, wear light, loose-fitting clothes, and take regular breaks in cool or shaded areas. Additionally, avoid getting up too quickly from a sitting or lying position to keep your blood pressure steady.

Heat Rash

Heat rash occurs when sweat ducts become blocked and trap sweat beneath the skin. Common in hot, humid environments, it often affects areas where skin folds or where clothing creates friction. Symptoms of heat rash include the following:

·        Small, red bumps on the skin

·        Itchyor prickly sensations

·        Slight swelling

Excessive sweating, tight clothing and prolonged periods of physical activity can increase your risk of developing heat rash. You can avoid it by wearing loose-fitting clothes with breathable fabrics, such as cotton or linen. Also, refrain from using thick lotions or creams that may clog your pores, and use fragrance-free soaps that won’t dry or irritate your skin.

Heat Cramps

When you sweat excessively due to heat or physical activity, it can cause an imbalance in electrolytes, which can lead to muscle cramps or spasms. Although heat cramps aren’t typically serious, they are a sign the body is struggling to cope with the heat and that further measures should be taken to prevent more severe heat illnesses from occurring. You might have heat cramps if you experience:

·        Tight muscles with mild to severe pain

·        Stiffor curled toes

·        Flushedor moist skin

Heat cramps are conditions on a low-sodium diet or are taking certain medications (e.g., blood pressure pills, diuretics or antidepressants). If you start feeling heat cramp symptoms, immediately stop any activity and get out of the heat, if possible. Stretch and massage the cramping muscle and apply a cold compress. You may also drink milk, coconut water, sports drinks, or an oral rehydration solution to replenish

Heat exhaustion is a serious condition that occurs when the body loses an excessive amount of water and salt through sweating. Without intervention, heat exhaustion can escalate to heatstroke. The symptoms of heat exhaustion can appear suddenly without warning or develop gradually over time. They include the following:

·        Pale, moist skin

·        Weakness

·        Nausea

·        Headache

·        Muscle cramps

·        Fever of 38 degrees Celsius or higher

You are more likely to experience heat exhaustion if you engage in strenuous physical activity in hot, humid environments. People not used to high temperatures (such as those living in cooler climates who suddenly encounter hot weather) are also at higher risk. In general, the elderly, young children, and individuals with chronic health conditions like heart disease or diabetes are the most susceptible to heat exhaustion. If someone is experiencing heat exhaustion, move them to a cool place and remove unnecessary clothing such as jackets or socks. Offer them cool water to replenish fluids, then use a spray bottle or damp cloth to apply cool water to their skin. Fanning them and placing cold packs on their neck can also help.

Heatstroke

Heat exhaustion, if not treated, can lead to life-threatening heatstroke. Heatstroke happens when the body’s temperature regulation fails and body temperature rises to 40 degrees Celsius or higher. A person experiencing this medical emergency may also exhibit the following symptoms:

·        Disorientation or confusion

·        Loss of consciousness

·        Hotand dry skin

·        Rapid pulse

Heatstroke requires immediate medical attention to prevent permanent damage or death. If you see someone possibly suffering from heatstroke, call 911. Until help arrives, remove excess clothing and drench the skin with cool water. Place ice on the neck, armpits, and groin to help cool the body down. If the person is alert, give them cool fluids to drink.

Summary

Summer heat can be more than uncomfortable; it can threaten your health. When left untreated, heat-related illnesses can become life-threatening. That’s why taking the appropriate actions to mitigate the health risks of heat illnesses is vital.

If heat-related symptoms don’t improve within an hour, contact a doctor. Seek immediate medical attention if you or someone else has heatstroke.

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