The start of the summer season is just around the corner and you can expect plenty of scorching temperatures. Heat waves that brought soaring temperatures hit the West, with several cities issuing excessive heat warnings. Last summer also brought record heat across the country, along with repeated warnings about heat illness – and a flurry of emergency room visits.
It’s easy to forget the risk of heat exhaustion or heatstroke when you’re enjoying a pool party or beach party, but these serious conditions can and do happen. Ahead, three emergency room doctors answer questions about how to stay safe when it’s scorching hot — from being able to identify symptoms to the most effective ways to stay cool.
Why should I worry about heat illness now?
Summer is when temperatures are highest in the USA. As temperatures soared last year, so did emergency room visits for heat illnesses. A to study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention published in April found that there were nearly 120,000 heat-related emergency room visits in 2023, and 90% of them happened between May and September.
The highest number of emergency room visits were in Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas, with men and adults ages 18 to 64 having the highest rates of emergency room visits for heat illnesses.
“With the hottest summer months quickly approaching, it is important to plan ahead to protect yourself and others from heat illness,” Dr. Marc Taub, emergency physician and medical director of emergency services at MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center in Laguna Hills, California, tells Yahoo Life. “It is especially important to take precautions for those who are most vulnerable to heat, such as children, the elderly, pregnant women, those who work outdoors, people without ready access to cool areas and liquids, and people with underlying health conditions.”
What exactly is heat illness?
Heat illness (also known as heat-related illness) is an umbrella term used to describe several conditions that can occur to your body when the temperature rises.
Heat illness generally refers to these conditions:
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Heat cramps: These can be the first sign of heat illness and often involve painful muscle cramps that can occur in the legs and abdomen, according to the National Weather Service (NWS).
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Rash: It is a skin irritation that can happen when you sweat a lot on hot and humid days, which Centers for Disease Control and Prevention it says.
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Heat exhaustion: Heat exhaustion is the body’s response to excessive water and salt loss that often occurs due to excessive sweating, according to the CDC. It can cause intense sweating, fatigue and dizziness, among other symptoms.
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Insolation: Also known as heatstroke, this is the most serious heat illness, says the CDC. It happens when the body can no longer control its temperature. The sweating mechanism fails and the body can no longer cool down. Body temperature can also reach 106 degrees or more in 10 to 15 minutes, according to the CDC. Heatstroke can cause permanent disability or death.
See more information: What does a rash look like? How to identify and treat
What are the symptoms?
The symptoms of heat illness vary depending on the type you experience. Here’s a breakdown, according to the CDC:
Heat cramps
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Muscle cramps in the abdomen, arms or legs
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Pain in the abdomen, arms or legs
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Spasms in the abdomen, arms or legs
Rash
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Red clusters of pimples or small blisters
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Pimples or blisters that appear on the neck, upper chest, groin, under the breasts, and in the creases of the elbows
Heat exhaustion
Insolation
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Confusion, altered mental status, slurred speech
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Loss of consciousness
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Hot, dry skin or excessive sweating
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Seizures
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Very high body temperature
How dangerous is heat illness?
It depends on the type of heat illness you have. Rashes and cramps are “usually uncomfortable if you’re healthy” Dr. chairman of emergency medicine at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, told Yahoo Life. However, they are usually not serious.
But anyone can experience heat exhaustion and heatstroke – the latter of which is life-threatening, he points out.
“With heatstroke, you can develop organ problems, kidney failure, heart problems, and stroke-like symptoms,” Dr., emergency medicine physician at Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, told Yahoo Life. “You could die from heatstroke.”
See more information: After child’s death, California considers rules for physical education during extreme weather
I’m having symptoms. What should I do?
Doctors recommend getting out of the heat as soon as possible if you don’t feel well. “The most important intervention if you feel sick in the heat is to move to a cooler area,” says Nelson. “This can be as simple as getting out of the sun or going indoors.”
Using a fan can speed up the evaporation of sweat and help with cooling, but Nelson points out that it is “not very efficient” in higher temperatures. In fact, the Environmental Protection Agency recommends that people not use ventilators when the heat index temperaturewhich is a combination of temperature and humidity, is above 99 degrees Fahrenheit.
“Ensuring you are adequately hydrated is key and replacing lost sweat with water as well as electrolytes will help prevent a slump in your body. blood sodium level“, says Nelson.
It’s also a good idea to take off extra clothes and put down wet towels, if you have them nearby, to help cool off, says Adkins. Sprinkling water on the body can also help, according to Taub.
If anyone has symptoms of heatstroke, call 911 immediately. O US also recommends getting “immediate medical attention” if cramps last more than an hour, the person vomits, or if heat exhaustion symptoms worsen or last more than an hour.
How can I stay informed about heat risks?
The CDC just released a Heat and Health Tracker to make it easier to know what’s going on with the heat in your area. The tracker provides local heat and health information, including emergency room visit rates for heat illness where you live. The CDC also notes what medications can make you more vulnerable to the effects of heatand how to store them safely when temperatures rise.
“Keep track of daily weather forecasts and local heat warnings,” says Taub. “Good sources of current and forecast weather information include local news channels and weather websites.” He also suggests checking Heat.gov for up-to-date information and forecasts.
My car is always squeaking in the summer. How can I stay calm?
Car temperatures can skyrocket and to look for found that interior temperatures can reach 116 degrees and seats can reach 123 degrees.
“Getting into a hot car for a brief period of time is generally safe, but opening the windows or turning on the air conditioning should help moderate the temperature,” says Nelson. “The interior of a car, especially in the sun, can reach unsafe temperatures if not cooled, so do not keep children or pets in closed cars, even if away from the sun.”
Adkins recommends parking in the shade when you can. An umbrella in your car can also help divert heat from the interior, says Taub. If his car doesn’t have air conditioning and it’s extremely hot outside, Adkins suggests using public transportation if it’s available.
What are the most effective ways to stay calm?
If you feel like you’re getting hot, there are some things you can do to cool down at that moment.
Drinking plenty of water is an obvious choice, but Adkins also recommends keeping an eye on the color of your urine. “If it looks more light yellow, you’re hydrated,” he says. “If it’s dark yellow, orange or brown, that’s the main sign of dehydration.”
Using fans, including portable fans, when the heat index is below 99 degrees can be helpful, in addition to spraying yourself with cold water, Nelson says. Placing cool, damp cloths on your wrists, neck, and ankles can also help keep your temperature down, says Adkins.
Is there anything else I can do?
Doctors say there are some other moves you can do to cool down on hot days. A big one is to avoid leaving the house at the hottest times of the day — typically between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. — if you can, says Adkins.
Nelson also suggests carrying a bottle of water with you to make sure you’re well hydrated. Carrying a portable fan in your bag and using it when you need to cool off can also be helpful, according to Adkins.
If you really want to plan ahead, Adkins recommends planting trees on your property to create shade for the future.
Overall, doctors emphasize the importance of being aware of the heat in your area and taking steps to stay cool. “Exposure to excess heat can be serious – and it’s important to take it seriously,” says Adkins.
This article was originally published on May 22, 2024, and has been updated.
