Heat Illness Also called: Heat exhaustion, Sunstroke Summary Your body normally cools itself by sweating. During hot weather, especially with high humidity, sweating just isn’t enough. Your body temperature can rise to dangerous levels and you can develop a heat illness. Most heat illnesses occur from staying out in the heat too long. Exercising too much for your age and physical condition are also factors. Older adults, young children and those who are sick or overweight are most at risk. Drinking fluids to prevent dehydration, replenishing salt and minerals, and limiting time in the heat can help. Heat-related illnesses include Heatstroke – a life-threatening illness in which body temperature may rise above 106° F in minutes; symptoms include dry skin, rapid, strong pulse and dizziness Heat exhaustion – an illness that can precede heatstroke; symptoms include heavy sweating, rapid breathing and a fast, weak pulse Heat cramps – muscle pains or spasms that happen during heavy exercise Heat rash – skin irritation from excessive sweating Centers for Disease Control and Prevention National Institute on Aging Find an Expert American Red Cross American Red Cross Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Centers for Disease Control and Prevention National Center for Environmental Health Centers for Disease Control and Prevention National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health National Institute on Aging National Institute on Aging Videos and Tutorials Children in Hot Cars Result in Fatal Consequences American College of Emergency Physicians Heat Waves Healthy Roads Media Heat-Related Illnesses American College of Emergency Physicians Clinical Trials ClinicalTrials.gov: Dehydration National Institutes of Health ClinicalTrials.gov: Heat Exhaustion National Institutes of Health ClinicalTrials.gov: Heat Stress Disorders National Institutes of Health Seniors Exercising Safely in Hot Weather National Institute on Aging Heat Stress in the Elderly Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Start Here Extreme Heat Department of Homeland Security Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Extreme Heat Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Prevention and Risk Factors Extreme Heat: A Prevention Guide to Promote Your Personal Health and Safety Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Heat Wave Safety Checklist American Red Cross Related Issues Fitness: Stay safe during hot-weather exercise Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research Protect Your Heart in the Heat American Heart Association Treatments and Therapies Heat Cramps, First Aid Logical Images Heat Exhaustion, First Aid Logical Images Heatstroke, First Aid Logical Images Array Heat emergencies How to avoid overheating during exercise Hyperthermia: Too Hot for Your Health National Institute on Aging Specifics Heat Exhaustion and Heatstroke American Academy of Family Physicians Heat Rash or Prickly Heat (Miliaria Rubra) Logical Images Heat Stress National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Heat Waves Healthy Roads Media Encyclopedia Heat intolerance Children Heat Rash or Prickly Heat (Miliaria Rubra) Logical Images Parents’ and Coaches’ Guide to Dehydration and Other Heat Illnesses in Children National Athletic Trainers’ Association Patient Handouts Protecting Workers from Heat Stress Occupational Safety and Health Administration Protecting Yourself from Heat Stress National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Journal Articles Heat Illness Symptoms Warning Signs and Symptoms of Heat-Related Illness Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
