Heat injury, also called hyperthermia, happens when your body overheats. Often this occurs when people work hard outdoors during hot weather, but it can also occur just by being exposed to excessive heat or by being stuck indoors in a room with poor ventilation. In such situations, a range of heat injuries can occur, with heatstroke (a body temperature of 104°F or more) being the most damaging. Heat- stroke is a medical emergency and the damage to your brain (and other organs) can be permanent. The damages to the brain can include problems with cognition, memory, and focus. Longer periods of exposure mean worse outcomes, so if you experience symptoms of heat injury, such as rapid breathing, nausea, headache, muscle cramps, or altered mental state, take shelter immediately and call 911. Cool down with a cool bath, ice packs, or the garden hose.
These situations contribute to the likelihood of heat injury:
- Wearing too much clothing for the conditions.
- Working in areas with elevated temperature, such as around ovens.
- Not getting enough sleep.
- Using alcohol or illegal drugs, such as meth or heroin.
- Not drinking enough water.
- Traveling or moving to a hot place from a cool one.
- Being old or young.
- Taking certain medications (check with your healthcare provider).
- Having certain medical problems, like circulatory problems, and heart, lung, or kidney diseases.
- Being very overweight or underweight.
- Having had heatstroke before.
Avoid overextertion during hot weather, drink plenty of water, take frequent breaks when outdoors, and spend time in air-conditioned places.