Although Minnesota is widely known for its cold winters, extreme summer heat can also have a serious impact on our health. Hot and humid days can lead to dangerous heat conditions that range from mild discomfort to life-threatening emergencies.
Heat-related illness occurs when the body is unable to get rid of excess heat and maintain a safe internal temperature. This imbalance happens when the body can’t cool itself fast enough. As the body overheats, blood vessels expand and the heart must work harder and faster to try to cool the body down.
This strain can lead to dehydration, fatigue, confusion, and weakness. When dehydration becomes severe, sweating may stop, and the body can no longer regulate its temperature, increasing the risk of serious heat illness.
Extreme heat is especially dangerous for people with chronic health conditions, placing additional stress on the body and making it more difficult to maintain normal body functions.
Below is an overview of five common heat-related illnesses, their symptoms, and what to do for first aid or medical help.
Heat stroke: Heat stroke is a condition caused by the body overheating, usually as a result of prolonged exposure to or physical exertion in high temperatures. Symptoms include high body temperature (104°F or higher); hot, red, dry, or damp skin; fast, strong pulse; headache; dizziness; nausea; confusion; slurred speech; and loss of consciousness.
What to do: Call 9-1-1 immediately—heat stroke is a medical emergency. Move the person to a cooler place and try to lower their body temperature with cool cloths or a cool bath. Do not give them anything to drink.
Without prompt treatment, heat stroke can damage the brain, heart, kidneys, and muscles. The longer treatment is delayed, the greater the risk of severe complications or death.
Heat exhaustion: Exposure to extreme heat can cause a person to lose minerals and fluids. Symptoms include heavy sweating; cold, pale, and clammy skin; fast, weak pulse; nausea or vomiting; muscle cramps; tiredness or weakness; dizziness; headache; and fainting or passing out.
What to do: Move to a cool place. Loosen clothing and apply cool, wet cloths to the skin or take a cool bath. Sip water slowly. Seek medical help if the person vomits, symptoms worsen, or last longer than an hour.
Heat cramps: The loss of body fluids and minerals can cause painful heat cramps, which typically affect people who work outside. Symptoms include heavy sweating during intense exercise and muscle pain or spasms.
What to do: Stop all physical activity and rest in a cool place. Drink water or a sports drink. Resume activity only after cramps subside. Get medical help if cramps last longer than an hour, you’re on a low-sodium diet, or you have heart conditions.
Severe sunburn: Symptoms include red, painful and warm skin, and blisters on the skin.
What to do: Avoid sun exposure until the burn heals. Use cool compresses or take a cool bath. Apply moisturizing lotion to affected areas. Do not pop or break blisters.
Heat rash: Symptoms include red clusters of small blisters resembling pimples. The rash commonly appears on the neck, chest, groin, or elbow creases.
What to do: Stay in a cool, dry environment. Keep the rash dry and apply baby powder or another soothing powder to reduce irritation.
“At Riverwood Healthcare Center, our highly trained emergency department team is ready to care for patients with urgent injuries or illnesses,” said Dr. David Taylor, chief medical officer and emergency medicine physician. “Never hesitate to call 9-1-1 in a medical emergency. Enjoy your summer but take steps to stay safe and healthy in the heat.”