5 crucial facts about heat-related illnesses you need to know

Heat-related illnesses are the most dangerous weather-related health conditions during the summer months, with heat-related deaths peaking in July and August. Each year, heat waves result in more fatalities in the U.S. than tornadoes, earthquakes, floods, and hurricanes combined. Here are the facts about heat-related illness, including risk factors, signs and symptoms, prevention tips, and what to do if you’re experiencing heat-related illness. 

1) Heat-related illnesses range from mild to life-threatening.

There are varying degrees of heat-related illness and how it can manifest in people differently. The most common heat-related illnesses include: 

  • Heat rash: Also called prickly heat, it develops when your sweat ducts are blocked, trapping sweat under the skin and causing irritation.
  • Heat cramps: Muscle pains or spasms in the legs, arms, or abdomen caused by heavy sweating and loss of salts during intense activity. 
  • Heat syncope: Dizziness or fainting after prolonged standing or sudden rising from another position in the heat, often due to dehydration.
  • Heat exhaustion: This occurs when your body loses too much water and salt. It can develop after a long period of being in high temperatures and not drinking enough fluids.
  • Heat stroke: This is a life-threatening condition that occurs when your body’s temperature regulation system fails, rising above 104°F (40°C). 

While conditions like heat rash are rarely dangerous, if more significant heat-related illnesses aren’t treated immediately, they can result in significant injury to patients’ organs. In severe cases, it can even lead to death.

2) There are several risk factors for heat-related illnesses.

Heat-related illnesses are most likely to occur in July and August when temperatures in the U.S. reach their peak. Interestingly, 43% of all heat-related illnesses in the country occur in just three states: California, Texas, and Arizona. 

The very young, the elderly, and people with chronic health conditions are most susceptible to heat-related medical conditions since their bodies may not be able to regulate their internal temperature properly.

3) Heat-related illnesses are preventable.

Tragically, between 600-700 people die every year from heat-related illnesses in the U.S. The good news is that these deaths are entirely preventable. 

Heat-related illnesses can be prevented by properly cooling your home, avoiding the sun during peak temperatures (usually 12 p.m. - 3 p.m.), drinking plenty of water, wearing loose-fitting clothing, and never leaving children alone in the car.

If your job or hobby requires frequent time in the heat, be prepared with plenty of water, sun-protective clothing, and a hat, and find areas where you can escape the heat (like a car, shade tree, or pavilion). 

Acclimatization can also help, which is the process by which the body gradually adapts to higher temperatures. It typically takes 1-2 weeks of regular and gradual exposure to hot conditions.

Finally, diet is important. Include hydrating fruits and vegetables, cool off with smoothies, get enough calories, and consider electrolyte drinks.

4) It’s important to know the signs and symptoms of heat-related illnesses.

Signs and symptoms of heat-related illnesses can vary depending on the condition: 

  • Heat rash: Red clusters of pimples or small blisters and uncomfortable itchiness that generally affect the neck, chest, groin, or elbow creases.
  • Heat cramps: Cramping of your muscles, excessive sweating, fatigue, and thirst.
  • Heat syncope: Lightheadedness, fainting, pale or sweaty skin, and a weak pulse.
  • Heat exhaustion: Sweating, skin that feels cold, pale, or clammy, a rapid faint pulse, nausea or vomiting, cramps, dizziness, headache, and fainting.
  • Heat stroke: Hot, red, dry, or damp skin, a strong and rapid heartbeat, confusion or trouble speaking and understanding others. 

In extreme cases, heat-related illnesses can cause confusion, seizures, and loss of consciousness.

5) Heat-related illnesses require urgent medical attention.

While many cases of heat-related illnesses can be prevented if you take the recommended precautions, it’s also important to remember that if you or someone you know does develop the symptoms of a heat-related illness, it’s imperative to seek immediate medical attention. 

Most cases of heat-related illnesses can be reversed with I.V. hydration and rapid core cooling if patients receive medical attention soon enough.

We're here to help.

These are all interesting facts about heat, but at our urgent care centers, we’re equipped to help with heat-related medical conditions. We offer I.V. hydration and a range of other services to treat illnesses and injuries. And we’re open seven days a week!

Sources

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  2. Adnan Bukhari H. A Systematic Review on Outcomes of Patients with Heatstroke and Heat Exhaustion. Open Access Emerg Med. 2023;15:343-354. Published 2023 Sep 22. doi:10.2147/OAEM.S419028
  3. Savioli G, Zanza C, Longhitano Y, et al. Heat-Related Illness in Emergency and Critical Care: Recommendations for Recognition and Management with Medico-Legal Considerations. Biomedicines. 2022;10(10):2542. Published 2022 Oct 12. doi:10.3390/biomedicines10102542
  4. Sorenson C, et al. Treatment and Prevention of Heat-Related Illness. N Engl J Med 2022;387:1404-1413. DOI: 10.1056/NEJMcp2210623
  5. Gauer R, Meyers BK. Heat-Related Illnesses. Am Fam Physician. 2019;99(8):482-489.

Written by Sarah Thebarge, Physician Assistant and refreshed on September 3rd, 2024.