LEYLA YVONNE ERGIL Dehydration, heat exhaustion and even worse, heat stroke are the newest health concerns this summer as temperatures soar to unexpected heights, leaving us on unfamiliar ground on how to stay protected. All three of these conditions are heat-related and prevent the body from properly regulating its temperature in hot weather. Dehydration occurs when your body loses more fluids than it takes in.
Symptoms can range from mild to severe, from feeling thirsty and having a headache to being tired, dizzy and lightheaded. It can be caused by not drinking enough fluids, excessive sweating, or conditions like diarrhea and vomiting. Severe dehydration leads to heat exhaustion and heat stroke, which can be life-threatening situations.
If heat exhaustion sets in, quickly move to a cool place, drink fluids, rest and cool the body with fans or cool towels. Heat stroke is a life-threatening emergency and the most severe form of heat-related illness. It occurs when the body’s temperature regulation fails and body temperature rises to a critical level (often above 104 degrees Fahrenheit or 40 degrees Celsius).
Heat stroke requires immediate medical attention and can cause damage to the brain, heart, kidneys and muscles. Heat stroke is a medical emergency requiring rapid medical intervention to immediately lower body temperature by cooling with ice packs or immersion to prevent any organ damage. Symptoms of heat stroke include a rapid and strong pulse, a throbbing headache, .
