Hyperthermia

Hyperthermia is when the body maintains too much heat and cannot release it through normal venting processes. Normally, the body releases heat through the skin by releasing sweat. If the heat cannot be released fast enough, the body begins to overheat.

Hyperthermia can be categorized into 3 levels; heat cramps, heat exhaustion and the most serious, heatstroke.

Heat Cramps

These are painful muscle spasms caused by a loss of salt from the body, brought on by sweating and heat stress. While they are the least serious of heat exposure problems, muscle cramps can be a painful problem for people who work or do strenuous exercise in hot surroundings.

How to Spot it

Heavy sweating and painful muscle cramping in arms, legs and belly are the symptoms. Heat cramps may be associated with heat exhaustion.

How to Treat It

Move the victim to a cool place and give sips of salted drinking water (1 teaspoon salt to 1 quart water). Apply firm pressure or gently massage to help relieve the muscle spasms.

How to Prevent It

People who work outdoors in hot weather, or anywhere temperatures are high should drink lots of cool water. Add a pinch of salt to each glass.

Heat Exhaustion

Heat exhaustion happens when the body becomes overheated. The body’s methods of cooling itself fail.

How to Spot It

When the weather is hot and someone begins acting strangely or feels faint and nauseous, suspect heat exhaustion. Look for these signs;

  1. Body temperature above 98.6 F but below 102 F
  1. Skin pale and clammy
  1. Heavy sweating
  1. Dizziness and fainting
  1. Pronounced weakness
  1. Nausea and tiredness
  1. Headache
  1. Muscle cramps

How to Treat It

Have the person lie down in a shady, cool spot with feet raised. Loosen clothing. Cool the victim with cool, wet cloths or a fan. Have the person sip water to which a pinch of salt has been added.

Recovery is usually rapid. If symptoms persist, however, consult a physician.

How to Prevent It

To avoid heat stress, stay out of the sun during hot weather. Plan strenuous activities for the cool of morning and evening. Drink plenty of fluids.

Heat Stroke (Sunstroke)

Less common than heat exhaustion, heat stroke is much more serious. It occurs when extremely high temperatures overwhelm the body’s heat control system. The body’s cooling mechanisms become so overworked they simply stop working. As a result, the victim’s temperature soars, becoming life threatening.

How to Spot It

Heatstroke pushes the body temperature to 102 degrees or higher; usually higher than 105 degrees. Signs include

    1. Skin read, hot, and dry
    1. No sweating
    1. Pulse extremely rapid
    1. Confusion or disorientation
    1. Fainting or unconsciousness
    1. Convulsions

How to Treat It

You must cool the victim immediately. Take the following steps:

    1. Move to a cool, shaded spot.
    1. Place the victim face up with head and shoulders raised.
    1. Cool body temperature as quickly as you can.
    1. Take off the victim’s outer clothing. Sponge bare skin with cold water and soak underclothing with cool water.
    1. Drape bare skin with wet cloths.
    1. Apply cold packs.
    1. Use a fan.
    1. Place victim in a tub of cold water.
    1. Dry the skin after body temperature drops to a safe level (101 degrees).
    1. When the victim is able to drink, give all the water wanted.
    1. Treat for shock and obtain medical help IMMEDIATELY.

How to Prevent It

Stay in the shade during hot weather. If you must be outside in the hot sun, wear light colored clothing and wear a hat. Avoid playing or working in direct sunlight for more than 30 minutes at a time. Drink plenty of water. Take in a little more salt than usual with meals, but don’t overdue it. Too much salt is not good for you. Plan strenuous activities for the cool of morning or evening.