Heat Stress: Warning Signs
Even severe heat stress can appear suddenly, so learn the warning signs and how to treat them.
Mild: Heat Cramps
Core body temperature stays at 98.6°F (37°C). It isn't dangerous unless the symptoms aren't treated. Signs and symptoms include:
Sweating a lot
Having painful spasms in your muscles during activity or hours afterward (heat cramps)
Developing tiny red bumps on skin and a prickling sensation (prickly heat)
Feeling irritable, dizzy, or weak
Treatment: Get medical advice and do the following:
Moderate: Heat Exhaustion
Core body temperature may rise up to 101°F (38.3°C). It should be treated right away. Signs and symptoms include:
Sweating a lot
Cold, moist, pale or flushed skin
Feeling very weak or tired
Headache, nausea, loss of appetite
Feeling dizzy or giddy
Rapid or weak pulse
Treatment: Get medical treatment! You may be told to:
Rest in a cool, shady area.
Drink water or a sport drink. In some cases, a medical professional must administer fluids.
Take salt (in some cases).
Use cool compresses on the forehead, around the neck, and under armpits.
Blow air onto your skin with fans.
Severe: Heat Stroke
This is a serious, life-threatening medical emergency. Core body temperature can rise to 105°F (40.5°C) or more. If not treated right away, heat stroke can lead to permanent brain damage and even death. Signs and symptoms include:
Sweating stops
Hot, dry skin that looks red, mottled, or bluish
Deep, fast breathing
Headache or nausea
Rapid, weak, or irregular pulse
Feeling dizzy, confused, or delirious
Fainting
Convulsions
Treatment: Someone should call for emergency help right away. While waiting for emergency help, the affected person should:
Rest in a cool, shady area.
Have clothing soaked with cool water. Or, remove outer clothing and be wrapped with a sheet soaked in cool water.
Be blown with fans.
Drink water or a sport drink. (Do not try to give a drink to someone who is unconscious.)