Warning Signs & Symptoms of Heat-Related Illness

Things Are Heating Up.

Summer is officially here, which gives us more time to spend outdoors. Overexposure to heat while exercising can adversely affect athletic performance and, in some instances, pose a serious health threat.

Luckily, heat-related illnesses are preventable. Learn the symptoms and what to do if you or a loved one shows signs of having a heat-related illness.

HEAT STROKE

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

• High body temperature (104°F or higher)
• Hot, red, dry, or damp skin
• Fast, strong pulse
• Confusion or Coma

WHAT TO DO

• CALL 911 RIGHT AWAY-HEAT STROKE IS AN EMERGENCY
• Move the person to a cooler place
• Lower their temp with an ice bath, cool towels, or ice bags under armpits and groin

HEAT EXHAUSTION

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

• Heavy sweating
• Cold, pale, and clammy skin
• Fast, weak pulse
• Muscle cramps, Tiredness or Weakness
• Headache, Dizziness, Nausea or Vomiting
• Fainting (passing out)

WHAT TO DO

• Sip water
• Move to a cool place and loosen your clothes
• Put cool, wet cloths on your body or a cool bath

GET MEDICAL HELP RIGHT AWAY IF:

• You are throwing up
• Your symptoms get worse
• Your symptoms last longer than 1 hour

HEAT CRAMPS

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

• Heavy sweating during intense exercise
• Muscle pain or spasms

WHAT TO DO

• Stop physical activity and move to a cool place Drink water or a sports drink
• Wait for cramps to go away before you do any more physical activity

GET MEDICAL HELP RIGHT AWAY IF:

• Cramps last longer than 1 hour
• You’re on a low-sodium diet
• You have heart problems

SUN BURN

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

• Painful, red, and warm skin
• Blisters on the skin

WHAT TO DO

• Stay out of the sun until your sunburn heals
• Put cool, wet cloths on your body or a cool bath
• Put moisturizing lotion on sunburned areas
• Do not break blisters