Summer is all about fun in the sun. But too much time in the heat can be dangerous. Get familiar with the warning signs of dehydration and heat stroke to keep your family safe while enjoying outdoor fun.
Signs of Dehydration
Dehydration is when your body doesn’t have enough fluids to perform its normal functions. Anyone can get dehydrated in the heat, but children and seniors have the highest risk.
Not everyone will show all the signs of dehydration, but common symptoms include:
- Thirst
- Dry mouth
- Reduced urination
- Dark urine
- Fatigue
- Irritability
- Dizziness
- Confusion
- Heavy breathing
- Rapid heart rate
Dehydration symptoms in children may also include:
- No tears when crying
- Dry diapers for three hours or more
- High fever
- Sunken-in eyes or cheeks
- Loss of skin elasticity (pinched skin does not snap back to its original state)
Signs of Heat Stroke
Heat stroke is a life threatening emergency that needs immediate medical treatment. There are two versions of heat stroke: classic and exertional.
Classic heat stroke occurs when the body’s cooling mechanisms are overwhelmed in excessively hot environments. This type of heat stroke often occurs in those with multiple medical problems or lack of access to cooling, such as the elderly. During a classic heat stroke, your body may become dry, and not be able to sweat.
Exertional heat stroke occurs during excessive exercise wherein your body’s heat-loss mechanisms are overwhelmed. This type of heat stroke is common in athletes, and your body is often sweating profusely.
Common symptoms of heat stroke include:
- High body temperature (104ºF or higher)
- Confusion
- Slurred speech
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Seizure
- Hot, dry, red skin (classic heat stroke)
- Profuse sweating (exertional heat stroke)
- Heavy breathing
- Rapid heart rate
- Hallucinations
- Nausea, vomiting
- Unconsciousness
Stay Safe in the Heat
You and your family can have lots of outdoor fun this summer. Just be sure you:
- Drink plenty of water and avoid caffeine and alcohol.
- Be mindful that your body looses water and electrolytes in sweat. Drink appropriate sports drinks if exposed to a hot environment for a prolonged period of time.
- Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothes (light colors are best).
- Wear a hat and stay in the shade when possible.
- Rest often.
- Mist yourself with a water bottle to cool off.
- Limit your time outdoors on very hot and humid days.
- NEVER leave children or pets in an unattended car.
If someone gets overheated, move him or her to a cooler place and give water or a sports drink with electrolytes right away. Call a doctor to find out if medical care is needed. If a person is showing signs of heat stroke, call 911 immediately.
