Heat Exhaustion
and Heat Stroke

With temperatures rising and staying in the 100 degree range in Austin, people need to be aware of how to prevent and respond to heat related illnesses.

Being exposed to high temperatures for long periods of time or being involved in vigorous activities in high temperatures can lead to heat exhaustion or heat stroke, especially if you are dehydrated or are taking certain medications such as antihistamines, blood pressure medication, or antidepressants.

Usually sweat evaporates from the skin to help cool the body. It is harder for sweat to evaporate if:

• the humidity is high
• you are overdressed
• you are dehydrated and, therefore, not able to produce as much sweat as usual

Heat Exhaustion

Heat exhaustion is a less serious condition than heat stroke. Symptoms can include:

• Normal or only slightly elevated body temperature
• Cool, moist (clammy), pale skin
• Sweating (sometimes heavily)
• Headache
• Nausea/vomiting
• Dizziness/feeling weak/fatigue
• Rapid pulse
• Decreased blood pressure
• Dark urine
• Muscle cramps
• Rapid/shallow breathing

To respond to heat exhaustion:

• Move into the shade or air conditioning.
• Loosen clothing or remove as much clothing as possible.
• Drink cool water or non-alcoholic, non-caffeinated beverages such as sports drinks to help restore electrolyte balance.
• Take a cool shower or sponge bath.
• Spray cool water on yourself and sit in front of a fan or have others fan you.
• Massage or stretch cramping muscles.
• Monitor your temperature and for changes in your condition suggesting heat stroke (see below)
• Call the UHS 24-hour Nurse Advice Line at (512)475-6877 if you have questions.
• Seek emergency treatment or call 911 if attempts to decrease body temperature fail or if you experiences chest pain, abdominal pain, persistent vomiting making you unable to keep down fluids, or if you develop any of the symptoms of heat stroke (see below).

Heat Stroke

Heat stroke is an emergency situation where the body loses its ability to cool itself, and the internal body temperature rises to extremes, sometimes as high as 106 degrees F. Heat stroke can result in death if not treated promptly. Symptoms include:

• very high body temperature, usually over 104 degrees F
• no sweating
• hot, dry, red skin
• rapid pulse
• difficulty breathing

If body temperatures aren't reduced, symptoms can progress to:

• confusion, irritability, disorientation, or hallucinations
• seizures
• loss of consciousness and coma
• death

To respond to heat stroke CALL 911 or take them to the closest emergency room. While waiting for EMS:

• Move the person into the shade or into air conditioning.
• Place their feet higher than their head to reduce the chance of shock.
• Remove clothing and attempt to cool them down by wrapping them in a cool, wet sheet or spraying them with cool water and fanning them.
• Put ice packs or cold compresses under their arms, on their groin area, and behind their neck.
• Give them cool drinks only if their mental status is normal and they are not vomiting.
• Stay with them until EMS arrives.

Prevention of Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke

Drink lots of non-alcoholic, non-caffeinated beverages even if you're not thirsty. Water is good, but sports drinks are better if you are engaging in vigorous activity in high temperatures. For more information on hydration, click here.

• Drink enough to keep your urine very pale yellow. If it's a dark yellow, or if you are going for long periods of time without urinating, you're dehydrated.
• Don't stay outside in high temperatures for long periods of time. Take breaks indoors.
• Don't engage in vigorous activity in the hottest part of the day - from 11am - 5pm.
• Wear loose, lightweight clothing made of fabric that breathes and allows your sweat to evaporate.
• If you start to feel very hot or have any of the symptoms of heat exhaustion, respond immediately as noted above under "heat exhaustion."