Excessive Heat: Know About Dehydration, Heat Stroke & Tips To Cope It

The Danger of Excessive Heat: What You Need to Know

The Dangers of excessive heat
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What is Excessive Heat?

Definition of Excessive Heat

Excessive heat is a period of high heat and humidity with temperatures above 90 degrees Fahrenheit for at least two to three days. It can be dangerous to human health, especially for those who are at high risk for heat-related illness.

Symptoms of Excessive Heat Exposure:

The symptoms of excessive heat exposure can vary depending on the severity of the heat and the individual’s risk factors. Some common symptoms include:

• Heavy sweating
• Pale or flushed skin
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Headache
• Nausea or vomiting
• Muscle cramps
• Rapid breathing
• Rapid heart rate
• Confusion
• Loss of consciousness

Risk factors for heat-related illness:

Certain people are at higher risk for heat-related illness than others. These include:

• Older adults
• Young children
• People with chronic medical conditions, such as heart disease, lung disease, and diabetes
• People who are overweight or obese
• People who are taking certain medications
• People who are working or exercising outdoors
• People who live in hot climates

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The Dangers of Excessive Heat:

Excessive heat can cause a variety of health problems, including:

Dehydration:

Dehydration is a dangerous effect of excessive heat that can lead to a number of health problems, including heat stroke, heat exhaustion, and kidney failure.

When people sweat, they lose fluids and electrolytes. If these fluids and electrolytes are not replaced, dehydration can occur. Dehydration can make it difficult for the body to cool itself down, which can lead to heat-related illness.

Symptoms of Dehydration include:

Thirst, Dry mouth, Dark-colored urine, Headache, Fatigue, Dizziness, Lightheadedness, Muscle cramps, Confusion

Heat stroke: 

Heat stroke is the most serious heat-related illness. It occurs when the body’s temperature rises to dangerously high levels. Heat stroke can cause brain damage, coma, and even death.

A female suffering from hypothermia as a result of excessive heat loss from her body

Hypothermia: 

Hypothermia is a condition that occurs when the body’s temperature drops below 95 degrees Fahrenheit. It can be caused by exposure to cold weather, but it can also be caused by excessive heat loss. Hypothermia can lead to a number of health problems, including confusion, loss of coordination, and heart problems.

Frostbite: 

Frostbite is a condition that occurs when the body’s tissues freeze. It can be caused by exposure to cold weather, but it can also be caused by excessive heat loss. Frostbite can lead to permanent damage to the skin, nerves, and muscles.

Heat exhaustion:

 Heat exhaustion is a less serious heat-related illness. It occurs when the body loses too much fluid and salt through sweating. Heat exhaustion can cause dizziness, headache, nausea, vomiting, and muscle cramps.

Heat cramps: 

Heat cramps are muscle spasms that can occur in people who are exercising or working in hot weather.

Heat syncope:

Heat syncope is a fainting spell that can occur when the body’s blood pressure drops suddenly due to heat exposure.

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A man splashing water onto his face to avoid heatburn & stay cool
Credit: Freepik

How To Protect Yourself From Excessive Heat:

There are a number of things you can do to protect yourself from excessive heat, including:

Drink Plenty of Fluids:

 Water is the best fluid to drink when you are sweating. You should also drink sports drinks, which contain electrolytes.

Avoid Alcohol and Sugary Drinks: 

Alcohol and sugary drinks can dehydrate you.

Seek Shade: 

If you are outdoors, seek shade whenever possible.

Wear Loose-Fitting, Light-Colored Clothing:

 This will help your body to cool down more effectively.

Take Breaks:

•  If you are exercising or working outdoors, take breaks in the shade to drink fluids and cool down.
• Avoid strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day.
• Be aware of the signs and symptoms of heat-related illness.

Use of Towel & moisturizer to prevent skin dryness & stay cool
Credit: Freepik

Tips for Staying Cool Indoors:

• Close your curtains and blinds during the day to block out sunlight.
• Run your ceiling fans.
• Take cool showers or baths.
• Drink plenty of fluids.

Tips for Staying Cool Outdoors:

• Wear a hat and sunscreen.
• Drink plenty of fluids.
• Take breaks in the shade.
• Be aware of the signs and symptoms of heat-related illness.

What to do if you think you or someone else is suffering from heat-related illness:

If you think you or someone else is suffering from heat-related illness, call 911 immediately. While waiting for help to arrive, move the person to a cool place, loosen their clothing, and apply cool compresses to their skin. Give them fluids to drink, but avoid giving them alcohol or sugary drinks.

Conclusion:

Excessive heat is a serious danger to human health. It can lead to a number of health problems, including heat stroke, heat exhaustion, heat cramps, and heat syncope. These conditions can be life-threatening, especially for people who are at high risk.

There are a number of things that people can do to protect themselves from the dangers of excessive heat. These include staying hydrated, seeking shade, wearing loose-fitting, light-colored clothing, and taking breaks in the shade. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of heat-related illness, it is important to seek medical attention immediately.

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