In this Article

• What is hyperthermia?
• What causes hyperthermia and heat-related illnesses?
• Hot weather health emergencies
• Heat stroke
• Heat exhaustion
• Other heat-related health problems
• Heat cramps
• Heat rash
• Sunburn
• Hot weather tips
• Hyperthermia At A Glance
• Hyperthermia Glossary
• Hyperthermia Index

Hot weather health emergencies

Even short periods of high temperatures can cause serious health problems. Two common problems are heat stroke and heat exhaustion.

Heat Stroke

Heat stroke occurs when the body becomes unable to control its temperature. The body's temperature rises rapidly, the sweating mechanism fails, and the body is unable to cool down. Body temperature may rise to 106°F or higher within 10-15 minutes. Heat stroke can cause death or permanent disability if emergency treatment is not given.

What are the symptoms of heat stroke?

Warning signs of heat stroke vary but may include:

• an extremely high body temperature (above 104°F)
  
  
• red, hot, and moist or dry skin (no sweating)
  
  
• rapid, strong pulse
  
  
• throbbing headache
  
  
• dizziness
  
  
• nausea
  
  
• confusion
  
  
• seizures
  
  
• unconsciousness

What is the treatment for heat stroke?

If you see any of these signs, you may be dealing with a life threatening emergency. Have someone call for immediate medical assistance while you begin cooling the victim:

• Get the victim to a cool indoor or outdoor area.
  
  
• Cool the victim rapidly using whatever methods you can. For example, you may immerse the victim in a tub of cool water or place them in a cool shower. You may also spray them with cool water from a garden hose or sponge them with cool water. If the humidity is low, loosely wrap the victim in a cool, wet sheet and fan him or her vigorously.
  
  
• Monitor body temperature, and continue cooling efforts until the body temperature drops to 101-102°F or lower.
  
  
• If emergency medical personnel are delayed, call the hospital emergency room for further instructions.
  
  
• Do not give the victim alcohol to drink.

Sometimes a victim's muscles will begin to twitch uncontrollably (seizure) as a result of heat stroke. If this happens, keep the victim from injuring himself, but do not place any object in the mouth and do not give fluids. If there is vomiting, make sure the airway remains open by turning the victim on his or her side to prevent choking.

Suggested Reading by Our Doctors

• Rash - Learn about rash causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment. Common skin rashes include poison ivy, hives, shingles, eczema, contact dermatitis, ringworm, psoriasis and impetigo.
• Dehydration - Read about dehydration (definition: excessive water loss) in children, treatment, symptoms (thirst, dry mouth, dark urine) and causes (vomiting, diarrhea).
• Muscle Spasms - Read about muscle spasms, their causes, diagnosis, treatment and prevention. Symptoms and signs include acute pain at the site of the muscle contractions (twitches or fasciculations).

Read more Hyperthermia related articles »

Latest Medical News

• Anesthesia, Exertional Heat Deaths May Be Linked
• Cars Are No Place for Kids to Be Alone