By admin 
TUCSON, Ariz. (13 News) – With excessive heat settling in across southern Arizona this week, it’s important to know some of the most serious heat-related illnesses and the symptoms that go with them.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, heat-related illnesses include heat stroke, heat exhaustion, rhabdomyolysis, heat syncope, heat cramps, and heat rash.
Heat stroke
The CDC says heat stroke is the most serious heat-related illness.
It occurs when the body can no longer control its temperature and the body’s temperature rises rapidly and the body is unable to cool down.
The body temperature can rise to 106°F or higher within 10 to 15 minutes. Heat stroke can be deadly if the person does not receive emergency treatment.
Symptoms of heat stroke include:
- Confusion, altered mental status, slurred speech
- Loss of consciousness
- Hot, dry skin or profuse sweating
- Seizures
- Very high body temperature
- Fatal if treatment delayed
Take the following steps to treat someone with heat stroke:
- Call 911.
- Stay with the worker until help arrives.
- Move the worker to a shaded, cool area.
- Cool the worker quickly, using the following methods:
- With a cold water or ice bath, if possible
- Wet the skin
- Place cold wet cloths on the skin
- Soak clothing with cool water
- Circulate the air around the worker to speed cooling.
- Place cold wet cloths or ice on the head, neck, armpits, and groin; or soak the clothing with cool water.
Heat exhaustion
Heat exhaustion happens when the body experiences an excessive loss of water and salt, usually through excessive sweating.
Symptoms of heat exhaustion include:
- Headache
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Weakness
- Irritability
- Thirst
- Heavy sweating
- Elevated body temperature
Here is how to treat someone with heat exhaustion:
- Call 911 if medical care is unavailable.
- Stay with the worker until help arrives.
- Remove the worker from the hot area and give liquids to drink.
- Remove unnecessary clothing, including shoes and socks.
- Cool the worker with cold compresses or have the worker wash their head, face, and neck with cold water.
- Encourage frequent sips of cool water.
Rhabdomyolysis
“Rhabdo” causes the breakdown, rupture, and death of muscle. When muscle tissue dies, electrolytes and large proteins are released into the bloodstream. This can cause irregular heart rhythms, seizures, and damage to the kidneys.
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Symptoms of rhabdo include:
- Muscle cramps/pain
- Abnormally dark (tea or cola-colored) urine
- Weakness
- Exercise intolerance
Someone with symptoms of rhabdo should:
- Stop activity
- Drink more liquids (water preferred)
- Seek immediate medical care.
- Ask to be checked for rhabdomyolysis
Heat syncope
Heat syncope is a fainting episode or dizziness that usually occurs when standing for too long or suddenly standing up after sitting or lying. Factors that may contribute to heat syncope include dehydration and lack of acclimatization.
Symptoms of heat syncope include:
- Fainting
- Dizziness
- Light-headedness from standing too long or suddenly rising from a sitting or lying position
Workers with heat syncope should:
- Sit or lie down in a cool place.
- Slowly drink water, clear juice, or a sports drink
Heat cramps
Heat cramps usually affect workers who sweat a lot during strenuous activity. Heat cramps may also be a symptom of heat exhaustion.
Workers with heat cramps should do the following:
- Drink water and have a snack or a drink that replaces carbohydrates and electrolytes (such as sports drinks) every 15 to 20 minutes.
- Avoid salt tablets.
- Get medical help if the worker:
- Has heart problems.
- Is on a low sodium diet.
- Has cramps that do not subside within 1 hour
Heat rash
Heat rash is a skin irritation caused by excessive sweating during hot, humid weather.
Workers who have heat rash should:
- Work in a cooler, less humid environment, if possible.
- Keep the rash area dry.
- Apply powder to increase comfort.
- Don’t use ointments and cream
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