Dangerous health conditions associated with heat
When the weather is hot, the risk of heat-related illness increases. If not treated quickly, it can lead to serious health problems. So can it be prevented?
Anyone can get heat-related illness, but the risk is higher for:
Infants and young children;
Seniors aged 65 and over;
Overweight, obese people;
People who exercise or work outdoors;
People with cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure...
People who take certain medications, such as those for depression, insomnia, etc.
1. Some common health conditions related to heat
1.1. Heat stroke:
This is the most serious heat-related condition, occurring when body temperature rises rapidly due to high temperatures and humidity.
Symptoms include:
- Brain fog
- Stuttering
- Loss of consciousness (coma)
- Hot, dry skin or excessive sweating
- Convulsion
- Body temperature is very high…
1.2. Heat exhaustion:
This can happen when you are in the heat for long periods of time and do not drink enough water or other hydrating beverages.
Symptoms include:
- Headache
- Nausea
- Dizzy
- Weak
- Feeling irritable
- Thirsty
- Sweating a lot
- Increased body temperature
- Urinate less than usual...
1.3. Rhabdomyolysis:
Rhabdomyolysis is often associated with overheating and strenuous physical activity, which can lead to irregular heartbeats and seizures, and can cause kidney damage.
Some symptoms of rhabdomyolysis are:
- Muscle cramps or pain
- Abnormally dark urine
- Weak
- Inability to do heavy exercise...
- Some people have no symptoms.
1.4. Heat syncope:
Dehydration or inability to acclimatize to the new climate may play a role in this condition.
Some of the symptoms are:
- Fainting for a short time
- Feeling dizzy
- Dizziness after standing for a while or after suddenly getting up from a sitting or lying position.
1.5. Cramps:
This condition often occurs when you exercise outdoors. Your body sweats so much that your muscles cramp due to a loss of fluids and salts (electrolytes). Heat cramps can also be a sign that you have heat exhaustion.
Symptoms include muscle pain or cramps and spasms in the abdomen, arms or legs.
1.6. Heat rash:
Skin can become irritated when you sweat a lot in hot, humid weather. Heat rash consists of small red bumps or blisters that can appear in the following locations:
- Neck
- Upper chest
- Groin
- Under the chest
- In the elbow crease
2. How to prevent
Follow these tips to avoid the heat and stay hydrated, cool your body, and prevent dangerous heat-related conditions (heatstroke):
- Wear light, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.
- Spend more time indoors with cooling devices (air conditioners, fans, etc.) when the weather is hot. Limit the use of stoves and ovens to keep the house cooler.
- Limit outdoor activities when the sun is hot: Only do them in the morning and late afternoon when it's cooler. If you're exercising or playing sports, take frequent breaks in the shade.
- Note when exercising: Stop immediately if your heart beats fast, you have difficulty breathing or feel lightheaded. Find a cool place, rest and drink enough water.
-Protect yourself from the sun: Before going outside, apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, and wear a hat and shade. Sunburn makes it harder for your body to cool down and can dehydrate you.
-Monitor weather and daily temperature warnings for prevention.
-If you are starting a new job or other activity that requires physical exertion in hot conditions, expose yourself to hot temperatures gradually over 2 or 3 days to allow your body to get used to it.
-When it's hot, drink more water or other fluids than usual, even if you're not very active.
-Cut down on sugary or alcoholic drinks as they can lead to dehydration.
- Talk to your doctor before drinking sports drinks if you follow a low-salt diet or have diabetes, high blood pressure or other health conditions…
