It’s summer here in Texas, and that means extremely high temperatures. With the last few weeks being as hot as they have, it’s important that you do your best to stay cool and be prepared for enduring such harsh heat. During the summer, we love spending time outside, by the pool, playing sports, or barbequing with family and friends, etc., but it is very important that when you are spending time outside in this heat that you follow the precautions necessary to avoid the effects like heat exhaustion.
Heat exhaustion is a heat-related illness that comes from the exposure of high temperatures, it is often associated with dehydration. There are two different kinds of heat exhaustion which include:
- Water depletion signs include intense thirst, dizziness, weakness, headache and in extreme cases a loss of consciousness.
- Salt depletion signs include dizziness, weakness, nausea and vomiting, and usually muscle cramps.
How do I know if I or someone I know is suffering from heat exhaustion?
If you think you think you may be suffering from heat exhaustion it is important that you go to an emergency doctor in Arlington as soon you can, as if it is left untreated it can lead to heat stroke which can be life-threatening. Heat exhaustion can come suddenly and unexpectedly or overtime of enduring exposure. A typical situation where heat exhaustion occurs is that of where one is working outside, playing outside, or involved in other activities that take place in high temperatures. To learn about the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion, keep reading below.
- Moist skin that feels cool to the touch with goosebumps regardless of the heat
- Heavy sweating
- Dizziness
- Weakness
- Faintness
- A weak and rapid pulse
- Muscle cramps
- Nausea or vomiting
- Headaches
- Low blood pressure or light-headedness when standing
What should I do if I notice someone may be suffering from heat exhaustion?
There are important steps that should be taken if you suspect a person is experiencing heat exhaustion:
#1 You should first move the person out of the heat into an air-conditioned place. If there is no air-conditioned place within reach, then try and find a cooler shaded area for the person to reside.
#2 Have the person lie down on their back with their legs and feet slightly elevated.
#3 If the person is wearing any heavy or tight clothing, remove it to lower their body temperature or aid their breathing.
#4 Have the person drink something cold, but nothing with alcohol or caffeine, water is, of course, your best option since this illness is commonly associated with dehydration.
#5 Fan the person or spray and pat them with cool water to attempt and cool them down.
#6 Monitor the person’s condition to ensure it does not worsen, in which case you should take them to see an Urgentology Care doctor located in Arlington as soon as possible.
Heat exhaustion is nothing to be taken lightly. It is very important to stay hydrated and cool in these high summer temperatures. Watch over yourself and your loved ones to ensure that this illness does not happen to them. You should constantly be close to water, carry a bottle with you, and drink more than the recommended 8 cups a day when you are spending long periods of time in the heat.
If you have more questions or think you are experiencing symptoms of heat exhaustion, visit Urgentology Care today.
Important: If you have a life-threatening emergency, please call 911 or go to your nearest Emergency Room. Information in this site is not intended to be used as a diagnosis for your symptoms. If you experience any of these symptoms, please seek medical attention or visit Urgentology Care.