Heat Illness Term Papers

633 Words2 Pages

Heat Illness

Heat illness is the general term that refers to the symptoms that can develop after a person is exposed to high temperatures. Heat illness develops when the body cannot keep itself cool. Heat illness includes several heat-related conditions, such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
CAUSES

Heat illness is caused by any condition that prevents the body from cooling itself. It often happens in warm and humid weather. Normally when your body temperature rises, your body sweats and the sweat evaporates from your skin. This keeps your body cool. When it is warm, you may lose fluids through sweat faster than usual. This makes it harder for your body to continue sweating. In humid conditions, it is harder for sweat to evaporate from your skin. That reduces the normal cooling effect of sweat.
RISK FACTORS

This condition is more likely to develop in people who:

Exercise in hot or humid weather. …show more content…

Drink enough fluid to keep your urine clear or pale yellow. This helps your body to sweat properly.

Take breaks often when you exercise outdoors.

Wear clothing that allows sweat to evaporate. Choose clothing that is lightweight, breathable, and light in color.

Avoid being physically active during the hottest times of day. Consider canceling activities if the temperature is hotter than expected.

SEEK MEDICAL CARE IF:

Your symptoms last longer than 30 minutes.

SEEK IMMEDIATE MEDICAL CARE IF:

You have any symptoms of heat stroke. These include:

Fever.

Vomiting.

Red skin.

Inability to sweat, resulting in hot, dry skin.

Excessive thirst.

Rapid breathing.

Headache.

Confusion or disorientation.

Fainting.

Seizures.

These symptoms may represent a serious problem that is an emergency. Do not wait to see if the symptoms will go away. Get medical help right away. Call your local emergency services (911 in the U.S.). Do not drive yourself to the

Open Document