What You Need to Know About Heat Stroke and Heat Exhaustion

This article is provided for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Contact a qualified health care professional before engaging in any physical activity or making any changes to your diet, medications, or lifestyle.

Environment Canada has issued several heat warnings for parts of British Columbia ahead of the weekend. Temperatures are expected to reach 30 degrees Celsius in Vancouver, and Kamloops is expected to see daytime highs of 40 degrees Celsius next week — temperatures not seen in Canada until August last year.

The West Coast isn’t the only part of the country experiencing high temperatures. And while hot days can be ideal for a beach or cottage, they also pose a health risk, especially for young children, older Canadians and people with chronic diseases.

“I think people need to understand that heat is a silent killer,” said Glen Kenny, a University of Ottawa professor and director of the Human and Environmental Physiology Research Unit. Yahoo Canada.

Given the climate, experts predict that heat stroke and heat exhaustion will be common during the summer months. Read on to learn the risks, symptoms, and how to tell the difference between the two conditions.

---

Heatstroke and heat exhaustion: what’s the difference?

According to Health Canada, heat exhaustion occurs when the body overheats but is unable to cool itself. For example, you may become overheated during physical activity, especially when it is hot and humid outside. Symptoms of heat exhaustion include headache, nausea, dizziness, thirst, profuse sweating and elevated body temperature.

On the other hand, heat stroke is the most serious and potentially fatal heat illness. It occurs when your body can no longer fully control its temperature.

“The only way to dissipate heat in that condition is through sweat production and evaporation of that sweat to try to cool them down, but there will be an increase in cutaneous blood flow to the skin and that puts a strain on the heart, the cardiovascular system,” Kenny explains.

According to the Manitoba Provincial Health Team, when heatstroke occurs, a person’s core body temperature rises above 40 degrees Celsius. The longer a person’s body temperature remains above 40 degrees, the greater the risk of permanent disability or death.

A person suffering from heatstroke may experience confusion, slurred speech, loss of consciousness, profuse sweating, and convulsions.

---

Who is at risk for heat stroke and heat exhaustion?

Older adults are particularly at risk for heat-related illnesses. They may not have access to air conditioning or turn it on because they don’t believe the heat poses a threat. Kenny emphasizes the importance of monitoring older family members during hot summer days, especially those who live alone.

“As we age, our body’s ability to lose heat decreases by 4 to 5 percent per decade,” Kenny says. “For the same level of heat stress (between a young person and an older person), an older person would not be able to properly regulate their temperature to avoid a greater temperature increase.”

If you can’t visit an elderly friend or family member in person, ask a neighbor to check on them or give them a call. Kenny also suggests asking them a few simple questions to make sure they’re okay.

“If a person is stressed, they’re going to be irritable. They may even become more reclusive and not want to talk as much,” he says. “These are clear signs that the person is struggling.”

Additionally, people with certain conditions such as diabetes are at greater risk during heat waves because high temperatures affect blood sugar levels.

“If I have a healthy elderly person, and then I have a person with type 2 diabetes of the same age, body mass, etc., the person with type 2 diabetes has about 20% less capacity to dissipate heat,” Kenny says.

Finally, young children, people who work outdoors, and those who exercise in hot weather are at higher risk of heat exhaustion and heatstroke.

---

How can I help someone with heat stroke?

If you see someone suffering from heatstroke, you should call 911 immediately. The Canadian Red Cross also suggests removing the person from the heat, loosening or removing tight clothing, fanning the skin, and immersing the person’s body in cool water.

In case of heat exhaustion, it is also advisable to move the affected person away from the heat, loosen or remove tight clothing, pour water over the torso and air the skin.

---

Tips for staying safe in the heat

If it’s hot outside, there are several ways to prevent heat-related illnesses. Wear light, loose clothing, limit outdoor exercise, use air conditioning, wear sunscreen, and stay hydrated. Never leave people or pets inside a parked car, and remember that extreme weather can affect anyone.

“I’ve seen some of the fittest athletes suddenly, you know, they’re training in the heat… just go out for a good jog and collapse and be hospitalized. I’ve seen workers who think they’re resilient and it just takes a day,” Kenny said.

Additionally, if you’re traveling to a place with extreme temperatures, such as parts of Europe, be aware that fatigue and jet lag make you more susceptible to heat-related illness.

“Sleep is also a factor that can affect your well-being. It can push you to the limit,” says Kenny. “If you’re stressed, whether it’s emotional or mental, it can make it difficult to cope with the heat.”

Let us know what you think by commenting below and tweeting @YahooStyleCA! Follow us on Twitter And Instagram And register for our newsletter.