Summertime Fun---Summertime Safety

Are there different types of hyperthermia?

Hyperthermia describes a group of heat illnesses that include (from least to most severe):

• Heat cramps: Muscle cramps can occur if you lose a lot of electrolytes (salts and other important substances in your body fluids) through sweating. Heat cramps often occur in your arms, hands, lower legs and feet.
• Heat exhaustion: Heat exhaustion is more serious than heat cramps. Your body temperature may be as high as 104 degrees Fahrenheit. Heat exhaustion can lead to heatstroke.
• Heat rash: If you sweat a lot in hot, humid weather, you might develop a skin irritation called heat rash. It looks like a cluster of small, red pimples or blisters. Heat rash usually develops in your elbow crease, under your breasts, near your groin or on your upper chest and neck.
• Heat stress: Occupational heat stress can occur if you have a job that requires you to work in hot conditions. Examples include firefighters, miners and construction workers. Heat stress can lead to heat exhaustion or heatstroke.
• Heatstroke: The most severe form of hyperthermia is heatstroke. It’s a life-threatening condition that causes your body temperature to rise above 104 degrees Fahrenheit. It causes problems in your brain and other organs. Heatstroke is especially dangerous if your body temperature rises above 106 degrees Fahrenheit
  

• How are heat cramps, heat exhaustion, heat rash and heat stress treated?
• If you experience mild-to-moderate heat illness symptoms, you should:
• Stop physical activity and rest in a cool, well-ventilated environment.
• Remove heavy or tight clothing.
• Drink slightly salty beverages to replace lost electrolytes. You can have sports drinks or water with a few teaspoons of salt mixed in. Avoid caffeinated beverages.
• Apply a cool compress to your skin.
• Keep irritated skin dry. Apply a powder or ointment to reduce discomfort from a rash.
• Gently stretch any muscles that are cramping.
• You can usually treat these conditions at home. In some cases, your healthcare provider may recommend intravenous (IV) fluid replacement through a catheter in your arm.
  
• How is heatstroke treated?
  
• Heatstroke is a medical emergency that requires treatment in a hospital. If you’re waiting for an ambulance to arrive, try to cool the person as much as possible:
• Immerse them in cool water, if possible.
• Mist them with water and blow air across their bodies (evaporative cooling).
• Apply ice packs to the neck, groin and armpits.
• Avoid giving any medications, including aspirin and acetaminophen.
• At the hospital, you may receive cooled IV fluids. A healthcare provider may also recommend cold-water lavage. This is a procedure that washes out body cavities with cold water.
  
• PREVENTION How can I prevent hyperthermia?
  
• In most cases, it’s possible to prevent hyperthermia. You should:
• Avoid strenuous physical activity in hot, humid conditions.
• Consume sports drinks, lightly salted water or broth.
• Never leave children (or pets) in closed, hot spaces such as cars.
• Stay in air-conditioned or well-ventilated areas during heat waves.
• Wear lightweight, loose-fitting and light-colored clothing if you’ll be out in the heat.
• If you must do activities in the heat due to your job or a sport, let your body gradually acclimate to the heat. Start doing light work or exercise about two weeks before you need to do the really hard work. Then, gradually build your body’s ability to withstand high temperatures. If possible, plan to do the work during the early morning hours when it might be cooler.
  
  
  https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22111-hyperthermia#