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How to recognize the symptoms of heat-related illnesses and what to do

Heat stroke is the most serious heat-related illness

The sun is seen through moving clouds, Wednesday, June 30, 2021, above the statue of Seattle Mariners Hall-of-Famer Ken Griffey Jr. at T-Mobile Park in Seattle. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren) (Ted S. Warren, Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

There are several heat-related illnesses that you should be able to recognize the signs and symptoms of.

Heat-related illnesses are preventable and everyone should learn what to do if they or a loved one shows signs of having a heat-related illness.

The following information comes from the CDC:

Heat stroke

Out of all the heat-related illnesses, heat stroke is the most serious. Heat stroke happens when the human body can no longer control its temperature. This means the body’s temperature rises quickly, the person stops sweating, and their body is not able to cool down.

When heat stroke occurs, the body temperature can rise to 106 degrees Fahrenheit or higher within 10 to 15 minutes. Heat stroke can cause permanent disability or death of the person does not receive emergency treatment.

Symptoms of heat stroke:

  • Confusion, altered mental status, slurred speech
  • Loss of consciousness (coma)
  • Hot, dry skin or profuse sweating
  • Seizures
  • Very high body temperature
  • Fatal if treatment delayed

What to do to treat heat stroke:

  • Call 911 for emergency medical care.
  • Stay with the worker until emergency medical services arrive.
  • Move the worker to a shaded, cool area and remove outer clothing.
  • Cool the worker quickly, using the following methods:
    • With a cold water or ice bath, if possible
    • Wet the skin
    • Place cold wet cloths on the skin
    • Soak clothing with cool water
  • Circulate the air around the worker to speed cooling.
  • Place cold wet cloths or ice on the head, neck, armpits, and groin; or soak the clothing with cool water.

Heat exhaustion

Heat exhaustion is the body’s response to an excessive loss of water and salt, usually due to excessive sweating. The elderly, people with high blood pressure, and people working in a hot environment are most likely to be affected by heat exhaustion.

Symptoms of heat exhaustion:

  • Headache
  • Nausea
  • Dizziness
  • Weakness
  • Irritability
  • Thirst
  • Heavy sweating
  • Elevated body temperature
  • Decreased urine output

What to do to treat heat exhaustion:

  • Take worker to a clinic or emergency room for medical evaluation and treatment.
  • Call 911 if medical care is unavailable.
  • Have someone stay with the worker until help arrives.
  • Remove the worker from the hot area and give liquids to drink.
  • Remove unnecessary clothing, including shoes and socks.
  • Cool the worker with cold compresses or have the worker wash their head, face, and neck with cold water.
  • Encourage frequent sips of cool water.

Rhabdomyolysis

Rhabdomyolysis, also known as rhabdo, is a condition linked to heat stress and prolonged physical exertion. It causes the rapid breakdown, rupture, and death of muscle.

When muscle tissue dies, electrolytes and large proteins are released into the bloodstream. This can cause irregular heart rhythms, seizures, and damage to the kidneys.

Symptoms of rhabdomyolysis:

  • Muscle cramps/pain
  • Abnormally dark (tea or cola-colored) urine
  • Weakness
  • Exercise intolerance
  • Asymptomatic

How to treat rhabdomyolysis:

  • Stop activity
  • Drink more liquids (water preferred)
  • Seek immediate care at the nearest medical facility.
  • Ask to be checked for rhabdomyolysis (i.e., blood sample analyzed for creatine kinase).

Heat syncope

Heat syncope is a fainting episode or dizziness that usually happens when someone is standing for too long or if someone suddenly stands up after sitting or lying down. Being dehydrated or not acclimatized to heat can cause this.

Symptoms of heat syncope:

  • Fainting (short duration)
  • Dizziness
  • Light-headedness from standing too long or suddenly rising from a sitting or lying position

How to treat heat syncope:

  • Sit or lie down in a cool place.
  • Slowly drink water, clear juice, or a sports drink.

Heat cramps

Heat cramps usually affect people who sweat a lot during strenuous activity. The sweating depletes the body’s salt and moisture levels. Low salt levels in muscles can cause painful cramps. Heat cramps can also be a symptom of heat exhaustion.

Symptoms of heat cramps:

  • Muscle cramps, pain, or spasms in the abdomen, arms, or legs

How to treat heat cramps:

  • Drink water and have a snack or a drink that replaces carbohydrates and electrolytes (such as sports drinks) every 15 to 20 minutes.
  • Avoid salt tablets.
  • Get medical help if the worker:
    • Has heart problems.
    • Is on a low sodium diet.
    • Has cramps that do not subside within 1 hour.

Heat rash

Heat rash is a skin irritation caused by excessive sweating during hot, humid weather.

Symptoms of heat rash:

  • Red clusters of pimples or small blisters
  • Usually appears on the neck, upper chest, groin, under the breasts, and in elbow creases

How to treat heat rash:

  • Work in a cooler, less humid environment, if possible.
  • Keep the rash area dry.
  • Apply powder to increase comfort.
  • Don’t use ointments and creams.

About the Author
Kayla Clarke headshot

Kayla is a Web Producer for ClickOnDetroit. Before she joined the team in 2018 she worked at WILX in Lansing as a digital producer.

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