By Emma Jee
Across the globe, billions of people are experiencing record-breaking temperatures that have been reaching the hundreds (in fahrenheit). Many have been encouraged to stay inside and avoid the sweltering heat. These recent heat waves have led to many people needing medical attention throughout the day due to prolonged exposure to the elements.
Extreme summer weather can trigger a variety of heat-related health conditions such as heat stroke, heat exhaustion, and hyperthermia. Such conditions occur because the body cannot remove the excess heat fast enough to maintain a stable body temperature. As a natural response to the heat, blood vessels enlarge and the heart beats faster, moving blood toward the outer layers of the skin to release heat into the cooler environment. Sweat is also one of the reactions our body creates to reduce the risk of overheating. However, excess sweating can lead to dehydration which can worsen heat illnesses as well.
The variety of heat illnesses can make it difficult to identify what condition a body may be suffering from. Some general symptoms and treatments for common heat-related conditions can be found below.
Sources:
CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/cpr/documents/avoid-spot-treat-heat.pdf
Mayo Clinic(Heat rash): https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heat-rash/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20373282
