Heat wave safety information

It is critical to know what the difference is between Heat stroke and Heat
exhaustion
From "Medicine net"
Medical Author: Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD
Medical Editor: Jay W. Marks, MD
During a heat wave, it's important to know and be able to recognize the
signs and symptoms of a heat-related illness. There are different types of
heat-related illnesses, ranging from those that cause temporary discomfort
to the generally fatal condition known as heat stroke. In all heat-related
illnesses, the symptoms appear when a person is exposed to extreme
temperatures.
The following checklist can help you recognize the symptoms of heat-related
illnesses:
1.Heat Rash: Heat rash is a skin irritation caused by excessive sweating
during hot, humid weather. It can occur at any age. Heat rashlooks like a
red cluster of pimplesor small blisters.
2.Heat cramps: A person who has been exercising or participating in other
types of strenuous activity in the heat may develop painful muscle spasms in
the arms, legs, or abdomen referred to as heat rash. The body temperature is
usually normal, and the skin will feel moist and cool, but sweaty.
Heat stroke facts
Heat stroke is a form of hyperthermia in which the body temperature is
elevated dramatically.
Heat stroke is a medical emergency and can be fatal if not promptly and
properly treated.
Cooling the victim is a critical step in the treatment of heat stroke.
Always notify emergency services immediately.
The most important measures to prevent heat strokes are to avoid becoming
dehydrated and to avoid vigorous physical activities in hot and humid
weather.
Infants, the elderly, athletes, and outdoor workers are the groups at
greatest risk for heat stroke.
What is, and who is at risk for heat stroke?
Heat stroke is a form of hyperthermia, an abnormally elevated body
temperature with accompanying physical symptoms including changes in the
nervous system function. Unlike heat cramps and heat exhaustion, two other
forms of hyperthermia that are less severe, heat stroke is a true medical
emergency that is often fatal if not properly and promptly treated. Heat
stroke is also sometimes referred to as heatstroke or sun stroke. Severe
hyperthermia is defined as a body temperature of 104 F (40 C) or higher.
The body normally generates heat as a result of metabolism, and is usually
able to dissipate the heat by radiation of heat through the skin or by
evaporation of sweat. However, in extreme heat, high humidity, or vigorous
physical exertion under the sun, the body may not be able to dissipate the
heat and the body temperature rises, sometimes up to 106 F (41.1 C) or
higher. Another cause of heat stroke is dehydration. A dehydrated person may
not be able to sweat fast enough to dissipate heat, which causes the body
temperature to rise.
Heat stroke is not the same as a stroke. "Stroke" is the general term used
to describe decreased oxygen flow to an area of the brain.
Those most susceptible (at risk) individuals to heat strokes include:
infants,
the elderly (often with associated heart diseases, lung diseases, kidney
diseases, or who are taking medications that make them vulnerable to
dehydration and heat strokes),
athletes, and
individuals who work outside and physically exert themselves under the sun.
Reviewed by William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR on 7/18/2012