View Larger Image heat exhaustion, heat stroke, heat illness
Heat Illnesses

July 19, 2019

Dehydration & Heat Illness

Dehydration and heat illnesses are both more common during the summer, and older adults as well as young children are typically more at risk for these conditions.

Dehydration occurs when your body loses more fluids than you take in. Symptoms may include:

  • feeling very thirsty
  • dry mouth
  • dry skin
  • feeling tired or dizzy
  • sweating or urinating less than usual
  • having dark-colored urine

Seek medical attention right away if you experience any of the following:

  • fainting
  • confusion
  • lack of urination
  • rapid heartbeat or breathing
  • shock

Heat illnesses include the following:

  • Heat stroke: A life-threatening illness that causes body temperature to rise above 106 degrees F within minutes and may result in dry skin; strong, rapid pulse; nausea; dizziness; & confusion. Get medical help right away if you experience any of these signs.
  • Heat exhaustion: This can happen when you have gone several days in with exposure to high temperatures without enough hydration. Symptoms include rapid breathing, heavy sweating, and a rapid, weak pulse.
  • Heat cramps: These are muscle spasms or muscle pain that happen when you exercise heavily. These symptoms usually occur in the abdomen, arms, or legs.
  • Heat rash: This is skin irritation from sweating, and is more common in young children.

Proper hydration can decrease your risk for heat illnesses, as well as limiting your time in the heat.

More information:

Dehydration: https://medlineplus.gov/dehydration.html

Heat Illnesses: https://medlineplus.gov/heatillness.htmlÂ