Summer in New Jersey brings beautiful beaches, outdoor activities, and plenty of sunshine. But with rising temperatures, it's crucial to understand the risks of heat-related illnesses. Two common conditions are heat exhaustion and heat stroke, and knowing the difference – and when to seek medical attention – can be life-saving.
Heat Exhaustion: Your Body's Warning Signal
Heat exhaustion is a milder form of heat-related illness that occurs when your body loses too much water and salt, usually through excessive sweating. It's your body's way of telling you to cool down and rehydrate before a more serious condition sets in.
Signs to watch out for with Heat Exhaustion:
- Heavy sweating: Your skin may feel cool and clammy.
- Dizziness or lightheadedness: Feeling faint or unsteady.
- Headache: A dull or throbbing head pain.
- Nausea or vomiting: Feeling sick to your stomach.
- Muscle cramps: Often in the legs or abdomen.
- Weakness or fatigue: Feeling unusually tired.
- Pale skin: Your complexion might appear lighter than usual.
- Fast, weak pulse: Your heart rate may be elevated but feel faint.
What to do for Heat Exhaustion:
If you or someone you know is experiencing signs of heat exhaustion, take immediate action:
- Move to a cooler place: Get out of the sun and into the shade or an air-conditioned environment.
- Lie down and elevate legs: This helps improve blood flow.
- Loosen clothing: Remove any tight or excessive layers.
- Cool the body: Apply cool, wet cloths to the skin (neck, armpits, groin) or take a cool shower or bath. Fanning can also help.
- Sip fluids: Drink small sips of water, a sports drink with electrolytes, or another non-caffeinated, non-alcoholic beverage. Avoid chugging large amounts.
- Monitor symptoms: Watch closely for any worsening of symptoms.
When to go to Urgent Care for Heat Exhaustion:
If, after about an hour of self-care, your symptoms of heat exhaustion do not improve or worsen, or if you experience vomiting that prevents you from keeping fluids down, it's time to visit seek medical attention. At Family First Urgent Care, we can provide IV fluids for rehydration and further assessment to ensure you recover safely. Our facility offers walk-in care with no appointment needed, and we're equipped with X-ray and EKG services if necessary.
Heat Stroke: A Medical Emergency
Heat stroke is the most serious form of heat-related illness and is a medical emergency that requires immediate professional medical attention. It occurs when your body's temperature regulation system fails, and your core body temperature rises rapidly, often to 104°F (40°C) or higher. Untreated, heat stroke can lead to permanent disability or even death.
Critical Signs to watch out for with Heat Stroke:
- High body temperature: A core body temperature of 104°F (40°C) or higher is a hallmark.
- Confusion, disorientation, or altered mental status: This can include slurred speech, irritability, agitation, or even seizures.
- Hot, red, dry OR damp skin: Unlike heat exhaustion where sweating is common, with heat stroke, sweating may have stopped.
- Throbbing headache: A severe and persistent headache.
- Rapid and strong pulse: The heartbeat will be fast and forceful.
- Rapid, shallow breathing: Breathing may be quick and labored.
- Fainting or loss of consciousness: The person may collapse or become unresponsive.
- Nausea and vomiting: Similar to heat exhaustion, but often more severe.
What to do for Heat Stroke (While Waiting for Emergency Services):
If you suspect someone has heat stroke, call 911 immediately. While waiting for emergency medical services to arrive:
- Move the person to a cooler environment: Get them out of the sun.
- Begin cooling efforts: Immerse them in a tub of cold water if possible, or apply cold, wet cloths or ice packs to the armpits, groin, neck, and back. Fan them continuously.
- Do NOT give fluids to drink: The person may be unconscious or have an altered mental status, making it dangerous to give them anything by mouth.
When to go to the Emergency Room (ER) for Heat Stroke:
Any suspicion of heat stroke warrants an immediate call to 911 and transport to the nearest Emergency Room. Symptoms like confusion, loss of consciousness, seizures, or a very high body temperature are clear indicators that this is a life-threatening situation requiring the advanced medical care, diagnostic tools, and intensive cooling treatments available only in an ER or Medical Center equipped to handle such emergencies.
Stay Safe This Summer!
Understanding the differences between heat exhaustion and heat stroke is essential for staying safe during hot weather. Be proactive by staying hydrated, wearing light clothing, taking breaks in the shade, and knowing your body's limits. If you experience concerning symptoms, remember Family First Urgent Care is here for you 7 days a week for any heat exhaustion needs, and for heat stroke, always call 911! Your health and safety are our top priority.