Heat-related illnesses, such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke, occur when your body can no longer cool itself off. As the air temperature rises, your body stays cool when your sweat evaporates. On hot, humid days, the evaporation of sweat is slowed by the increased moisture in the air. When sweating isn’t enough to cool your body, your body temperature rises, and you may become ill.
What is heat exhaustion?
Heat exhaustion occurs when your body becomes over-heated. It can be caused by physical exercise, hot weather, or the combination of both. Heat exhaustion is likely to produce symptoms such as these:
- Heavy sweating
- Weakness or confusion
- Dark-colored urine, which indicates dehydration
What should I do if I think I have heat exhaustion?
If you think you have heat exhaustion, get out of the heat quickly. Rest in a building that has air-conditioning. If you can’t get inside, find a cool, shady place outdoors. Drink plenty of water or other fluids. Do NOT drink alcohol or caffeinated drinks (such as soda). These can make heat exhaustion worse. Take a cool shower or bath, or apply cool water to your skin. Take off any tight or unnecessary clothing.
If you do not feel better within 30 minutes, you should contact your doctor. If heat exhaustion is not treated, it can progress to heat stroke.
What is heat stroke?
According to WebMd.com: “The medical definition of heat stroke is a core body temperature greater than 105 degrees Fahrenheit, with complications involving the central nervous system that occur after exposure to high temperatures. Other common symptoms include nausea, seizures, confusion, disorientation, and sometimes loss of consciousness or coma.”
What should I do if I think someone has heat stroke?
If you think you or someone you know may be suffering from heat stroke, call 911 immediately. While you are waiting for medical assistance, take the person into an air-conditioned building or a cool, shady place. Remove the person’s unnecessary clothing to help cool them down Try to fan air over them while moistening their skin. You can also apply ice packs to their armpits, groin, neck and back. These areas contain extra blood vessels close the surface of the skin. Cooling them with ice packs can help expedite the cooling down process.
Is your home cool enough in the summer to help prevent a heat-related illness or to provide fast relief for someone who may be experiencing its telltale symptoms? If not, contact Absolute Air today for expert advice on how to repair or improve the performance of your AC system. If you don’t already have them, we’ll show you just how quickly and affordably you can start enjoying all the benefits of whole-house air conditioning.