Keep fun in the sun from landing you in the ER
Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are dangerous summer maladies that can easily strike even the hardiest long-time Texans in the summer. At Emerus, we treat many victims each year, and we can assure you that your ability to thrive in the heat of a Texas summer isn’t simply a question of how many summers you’ve endured extreme heat. It’s a matter of conditioning, age, your ability to acclimate and a host of other factors. It pays to know the signs and symptoms of heat-related conditions so you can take action.
Heat exhaustion is a form of shock due to depletion of body fluids. Treatment consists of getting the affected person to a cool place out of the sun for rest and rehydration. Heat stroke, however, is a more serious medical condition characterized by very high body temperatures, bizarre behaviors, confusion or collapse. In this case, immediate medical care is essential. Dehydration due to drinking alcohol also can contribute significantly to heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
Symptoms of heat exhaustion can include thirst; nausea; body cramping; light-headedness; paleness; headaches; cool, moist skin and fast, shallow breathing. If these symptoms are ignored, in as little as 10 minutes they can turn to heat stroke, which is characterized by extremely high body temperature (103 degrees or higher); hot, dry skin; dizziness; nausea or vomiting; even confusion or unconsciousness. If left unchecked, heat stroke can cause damage to internal organs, or even death.
Summer is meant to be fun. Keep it that way by taking care to stay hydrated and limit your time out in the sun, especially for those most at risk, including the elderly, people with heart conditions, children and student athletes.