Stay safe during this scorching Arizona summer. Learn the difference between heat stroke and heat exhaustion and how to prevent them.
July 6, 2020
We’re in the heat of summer here in the Valley, and it’s more important than ever to take extra good care of your health to make sure you’re staying safe in these extreme temperatures. Going outside during the scorching Arizona summer can quickly cause thirst, headaches and dryness.
It’s normal to feel extra tired and lazy when you’ve been out in the sun for a while – but how do you know if your reaction to the heat is approaching a dangerous level? Both heat exhaustion and heat stroke are common this time of year, and we have tips on how to recognize the signs in yourself and your loved ones.
According to Healthline, heat-related illnesses develop when the body reaches a point where it is unable to cool itself down. Sweat helps keep us cool, and too much heat exposure or hard physical labor in the sun can prevent the body from being able to produce enough sweat to cool us down.
The amount of sweat we produce when we get hot also causes us to lose a lot of water, meaning we need to increase the amount of water we drink in warmer months. Not drinking enough water in the heat can quickly lead to dehydration.
The most common cause of heat exhaustion is overexerting yourself in the sun for too long. Other causes include dehydration, wearing heavy clothing and consuming alcohol.
If you have any of the following symptoms, you may be experiencing heat exhaustion:
It’s important to begin treatment at the first signs of heat exhaustion. Moving to a cool environment and rehydrating with water or electrolyte-heavy drinks (i.e., Gatorade) can help minimize symptoms. You should also try to lie down as soon as possible, or at least stop performing strenuous activity.
When left untreated, heat exhaustion can evolve into a heat stroke, which is considered a medical emergency.
Heat stroke can be a potentially life-threatening condition if left untreated for too long. Heat exhaustion can evolve into a heat stroke fairly quickly if not taken care of as soon as possible.
If you or a loved one are experiencing the following symptoms of heat stroke, seek emergency medical help as soon as possible:
In the case of a heat stroke, it’s not recommended to give the person anything to drink. Instead, move them to a cooler area or place them in a cool bath until help arrives. You can also try applying ice packs to the neck, armpits and groin.
If not treated immediately, heat stroke can cause damage to the body’s vital organs, including the lungs, liver, kidneys, circulatory system and even the brain.
The best way to stay safe in the heat is to limit the amount of time you spend outside in extreme temperatures and keep hydrated throughout the day. The following precautions may also help you avoid overheating:
Valleywise Health is here to keep you safe and healthy all summer long. If you or a loved one are experiencing a medical emergency, such as heat stroke, contact our Emergency & Trauma Department right away.
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Heat exhaustion isn’t your only worry. The hot Arizona sunshine can also damage your skin. Take care of your body with these summertime skincare tips.
Dr. Nathan Delafield is a graduate of Indiana University School of Medicine. He completed his residency at the Mayo Clinic in Arizona. He is Board Certified in Internal Medicine specializing in primary care and hospital internal medicine. In 2019, Dr. Delafield received the Mayo Clinic Internal Medicine Teacher of the Year award. A District Medical Group physician, Dr. Delafield is available for consultations at Valleywise Health. He is passionate about patient advocacy, medical education and improving healthcare delivery to medically-disadvantaged communities.
