Feeling overheated in PA’s hot temps? Here’s how to distinguish 4 types of heat illness
Amid potentially record-breaking temperatures, Pennsylvania forecasters and health officials are advising the public to remain alert for signs of heat-related illnesses, especially among vulnerable populations.
A heat advisory remains in effect for a swath of central Pennsylvania, including Happy Valley, each day from noon to 8 p.m. through Friday. While the National Weather Service reports a chance of thunderstorms Tuesday afternoon, most of the day will be dry with highs in the upper 80s to mid-90s, according to tweet from the agency. In State College, Tuesday’s high is expected at reach 94 degrees Fahrenheit.
Late last week, Accuweather senior meteorologist Tom Kines said the heat wave Pennsylvanians are feeling now is “rather unusual,” and didn’t rule out the possibility of breaking heat records for the region.
“If you can choose when you’re out during the day when high temperatures are expected, it’s best to be outside early in the day or at the end of the day when the heat isn’t so extreme,” Kines told the Centre Daily Times. “Certainly, community pools are an option for cooling off. If your neighbor has a pool, you might want to buddy up to them.”
If you must be out in the heat, monitor for signs of heat illness and take frequent breaks. Also consider checking on more vulnerable individuals, like infants and the elderly, the Pennsylvania Department of Health advises.
Here’s how to watch for and spot signs of heat-related illnesses, such as heatstroke and heat exhaustion, in your friends and neighbors, along with what to do should you encounter or experience them.
Signs of heatstroke
Heatstroke, also called sunstroke, is the most severe variety of heat-related illness.
This life-threatening condition occurs when the body’s internal temperature reaches 104 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Heat stroke requires immediate medical attention. Left untreated, it can result in organ failure, coma or death.
Heatstroke can develop over several days or just a few hours. Anyone can develop heatstroke under the right conditions, but infants and the elderly are particularly vulnerable because their bodies aren’t able to regulate temperature effectively.
Athletes, soldiers and people who do physical labor outdoors or in hot environments are also susceptible to heatstroke. Other risk factors, according to the Cleveland Clinic, include the following:
Consuming alcohol
Being male
Being dehydrated
Any drugs that affect the body’s ability to regulate temperature, such as diuretics, sedatives, tranquilizers or heart and blood pressure medications
Certain diseases that affect the ability to sweat, including cystic fibrosis
Having a sleep disorder or problems with your heart, lungs, kidneys, liver, thyroid or blood vessels
Wearing heavy or tight clothing, such as protective gear
Having a high fever
Obesity
Past history of heatstroke
Poor physical condition or lack of acclimatization
Symptoms of heatstroke can include:
Dry skin that doesn’t sweat (anhidrosis)
Problems with movement and coordination (ataxia)
Balance issues
Delirium (confusion and disorientation)
Dizziness
Hot, flushed skin or very pale skin
Low or high blood pressure
Low urine output
Rapid breathing or fast heart rate
Seizures
Fainting (also called heat syncope)
Weakness
Signs of heat exhaustion
Heat exhaustion is what your body experiences from excessive loss of water and salt — typically via heavily sweating.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the elderly, people with high blood pressure and people working outdoors or in hot environments are particularly vulnerable.
Untreated, heat exhaustion can lead to heat stroke. To treat heat exhaustion, the CDC recommends the following:
Remove the person from the heat and give them liquids, encourage frequent sips of cool water
Take them to a clinic or emergency room for medical evaluation and treatment. If that’s not immediately available, call 911
Stay with the person until help arrives
Remove unnecessary clothing, such as a shoes and socks
Cool the person with cold compresses or have them wash their head, face and neck with cool water
Symptoms of heat exhaustion include:
Headache
Nausea
Dizziness
Weakness
Irritability
Thirst
Excessive sweating
Elevated body temperature
Decreased urine output
Signs of heat cramps
According to the Cleveland Clinic, heat cramps are painful muscle spasms that occur when your body gets too hot. You lose important nutrients through your sweat, which causes your muscles to involuntarily tighten. Heat cramps can be a sign of heat exhaustion, so be aware if you feel your body locking up after some time outside.
Drinking something with electrolytes and cooling down your body should help resolve the cramping. Simply drinking large amounts of water does quickly help hydrate your body, but it also dilutes the nutrients in your body, which can cause cramping.
You might feel heat cramps in your:
Abdomen (stomach)
Arms
Hands
Feet
Legs
Rib cage
Shoulders
Signs of heat rash
As explained by the CDC, heat rash is caused by excessive sweating, particularly in hot and humid conditions.
Heat rash is treated by keeping the rash area dry and by moving out of the hot, humid environment. Powders can relieve irritation, but ointments and creams aren’t recommended, according to the CDC.
Symptoms include:
Red clusters of pimples or small blisters
The rash typically appears around the neck, upper chest, groin, under the breasts or in elbow creases