Symptoms of Heat-Related Illnesses

[BigL]

That time again. Best if you know the symptoms. Nicole had a playdate for our 4 yr. old today outside on the waterslide, etc. One of the 4 yr olds here showed signs of heat exhaustion and ended up sleeping about 4 hours under the ceiling fan while everyone played outside. Luckily one of the moms who was here is a nurse and had her equipment (blood pressure, stethoscope, etc.) and monitored her. She woke up like nothing happened, was hungry, and ready to go back outside to play.

Below is taken from WebMD

Heat cramp symptoms can include:
Severe, sometimes disabling, cramps that typically begin suddenly in the hands, calves, or feet
Hard, tense muscles

Heat exhaustion symptoms can include:
Fatigue
Nausea
Headaches
Excessive thirst
Muscle aches and cramps
Weakness
Confusion or anxiety
Drenching sweats, often accompanied by cold, clammy skin
Slowed or weakened heartbeat
Dizziness
Fainting
Agitation

Heat exhaustion requires immediate attention but is not usually life-threatening.


Heat stroke symptoms can include:
Nausea and vomiting
Headache
Dizziness or vertigo
Fatigue
Hot, flushed, dry skin
Rapid heart rate
Decreased sweating
Shortness of breath
Decreased urination
Blood in urine or stool
Increased body temperature (104 degrees to 106 degrees F)
Confusion, delirium, or loss of consciousness
Convulsions

Heat stroke can occur suddenly, without any symptoms of heat exhaustion. If a person is experiencing any symptoms of heat exhaustion or heat stroke, GET MEDICAL CARE IMMEDIATELY. Any delay could be fatal. Seek emergency medical care for anyone who has been in the heat and who has the following symptoms:
Confusion, anxiety, or loss of consciousness
Very rapid or dramatically slowed heartbeat
Rapid rise in body temperature that reaches 104 degrees to 106 degrees F
Either drenching sweats accompanied by cold, clammy skin (which may indicate heat exhaustion) or a marked decrease in sweating accompanied by hot, flushed, dry skin (which may indicate heat stroke)
Convulsions
Any other heat-related symptom that is not alleviated by moving to a shady or air-conditioned area and administering fluids and salts

[nursejenn]

Always good info to know in texas!

[Playa]

Good reminder. Once you have suffered you seem more susceptible

[flywise]

Always good info to know in texas!

[KHoes203]

PLEASE pay attention to these!!! Almost lost one of my best friends to this last August.

[BrandonH]

Good reminder. I suffered a full blown heat stroke 7 years ago and it was no joke.

[dustoffer]

Folks--don't let it fool you--heat stroke is an emergency as your body's thermostat is out of control. So, don't let it progress--if you get to the heat exhaustion stage, you are way behind on your fluids/electrolytes and need to get in the shade and cool off-NOW!

I got a personal reminder several years ago--was on the lease near Cotulla alone one hot summer day, trimming shooting lanes, filling feeders, etc. I had just finished my 3rd feeder about 9 in the morning, and when I cranked it back up and locked it, I turned to get in the truck to drive to the next one--and my left arm (I'm a lefty) just went from hanging at my side to a full clinched position. I couldn't straighten it out without using my other hand, and it just repeated the position when I let it go. I also realized my thinking was real "fuzzy" so I headed back to camp, had a bunch of water, had a shower, crashed in the AC climate in the cabin for a couple of hours, and by mid-afternoon was feeling better. Just dodged a bullet.