Healthy Living

Signs of Heat Illness

Heat illness progresses from mild to serious and can be dangerous, even life-threatening. Knowing the signs can be especially helpful for those who care for children and older adults. Heat illness can happen with exposure to heat, even if not exercising. And, taking certain medications such as psychotropics, medications for Parkinson’s, tranquilizers and diuretics may increase the risk of heat illness.

Stages, Signs and Treatment of Heat Illness

Extended time in heat and humidity and lack of adequate fluids can cause heat illness. Children, teens and the elderly (over age 65) are more sensitive to heat because their bodies don’t adjust as quickly to environmental changes as adults younger than age 65. Here’s how to recognize heat illness:

Type of Heat Illness	Cause	Signs/Symptoms	Treatment
Heat cramps (Mildest form)	Intense exercise in high heat	Painful cramps or muscle spasms, most commonly in the legs Flushed, moist skin	Stop activity and rest in a cool place. Remove extra clothing and apply cool cloths to the skin. Drink fluids containing sugar and salt. Slowly stretch cramped muscles.
Heat exhaustion	Loss of water and salt Extreme heat and sweating without replacing fluids and salt	Includes the symptoms above, plus: High fever (over 100.4°F) Headache Nausea or vomiting Diarrhea Weakness or fatigue Anxiety	Follow the same treatment as for heat cramps. If symptoms do not improve or fluids cannot be kept down, seek emergency medical care immediately.
Heat stroke (Life-threatening)	The body becomes overwhelmed by excessive heat and can no longer regulate its temperature.	Includes the symptoms above, plus: Rapid heart rate Loss of appetite Confusion or agitation Stupor or lethargy Seizures	Begin the same treatment as for heat exhaustion and call 911 immediately or go to the nearest emergency room. While waiting for help, place ice packs in the armpits and groin area.

Type of Heat Illness

Cause

Signs/Symptoms

Treatment

Heat cramps
(Mildest form)

Intense exercise in high heat

Painful cramps or muscle spasms, most commonly in the legs
Flushed, moist skin

Stop activity and rest in a cool place.
Remove extra clothing and apply cool cloths to the skin.
Drink fluids containing sugar and salt.
Slowly stretch cramped muscles.

Heat exhaustion

Loss of water and salt
Extreme heat and sweating without replacing fluids and salt

Includes the symptoms above, plus:

High fever (over 100.4°F)
Headache
Nausea or vomiting
Diarrhea
Weakness or fatigue
Anxiety

Follow the same treatment as for heat cramps. If symptoms do not improve or fluids cannot be kept down, seek emergency medical care immediately.

Heat stroke
(Life-threatening)

The body becomes overwhelmed by excessive heat and can no longer regulate its temperature.

Includes the symptoms above, plus:

Rapid heart rate
Loss of appetite
Confusion or agitation
Stupor or lethargy
Seizures

Begin the same treatment as for heat exhaustion and call 911 immediately or go to the nearest emergency room. While waiting for help, place ice packs in the armpits and groin area.