What Are You Prepared?Summer Heat Waves Raise Risk for Heatstroke.

Once again, record-breaking heat is bringing broiling conditions to many spots across the United States.

Since the notable 2011 heat wave—which was then the hottest in 75 years—North Americans have been suffering through increasingly warmer spring and summer weather. Experts continue to warn that these heat waves may become more regular and last longer in the future all over the United States.

What’s worse is that exposure to these extreme temperatures is the leading cause of weather-related deaths in the United States. This not only includes heatstroke but also problems associated with breathing difficulties and exacerbated preexisting medical conditions connected to global warming.

As sweltering summer heat waves become the norm, health experts are warning people about the importance of staying cool, particularly young children, the elderly, and others at greater risk for heatstroke and other problems associated with excessive heat exposure.

Depending on a person’s age, the presence of chronic medical conditions, and the amount of fluids they’ve consumed, heatstroke can occur in just a few short hours, especially in temperatures in the triple digits.

How to spot heatstroke warning signs (in yourself and others)

Heatstroke does have early warning signs. If you notice these signs quickly, it can help prevent more serious complications from developing."Heatstroke develops when the body is unable to effectively sweat to cool itself down," said Dr. Robert Glatter, an emergency medicine physician at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City. "As core temperatures rapidly increase, the skin becomes dry and your heart rate begins to increase." Confusion is a common symptom in patients who develop heatstroke. This can even mimic a stroke. Other symptoms of heat exhaustion, the precursor to heatstroke, include:

muscle cramps
general weariness
headache
dizziness
feeling of passing out
nausea

“If you notice that you or a loved one have stopped sweating, this can be a late finding and should be taken seriously before neurological complications arise,” said Dr. Edgar Petras, an Indiana University Health resident physician in emergency medicine and pediatrics.

Severe symptoms indicating heatstroke include:

pale, red, or dry skin
confusion
trouble walking
dilated pupils
vomiting
inappropriate or uncharacteristic behavior
rapid or racing heart rate
rapid breathing
seizures
unconsciousness

If you or someone near you is experiencing one or more of these symptoms, seeking immediate medical attention could be a life-saving action.

How to treat heatstroke and when to seek helpIf the most serious symptoms occur—racing heart rate, confusion, seizures, or unconsciousness—medical experts recommend you seek immediate medical attention. "This is a medical emergency, and it’s vital to seek treatment immediately in the emergency department by calling 911," Glatter said. "A patient requires rapid cooling and attention to their airway and volume status to effectively resuscitate them."Emergency medical professionals can immediately begin treatment, which will include intravenous hydration and other methods.When you or someone else begins to show signs of heatstroke, the first thing you should do is get them or yourself out of the heat."Move them to a cool or shady place out of the sun," advised Dr. Christopher Sampson, an emergency physician at the University of Missouri Health Care in Columbia, Missouri. "If possible, get them to an air-conditioned building."Also, fanning the person while wetting their skin, whether by spritzing them with water or applying wet towels, will help. If ice packs are available, apply them to key areas such as the groin, armpits, back, and neck. (Cool towels, rags, or pieces of clothing will also work in a pinch.)Depending on the severity of the heatstroke, recovery can take several days. Left untreated, experts say, heatstroke can cause lasting damage to your brain, muscles, kidneys, and other important organs.But experts suggest it’s best to prevent heatstroke by being aware of not only the temperature but also what you’re putting into and excreting out of your body.It’s important to drink plenty of cool fluids in the heat. Water is best, but Glatter also recommends low-sugar sports drinks, especially if you’re working in the heat or exercising for more than an hour. These drinks can replace electrolytes lost during excessive sweating.If you must exercise during a heat wave, do it before sunrise when the humidity is low. "Don’t drink alcohol or sugary drinks in the heat since this leads to dehydration due to excessive water loss," he said.Some cities open up cooling stations for the elderly, homeless, and other people who may not have access to air-conditioning. "Make sure to check on seniors to see how they’re feeling." Make sure they have access to air-conditioning and plenty of cool fluids, "Glatter said." "It’s also vital to have a heat response plan to help reduce the chance of heatstroke developing in the first place."