Expert Advice on How to Avoid Heat-Related Illnesses

During the summer months, you may expect to be hot, but when heatwaves occur, spending prolonged time outdoors in the can lead to severe heat-related illnesses.

"High temperatures and high humidity can be a dangerous combination," says Kevin Miller, DO, emergency medicine physician with Doylestown Health. "When your body starts to have trouble regulating its temperature, you can suffer from serious health issues."

Heat Related Illnesses

There are a number of heat related illnesses with symptoms that range from minor to severe. You can get heat related illnesses from spending too much time outdoors in high temperatures without taking the appropriate precautions.

The most common types of heat related illnesses include:

• Heat rash: Also known as prickly heat, this condition occurs when sweat becomes trapped in the skin. Heat rash causes small clusters of bumps that may be itchy. The condition usually resolves once the skin is cooled, but may require medical treatment in severe cases.
• Heat cramps: These painful muscle spasms in the abdomen, back, legs or arms and can be an early symptom of severe heat related illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke. It is generally caused by dehydration.
• Heat exhaustion: A severe heat related illness that occurs when your body overheats, symptoms of heat exhaustion include:
  
  • Clammy skin
  • Dizziness
  • Fatigue
  • Headache
  • Heavy sweating
  • Muscle cramps
  • Nausea
  • Weakness

  If you think you have heat exhaustion, you should move to a cool location and rest. If your symptoms don't improve, you should contact a healthcare provider.

• Heatstroke: This serious condition occurs when your body temperature rises above 104 degrees and is the most serious heat related illness constituting a medical emergency. Left untreated, the condition can cause kidney, heart and brain damage. Some signs of heatstroke include:
  
  • Agitation, confusion or other signs of altered mental state
  • Feeling faint or lightheaded
  • Flushed, red skin
  • High body temperature, over 104 degrees
  • Racing pulse
  • Rapid, shallow breathing
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Severe headache

"Heatstroke is a serious illness that can have long-term effects on your body. If you or someone you know have symptoms of heatstroke, you should go to a cooler location and seek immediate medical attention or call 911," says Dr. Miller.

Protect the Very Young and Elderly

Although anyone can have a heat related illness, Dr. Miller says the very young and elderly are most susceptible. He says that while athletes are physically fit and healthy, they should take precautions in the heat.

Dr. Miller stresses the importance of everyone knowing the signs and symptoms of heat-related illnesses like heat stroke and heat exhaustion. "Knowing the symptoms of a heat-related illness could make a difference between life or death for you or a loved one," he says.

Prevent Heat Related Illnesses

The good news is that in most cases, you can prevent heat-related illnesses. When the temperatures rise, it's important that you do what you can to stay cool. Dr. Miller suggests:

• Dress appropriately - Wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.

• Stay cool inside - Try to stay in the air conditioning as much as possible. If your home doesn't have air conditioning, visit a mall or another public place with air conditioning.

• Limit time outdoors - Schedule your time outdoors when it's the coolest, which is often morning and evening.

• Stay hydrated - Make sure you drink plenty of water. If you are thirsty, you may already be dehydrated.

• Wear plenty of sunscreen - Sunburn affects your body's ability to cool down and can lead to dehydration.

Meet the Provider

Kevin Miller, DO is a board certified emergency medicine physician with Doylestown Health. He believes in patient-centered care.

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