Syndrome

Causes, Symptoms, and Effects

Prevention and Treatment

Fainting (heat syncope)

• Occurs when an individual who is unaccustomed to hot weather remains standing still in the heat.

• Be aware of heat syncope at the beginning of summer.
• Prevent by moving around, rather than standing still, to reduce the possibility of fainting.
• Treat by having the victim lie down; victims usually recover quickly after a brief period of lying down.

Heat rash (prickly heat)

• May occur in hot and humid environments where sweat remains on the surface of the skin.
• When extensive or complicated by infection, heat rash can be so uncomfortable that the victim’s sleep and job performance are negatively affected.
• May cause disability.

• Prevent heat rash by resting in a cool place and allowing the skin to dry.

Heat cramps

• Dehydration causes painful muscle spasms
• May be the first stage of heat illness.

• Prevent and treat by drinking plain water (the body conserves electrolytes, so perspiration is mainly water that the body needs to replace).
• Avoid fluids with added sugar; the sugar delays absorption by the stomach.
• Don’t use sports drinks for your main fluid replacement because a high concentration of electrolytes increases the risk of dehydration and your need for more water.

Heat exhaustion

• Results from a failure to drink enough fluids or take in enough salt.
• Occurs when an individual stops sweating because circulation is diverted to the body’s core in an effort to maintain core temperature.
• The victim has cool, dry skin, a pale complexion, and a body temperature slightly higher than normal.
• The victim may shiver and feel cold due to body fluids shifting to the core.
• The victim may experience extreme weakness or fatigue, giddiness, nausea, or headache.

• Rest in a cool place and drink water.
• Seek medical attention for a victim who vomits or loses consciousness.

Heat stroke

• Is a medical emergency requiring hospitalization.
• The body no longer regulates its core temperature through adequate blood flow and sweating.
• May begin very soon after heat exhaustion.
• Signs include confusion, loss of consciousness, convulsions or coma, and hot, dry skin, which may be red, mottled, or bluish.

• Call 911 immediately.
• Treat promptly or death can occur. (Prompt first aid can prevent permanent injury to the brain and other vital organs.)
• What to do while awaiting medical help:
• Move the victim to a cool area.
• Soak the victim’s clothing with cool water.
• Fan the victim vigorously to increase cooling.
• Spray the victim with a cool mist of water, wipe the victim with a wet cloth, or cover with a wet sheet.
• Place ice packs under the armpits and groin area.