Heat Stroke, Heat Exhaustion Possible As Temps Begin To Rise

Greater Baltimore Medical Center Offers Safety Tips To Beat The Heat

With the heat index, over the next few days, creeping over 90 degrees physicians at Greater Baltimore Medical Center (GBMC) are encouraging the public, whether working or playing outdoors, that it is important to know the warning signs and symptoms of heat-related illnesses.




Kids and the elderly are most at risk for developing heat stroke or heat exhaustion and both are caused by prolonged exposure to heat and humidity. Other vulnerable populations include infants, those with chronic medical problems and people who remain outdoors for long periods of time such as landscapers, construction workers and the homeless.




GBMC ED physicians typically see an increase of patients experiencing heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heatstroke in the summer months and therefore encourage people of all ages to be more cautious during extremely hot and humid days. People should protect themselves and children against heat-related illnesses during the hot weather.




Heat cramps, muscle pains or spasms that typically occur in the abdomen, arms, or legs, usually affect people who sweat a lot during strenuous physical activity. Warning signs in adults include usually significant sweating with involuntary spasm of the large muscles in the body.




Heat exhaustion is less serious than heat stroke. Some symptoms include heavy sweating, muscle or heat cramps, headaches, nausea, vomiting or fainting. Victims may also feel tired, dizzy or weak.




Heatstroke is a more serious matter and life-threatening if left untreated. It causes the body’s internal temperature to climb beyond 104 degrees, and the body loses its ability to sweat and cool off naturally. Sufferers might have an altered mental state, complain of a throbbing headache, have a high temperature, rapid pulse, and lose consciousness. GBMC physicians urge that if someone exhibits these symptoms, call for medical help immediately and try to cool the body as quickly as possible using water or ice packs.




The different forms of heat-related illness – heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke – increase in severity as heat strain increases and allows for a quick, deadly progression from heat exhaustion to heat stroke.




GBMC physicians suggests a proactive approach to summer safety to help families avoid an unwanted trip to the hospital.

• Stay Hydrated: Your body's water reserves can run dangerously low during an active day. It is very important to replenish that lost liquid. Grab a bottle of water or a sports drink even if you aren’t thirsty. Avoid caffeinated beverages and alcohol, which contribute to dehydration.
• Wear light-colored, loose-fitting, breathable clothing such as cotton and a wide-brimmed hat when possible.
• Protect your skin from harmful rays with generous amounts of sunscreen at least 30 minutes before sun exposure. Use SPF 30 or higher - even on overcast days - to reduce the risk of sunburn.
• The sun can also damage your eyes. Next to skin cancers, accumulate ultraviolet exposure from the sun can heighten your risk for eye cancer and cataracts, a leading cause of blindness. 100 percent UV-safe wrap-around sunglasses are highly recommended.
• Take breaks in the shade or a cool area when possible.
• Talk with their doctor about medications you are taking and how the medications may affect their tolerance of heat.

Additionally to these heat safety tips, never leave a child, dog, or disabled person in a vehicle during excessive heat periods. This is very dangerous as these individuals may not be able to get out urge GBMC doctors.