Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke are serious conditions caused by exposure for long periods of time to heat, for example staying a long time outdoors, or exercising in very hot weather, and are usually compounded by dehydration. This is our second of three posts on Summer Heat Health Risks.
The health risks connected to hot weather are the reason why major sporting events in Israel do not occur in the height of summer, or if they happen around summer time are scheduled to start in very early morning or at night out of the aggressive heat of the day.
Even with the best intentions, sometimes the heat can get the better of us, and all of us as individuals will have different thresholds for what our body can tolerate, with the elderly and young children being most at risk.
Signs of Heat Exhaustion
The most important symptoms of heat exhaustion to look out for are the following, and should be taken seriously to try and prevent the further development of the more severe ‘heatstroke’:
- Intense thirst
- Body temperature may feel raised, but is often normal — a reading of 40 °C or above is what signals heat stroke, not heat exhaustion
- Nausea and loss of appetite
- Feeling clammy (sweaty) with pale skin
- Feeling dizzy or faint
- Cramping in the arms, legs or stomach
If a person has these symptoms and has been exposed to heat, try to cool them down. Move them to a cool place and take off any unnecessary clothing to help reduce their body temperature. Give them plenty of fluids. It is also a good idea to lie them down and raise their legs up to help blood flow back to the heart and brain. The skin can also be cooled by using a damp sponge or by spraying them with water and using a fan. For suspected heat stroke, more aggressive cooling is needed: if at all possible immerse the person in cold water (a bath, paddling pool or any container), or apply ice packs over as much of the body as you can while fanning — any cooling is better than none while waiting for emergency services.
Heat stroke can also develop quickly during physical activity — known as exertional heat stroke — not only after prolonged passive heat. Runners, hikers and anyone exercising outdoors in Israeli summer heat are at risk.
Signs of Heat Stroke
Heat stroke is a medical emergency — call 101 (Magen David Adom) immediately if any of the signs below are present; do not wait 30 minutes first. The 30-minute rule applies only to heat exhaustion: if someone with heat exhaustion (no confusion and no loss of consciousness) does not improve after 30 minutes of rest, cooling and fluids, seek medical attention. These are symptoms of the less common, but more serious, heatstroke:
- Temperature of 40 degrees Celsius or higher
- Hot skin — which may be dry (in older or inactive people) or still sweaty (in people who were exercising); do not rely on dry skin alone to identify heat stroke
- Increasing confusion
- Loss of consciousness- they cannot be roused
- Seizure/ convulsion
- Rapid pulse and breathing
It is important to note that children may not display these symptoms in the same way adults do. Young children especially may become floppy or sleepy. If you have any concerns at all about your child, seek advice.
Dehydration, How To Remain Well In The Heat
Read up about Dehydration in post 1, and Tips How To Remain Well In The Heat in post 3 of our mini-series about Summer Heat Health Risks.
