Heat Alert – Health Risks of Hot Summer Days
Recently, we’ve seen temperatures rise above 30 °C more often than usual. Extreme heat can strain not only people with chronic illnesses but also healthy individuals. On very hot summer days, you may experience symptoms of heat-related illnesses like dehydration, extreme fatigue, dizziness, headaches, or other signs. Keep reading to learn about the health effects of unusually hot days and how to prevent serious health problems through early action.
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How to handle heat-related illnesses?
In hot weather, the body cools itself through sweating; however, extreme heat and humidity can overwhelm this process, risking dangerous overheating that could harm the brain and organs. Excessive sun exposure can also cause harm in several ways. Discover how to prevent heat-related illnesses and what steps to take if they happen.
Heat Exhaustion
Heat exhaustion can develop after several days of exposure to high temperatures combined with inadequate or unbalanced fluid replacement. It is a milder form of heat-related illness. Older adults, individuals with high blood pressure, and those who work or exercise in hot environments are most susceptible to heat exhaustion.
Signs of heat exhaustion include:
- Tiredness
- Weakness
- Dizziness
- Heavy sweating
- Headache
- Paleness
- Muscle cramps
- Nausea or vomiting
- Fainting
The skin may be cool and moist, with a rapid, weak pulse and fast, shallow breathing.
To avoid heat exhaustion, it is crucial to stay well-hydrated, take frequent breaks in a cool environment, and rest when feeling fatigued; if you experience symptoms, immediately move to a shaded or air-conditioned area, lie down, and drink plenty of fluids while monitoring your condition closely.
If symptoms worsen or persist for more than one hour, seek medical attention, as heat exhaustion can progress to heat stroke.
Heat Stroke (or Sunstroke)
Heat stroke (also known as sunstroke) is the most severe heat-related illness. It occurs when the body cannot regulate its temperature: the body temperature rises rapidly, the sweating mechanism fails, and the body is unable to cool down.
Warning signs of heat stroke:
- An unusually high body temperature (above 39.5°C)
- Red, hot, and dry skin (no sweating)
- Rapid, strong pulse
- Throbbing headache
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Confusion
- Unconsciousness
What to do if you notice the signs of heat stroke?
Heat stroke can be a life-threatening emergency. Heat stroke can cause death or permanent disability if quick emergency treatment is not provided. If you suspect such a condition, call 911 for an ambulance and start cooling the victim immediately. Here are the steps to follow:
- Get the person to a shaded area.
- Start cooling the victim quickly using one of the following methods:
- Immerse them in a tub of cool water
- Place them in a cool shower.
- Spray them with water from a garden hose.
- Sponge them with cool water.
- If the humidity is low, wrap the victim in a cold, wet sheet and gently fan them.
- Monitor their body temperature and continue cooling efforts until it drops to between 38.3°C and 39°C (approximately 101°F to 102.2°F).
Once the person’s condition stabilizes, seek urgent medical care.
Heat Cramps
Heat cramps are painful muscle spasms that typically occur in the abdomen, arms, or legs during intense physical activity. They often happen alongside excessive sweating and fatigue. Individuals who sweat excessively are more likely to experience muscle cramps due to a loss of sodium and moisture. Heat cramps can also be a sign of heat exhaustion.
To alleviate the symptoms of heat cramps, follow these steps:
- Stop all activities and sit quietly in a cool place.
- Drink clear water (mineral water), juice, or a sports beverage.
- Do not return to strenuous activity for a few hours after the cramps subside because further exertion may lead to heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
If the person has heart problems, is on a low-sodium diet, or if the symptoms persist for more than an hour, see a doctor right away.
Sunburn
Overexposure to sunlight can cause the skin to become warmer, turn red, and become irritated. In severe sunburn, swelling and blisters can develop on the skin. The symptoms resemble those of the flu: fever, chills, nausea, headache, and weakness. Later, the skin starts peeling and itching when it tries to eliminate sun-damaged cells.
How to relieve sunburn?
- Move away from sunshine until the sunburn heals.
- Treat the sunburned areas with cool clothes or cold water.
- Apply a moisturizing lotion that contains aloe vera to sunburned areas.
- Allow the blisters to heal, and refrain from breaking them.
If the symptoms don’t lessen in a few days or if you notice any unusual skin lesions, have your skin checked by a dermatologist. Early detection of any problems can prevent future complications, such as skin cancer, and is essential for effective treatment and recovery.
Heat Rash
Heat rash is a skin irritation caused by excessive sweating in hot, humid weather. It can happen at any age, but it is most common in young children. Heat rash appears as a red cluster of pimples or small blisters, often found
- on the neck and upper chest,
- in the groin,
- under the breasts, and
- in the elbow creases.
The best way to treat heat rash is to create a cooler, less humid environment. Keep the affected area dry and use dusting powder to improve comfort.
How to avoid the negative health effects of hot summer weather?
There are some essential steps you can take to avoid the consequences of high summer heat:
- Drink more fluids than usual, mainly water, mineral water, or fruit juice,
- Replenish salts and minerals,
- Wear light clothing and use sunscreen,
- Pace yourself,
- Stay cool indoors or remain in the shade outdoors in the warmest hours between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.
- Plan outdoor activities carefully.
Additionally, use a buddy system, monitor those at risk around you.
