Published on May 23, 2023

What you need to know about heat illnesses

It is time to say goodbye to snow and hello to sweat in the High Country! As the temperature rises in the mountains, it is vital to know when someone is experiencing a heat-related illness and how to keep them safe. Heat illnesses, which include heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke are serious illnesses that may lead to further complications, including death. (1) Around 70,000 people in the United States visit the Emergency Room due to heat illnesses per year. (2) You alone can lower this number by knowing what to look for and how to help someone experiencing a heat illness.

Heat Cramps:

Heat cramps are the mildest form of the three heat illnesses. (1) Heat cramps occur when one’s muscles cramp up and cause spasms due to exercise or sweating in the hot heat. Heat cramps may happen when you are exercising outside, playing outside, or even just outside for an extended period of time. (1) Some symptoms of heat cramps may include.

  • Painful cramps, especially in the legs
  • Flushed skin

The best way to treat heat cramps is to move to a cool place, remove excessive clothing, drink water and sports drinks with electrolytes, and stretch the cramped muscles. (1)

Heat Exhaustion:

Heat exhaustion is a result of water and salt loss within the body. (1) Heat exhaustion occurs when the body cannot cool itself due to inadequate fluid intake. If heat exhaustion is left untreated, heat stroke may occur. (1) Symptoms of heat exhaustion include but are not limited to:

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Headache
  • Weakness
  • Fatigue
  • Approximate fever of 100.4 ° F

Heat exhaustion is more severe than heat cramps. The most effective way to treat heat exhaustion is to move to a cool place, remove excessive clothing, and consume water and sports drinks with electrolytes. (1) While heat exhaustion is not the most severe form of a heat illness, it is important to know that this person may need to be brought to the emergency room to receive intravenous (IV) fluids to recover. (1)

Heat Stroke:

Heat stroke is the most severe heat-related illness. Heat stroke occurs when the body’s regulatory system is unable to return the body to its regular state due to overwhelming heat. (1) A few activities that have been linked to heat stroke include playing football in hot temperatures, training for the military in hot temperatures, long-distance running in hot temperatures, and even more. (3) Symptoms of heat stroke include but are not limited to:

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Headache
  • Confusion
  • Agitation
  • Anger
  • Seizures
  • Coma
  • Approximate fever of 104 ° F

If someone is experiencing heat stroke, the best treatment is to move them to a cool place and call 911 immediately. After calling 911, remove excessive clothing and place ice packs in the armpits and groin area to start the cooling process. This person will need to visit the closest Emergency Room for further recovery and assistance. (1)

Tips to stay safe:

  1. Drink plenty of fluids, including water and sports drinks.
    • Try to avoid alcohol and drinks with caffeine, these can lead to dehydration.
    • This means 92 ounces of fluids a day for women, and 124 ounces of fluids a day for men. (4)
  2. Exercise and do vigorous outdoor activity in the morning or evening when it is cooler.
  3. Dress in light-colored clothing on hot days.
    • Dark clothing attracts the sun.
  4. Use protection from the sun.
    • Sunglasses, umbrellas, hats, and sunscreen are great ways to stay protected from the sun

UNC Health Appalachian is committed to educating the community on ways to stay healthy. If you or someone you know is at risk for developing a heat illness, consult with your primary care provider on prevention steps you can take. However, if you or someone you know is having a heat stroke, please call 911 immediately, and report to Watauga Medical Center or the closest emergency room.

References:

  1. Johns Hopkins Medicine. Heat-Related Illnesses (Heat Cramps, Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke). https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/heatrelated-illnesses-heat-cramps-heat-exhaustion-heat-stroke
  2. Centers for Disease, Control and Prevention. Heat and Health Tracker. https://ephtracking.cdc.gov/Applications/heatTracker
  3. Mayo Clinic. Heat Stroke.https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heat-stroke/symptoms-causes/syc-20353581