Heat stress: Symptoms and treatments

Major heat-related illnesses and their symptoms (information courtesy of the Occupational Safety & Health Administration.)

The most important points:

• If outside, or performing any rigorous activity, a person should drink a glass of water every 15-20 minutes
• If experiencing headache, nausea, vertigo, weakness, thirst, and giddiness, STOP activity immediately, seek a cooler environment, and get some water
• Avoid tight-fitting clothing, air circulation is important in cooling
• Don't drink beverages containing caffeine or alcohol, they contribute to dehydration

People who are overweight, suffer from high blood pressure, or have other health risks should take extra precautions.

HEAT STROKE occurs when the body's system of temperature regulation fails and body temperature rises to critical levels.

HEAT EXHAUSTION. The signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion are headache, nausea, vertigo, weakness, thirst, and giddiness.

HEAT CRAMPS are usually caused by performing hard physical labor in a hot environment. These cramps have been attributed to an electrolyte imbalance caused by sweating.

HEAT COLLAPSE ("Fainting"). In heat collapse, the brain does not receive enough oxygen because blood pools in the extremities.

HEAT RASHES are the most common problem in hot work environments. Prickly heat is manifested as red papules and usually appears in areas where the clothing is restrictive.

HEAT FATIGUE. A factor that predisposes an individual to heat fatigue is lack of acclimatization.