Hydration: Heat Stroke, Heat Cramps, and Heat Exhaustion

What is Heat Stroke?

Also know as sunstroke, heat stroke is a life-threatening. The victim's temperature control system, which produces sweating to cool the body, stops working. The body temperature can rise so high that brain damage and death may result if the body is not cooled quickly.

What should you do? (Heat Exhaustion)

- Get to a cooler place and rest in a comfortable position. - If the person is fully awake and alert, sip a half glass of cool water every 15 minutes. No alcohol or caffeine as they cake make conditions worse. - Remove or loosen clothing and apply cool, wet towels or sheets. - Call 9-1-1 if the person refuses water, vomits or loses consciousness.

Heat Exhaustion Symptoms

Cool, moist, pale, flushed or red skin; heavy sweating; headache; nausea or vomiting; dizziness; and exhaustion. Body temperature will be near normal.

What should you do? (Heat Stroke)

- Call 9-1-1 - Move the person to a cooler place - Quickly cool the body. Wrap wet sheets around the body and fan it. If you have ice packs or cold packs, wrap them in a cloth and place them on each of the victim's wrists and ankles, in the armpits and on the neck to cool the large blood vessels. (Do not use rubbing alcohol because it closes the skin's pores and prevents heat loss) - Watch for signs of breathing problems and make sure the airway is clear. Keep the person lying down.

What should you do? (Heat Cramps)

- Stop activity and rest - If the person is fully awake and alert, have him or her drink small amounts of cool water or a commercial sports drink - Gently stretch the cramped muscle and hold the stretch for about 20 seconds, then gently massage the muscle. - Repeat these steps if necessary. If the victim has no other signs of heat-related illness, the person may resume activity after the cramps stop.

Heat Stroke Symptoms

- Vomiting - Decreased alertness level or complete loss of consciousness - High body temperature (above 104 °F) - Skin may still be moist from sweating or the person may stop sweating and the skin may be red, hot and dry - Rapid, weak pulse - Rapid, shallow breathing

What is Heat Exhaustion?

Heat exhaustion is less dangerous than heat stroke. It typically occurs when people exercise heavily or work in a warm, humid place where body fluids are lost through heavy sweating. Fluid loss causes blood flow to decrease in the vital organs (like the brain). With heat exhaustion, sweat does not evaporate as it should, possibly because of high humidity or too many layers of clothing. As a result, the body is not cooled properly.

Heat Cramps Symptoms

Muscular pains and spasms due to heavy exertion. They're usually in the stomach muscles or legs. They can be quite painful.

What is Heat Cramps?

The loss of water and salt from sweating causes the cramps.