Heat Exhaustion

Hello, I'm the OUTDOOR PROFESSOR from DiscoveringTheOutdoors.com/ 

Here's your outdoor tip on heat exhaustion.

Heat exhaustion can occur when you have been exposed to high temperatures for an extended period of time particularly when it is combined with high humidity and strenuous activity.  There are two different types:

1.      Water depletion with signs of excessive thirst, weakness, headache, and unconsciousness

2.      Salt depletion with nausea, vomiting, muscle cramps, and dizziness

Of most concern is that it can lead to heat stroke which can damage the brain and progress to death damaging vital organs.  Stroke will be indicated by the body temperature rising above 104 degrees F and coma or seizure occurs.

 

Symptoms of heat exhaustion include:

·        Muscle cramps

·        Pale skin

·        Confusion

·        Fainting

·        Fatigue

·        Nausea

·        Dizziness

·        Extreme sweating

·        Rapid heartbeat

·        Cool moist skin with goose bumps

·        Low blood pressure when standing

Heat exhaustion happens when your body fails to cool itself and your core temperature of 98.6 degrees F is not maintained.  Early stages can be treated by drinking cool liquids, getting into cooler temperature, and resting.  Apply cool water to your skin and loosen clothing. Don’t drink alcohol as it interferes with your body’s ability to regulate your temperature and heavy clothing impedes sweat evaporation contributing to heat exhaustion.

Risk factors for heat exhaustion include

·        Being dehydrated

·        Age: Children under 5 and the elderly

·        Illness

·        Disabilities

·        Obesity

·        Pregnancy

·        Heard disease

·        High blood pressure

·        Respiratory disease

·        Drinking alcohol

·        Physical exertion

·        Taking certain medications

There are a number of precautions you can take to prevent heat exhaustion:

1.      Let your body adjust to the heat.  Slowly expose your body to high heat over a period of days before you attempt vigorous activity.

2.      Avoid sunburn as it reduces your body’s ability to shed the heat.  Wear a wide-brimmed hat or use an umbrella to shade yourself from the sun.

3.      Wear loose-fitting, lightweight clothing to allow sweat to evaporate.

4.      Light colored clothing reflects the heat.

5.      Take periodic breaks in air-conditioning or the shade.  Fans by themselves are not adequate.

6.      Drink lots of fluids

7.      Do not drink alcohol.

8.      Be aware of extra precautions you need to take with any medications.

9.      Watch out for hot cars and areas with hot pavement

10.  Try to avoid strenuous activity.

Remember that heat exhaustion is preventable if you use good judgment and be careful doing strenuous work in the heat.  You can stop heat exhaustion from developing into a more serious heat stroke.  If you are subject to one or more of the risk factors, it is best to stay out of the heat and enjoy the outdoors resting in the shade.

This is the OUTDOOR PROFESSOR from DiscoveringTheOutdoors.com/

 

References-Additional Reading

Heat Exhaustion
http://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/heat-exhaustion

Heat Exhaustion
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heat-exhaustion/basics/definition/con-20033366

 

Heat Exhaustion
http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/condition/heat-exhaustion

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