My Life Monday

Heat attack
Doing too much on a hot day, spending too much time in the sun or staying too long in an overheated place can cause heat-related illnesses. Hot temperatures and humidity stress the bodys ability to cool itself, resulting in heat sickness. It is important to recognise the symptoms early in order to guard yourself against serious consequences.

Know the difference

It is important to know the difference between various heat illnesses:

Dehydration - is the loss of fluids from the body. The human body needs water for vital organs such as the brain, kidneys and heart to function properly. Heat rash - is a skin irritation caused by excessive perspiration. Heat cramps - are severe and painful cramping of the muscles due to imbalances in body fluids and excessive perspiration. Heat syncope or fainting - dizziness that can result in fainting when standing continuously under the hot sun for a long time.

 Heat exhaustion - results when losing body fluids through perspiration during heat exposure. The body cools off by evaporation of sweat but gets exhausted when the sweat exceeds the volume of water or fluid drunk. Sunburn - is a painful skin condition which occurs as a result of overexposure to the ultra-violet rays of the sun. This can damage the outer layers and inner tissues of the skin. It can also lead to skin cancer. Heatstroke or sunstroke - is a deadly heat illness. It occurs when the bodys control temperature system stops functioning. The body temperature rises rapidly, the sweating mechanism fails and the body is unable to cool down. This can lead to death, brain damage or permanent disability if emergency treatment is not provided.

How to recognise, treat and avoid heat illnesses

Type
1. 2.

Symptoms
Flushed face Extreme thirst, more than normal, or unable to drink 3. Dry, warm skin 4. Dizziness made worse when standing 5. Weakness 6. Cramping in the arms and legs 7. Headaches 8. Dry mouth, dry tongue 9. Low blood pressure 10. Rapid and deep breathing - faster than normal 11. Fainting

Treatment

Dehydration

For mild to moderate dehydration drink more water and try to avoid the heat until refreshed

Type

Symptoms

Treatment

1.

Heat Rash

2.

Redness accompanied by swelling and inflammation of the skin Small blisters

The best treatment is to provide a cooler, less humid environment Clean the affected area and apply mild lotions to it

Both symptoms commonly occur on the back of the neck Stop all activities and do not return to strenuous activities until the cramps subside as further exertion may lead to exhaustion or heat stroke. This usually improves with drinking water and resting in a cool environment

1.

Heat Cramps
2. 3.

Muscle pain in the abdomen, arms or legs may occur in association with strenuous activity Rapid heart beat Hot sweaty skin

Type
1. 2. 3. 4.

Symptoms
Faintness Dizziness Headache Increased pulse rate Restlessness Nausea Vomiting Possibly even a brief loss of consciousness Headache Paleness Heavy sweating Intense thirst Dizziness Fatigue Nausea Impaired judgement Loss of appetite

Treatment
Lie or sit down, preferably in the shade or in a cool environment Try to take frequent breaks if working in high temperatures and drink a lot of water

Heat Syncope

5. 6. 7. 8.

Heat Exhaustion

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.

Shift to a cooler location and drink a lot of water or a light juice Use cold towels over your head and neck

General Precautions
Hydration The best way to avoid heat strokes and other heat disorders is to keep your body well hydrated. Drink lots of water if you are exercising or working in hot conditions. Doctors usually recommend consuming eight or more glasses of water per day. Ventilation Remain in cool areas where your body can cool itself. If working in hot conditions, try to take a break to regain energy and to avoid overexposure to the suns rays. Clothing What you wear plays a big factor in how your body will handle the heat. Light and loose fitting clothing will help your body in breathing and cooling itself naturally. Wearing a hat or cap can shield yourself from the sun but it can also trap the heat inside your body. Once you feel warm, remove it. Limit yourself It is also important to watch the amount of activities you are participating in during hot days. Dont overdo it. Heat stroke and other disorders can take effect in less than an hour. If you feel yourself getting warm and suffocated with the heat, its best to stop the activity and rest in a shady area. Desert conditions In desert environments you may not be aware that you are perspiring due to rapid evaporation.

Southern Gulf PII Health & Safety Team