Coming into summer we have just experienced our first really hot couple of days. Since that is only the beginning for us, I thought it might be a good idea to go over what heat related illnesses are, what symptoms to look out for and how to prevent them. Being in Australia we are blessed with beautiful warm summer weather but along with that also comes the risks if you are unaware of the danger it can bring.

Exposure to high temperatures is directly involved with heat related illnesses. These can include illnesses such as heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Your body works in such a way that blood rushes to the surface of your skin in order to cool itself when exposed to prolonged amounts of extreme heat. Because of this blood levels decrease in areas such as your muscles, brain and other vital organs.

Heat can be extreme and can affect absolutely anybody. The risk factor is particularly high for anyone who is a baby or young child, elderly, people with medical conditions, pregnant women, people on medications and anyone without air conditioning. If the humidity is high it can also increase your chances of illness because it affects the evaporation of sweat. Your body program usually makes you sweat to cool down.

The best way to reduce your exposure is by being proactive and avoiding high risk situations. The people at greatest risk are people who work on construction sites, manufacturing plants and bakeries.

Heat Cramps

When the body loses massive amounts of salt and water by sweating excessively, that is when heat cramps can strike. Other factors include nutrient deficiencies such as magnesium and potassium. These particular cramps consist of painful muscle craps and spasms during or after intense exercise. The treatment is similar to that of heat stroke and heat exhaustion.

Heat Exhaustion

Similarly, to heat cramps, heat exhaustion occurs when large amounts of salt and water are lost through excessive sweating. It usually occurs because of exercise and physical labour. This loss disrupts circulation and can interfere with brain function. Symptoms include cramps, fever, diarrhea, headache, weakness and nausea. The best treatment includes rest, moving to a cool place, removing excessive clothing and drinking plenty of fluids.

Heat Stroke

The most serious heat related illness is heat stroke. Generally, this occurs when you expose a person to long and intense heat. The brain becomes unable to regulate the bodies temperature. The body stops being able to sweat. Symptoms include rapid heat rate, nausea, fatigue, confusion, vomiting, seizures, coma or even death. The best treatment methods include moving to a cool place, icepacks on groin and arm pits, fluids, removing excess clothing and calling 000. Only 20% of people recover from heat stroke.

The best ways to avoid heat illnesses are:

• Don’t leave kids, pets or elderly people unattended in a car
• Drink lots of fluids (not alcohol)
• Wear lighter coloured clothes and lighter weighted fabrics
• Stay indoors if possible
• Be aware of pre-existing illnesses
• Partake in vigorous activities at cooler times of the day
• Take plenty of breaks
• Warm up and cool down before work and exercising

The best way to combat heat illness is with fast action. The faster you react, the better the chance of a complete recovery is. Heat stoke can be deadly and is nothing to take lightly. By being aware you can help manage yourself, others and know what to look out for.