Man suffers from heat exhaustion
In Illinois, there are an average of 10 days a year with temperatures of 90 degrees or more, according to the Climatologist for the State of Illinois.
As is typical for August, temperatures this week reached and exceeded 32 degrees.
This summer weather puts many people at risk of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. This affects not only outdoor workers, but also children, the elderly and those without functioning air conditioning in their buildings.
Brian Curtis, MD, vice president of Clinical Specialty Services at OSF HealthCare, says preparation and alertness are key to staying safe in the summer heat.
“They first suffer from heat exhaustion before heat stroke sets in,” says Dr. Curtis. “With heat exhaustion, people feel cold, clammy, sweat profusely, and experience nausea or vomiting. They also usually experience severe muscle cramps.”
If heat exhaustion is not recognized and treated quickly, it can lead to heat stroke, according to Dr. Curtis.
“With heat stroke, they have dry skin, a temperature of 102 to 104 degrees, they are confused or unconscious,” says Dr. Curtis. “That is a medical emergency, a 911 call. With heat exhaustion, on the other hand, you need to get them out of the heat, into a cool environment and give them something to drink.”
Dr. Curtis says hospitals treat heatstroke patients every summer, especially during extended periods of hot and humid weather. He says higher humidity means our bodies can’t cool down as easily.
But these dangers don’t just affect outdoor workers or athletes who exercise in the summer. Dr. Curtis says the main victims of excessive heat are middle-aged people, but children and older adults are more vulnerable.
“Because they don’t heat up and cool down as easily, they’re more vulnerable and we tend to be more vigilant about them,” says Dr. Curtis.
Heat exhaustion or heat stroke do not only occur outdoors.
“When temperatures are between 35 and 40 degrees, there are some people here who still don’t have air conditioning. In a building, you can get heat exhaustion and heat stroke,” says Dr. Curtis. “When people don’t have air conditioning, a lot of older people suffer from heat exhaustion in their own homes.”
Prevention of heat exhaustion and heat stroke
– Drink plenty of fluids (water, fruit juice, sports drinks)
– Avoid dehydrating liquids such as alcohol and caffeinated drinks
– Take frequent breaks
– Get out of the sun and into the shade
– Use sunscreen and avoid sunburn
– Use the buddy system: look after each other
Dr. Curtis adds that the effects of heat stroke can be long-lasting or even fatal.
“Every year, people die from it or suffer serious illnesses afterward,” says Dr. Curtis. “Once you’ve had heat stroke, you’re more vulnerable to heat in the future. Your body doesn’t regulate heat as well, so you’re more vulnerable to it in the future.”
More information
Be safe in extreme temperatures. Know the warning signs of heat stroke and take the right steps to prevent it.
Symptoms of heat exhaustion
- Heavy sweating
- Lack of water (causes extreme thirst)
- weakness
- dizziness
- Salt deficiency (causes muscle cramps)
- Nausea
- Vomit
- powerlessness
- Headache
Symptoms of heat stroke
- Body temperature above 40 °C (main symptom)
- No sweating in the heat
- Neurological problems such as confusion, loss of consciousness and seizures
- Rapid breathing
- Increased heart rate
