SAN DIEGO — Heat is the leading weather-related killer in the United States. On average, 183 lives are lost to heat-related causes every year: deaths that medical experts say are preventable. Here are tips to help you recognize the signs of heat illnesses.
Symptoms of heat exhaustion
- Headache
- Dizziness and confusion
- Loss of appetite and feeling sick
- Excessive sweating and pale, clammy skin
- Cramps in the arms, legs and stomach
- Fast breathing or pulse
- A high temperature of 100.4° F or above
- Being very thirsty
If someone is suffering from heat exhaustion
- Move them to a cool place.
- Get them to lie down and raise their feet slightly.
- Have them drink plenty of water. Sports or rehydration drinks are also OK.
- Cool their skin by spraying or sponging them with cool water and fanning them. Cold packs placed around the armpits or neck are also effective.
Signs of heat stroke
- Call 911
- Sweating stopped, but they still feel hot
- Nausea or vomiting
- Rapid heartbeat
- Intense headache, much more severe than what one normally feels when spending time in the sun
- Feeling hot, with bright red skin
- Seizure
Resources
For more information from Sharp Rees-Stealy on how extreme heat affects your body, click here.
Also, the CDC has a special website that tracks heat events and heat alerts based on your individual zip code, along with more tips to stay safe in the heat. For more information, click here.
WATCH RELATED: Study reveals road rage spikes as heat rises in US