The Quad Cities region is a vibrant riverside community full of outdoor activities that locals and tourists love. While the area is known for bitterly cold winters, the summer can bring scorching temperatures that pose risks of heat illness. In this blog, our Quad Cities personal injury attorneys explain the types of heat illness and offer some prevention tips.
Types of Heat Illness
Heat illness, or heat-related illness, refers to a range of health conditions that occur when the body cannot regulate its temperature properly. It usually results from prolonged exposure to hot weather or engaging in strenuous physical activity in a hot environment. Dehydration can also put you at risk for heat illnesses.
There are five types of heat-related illnesses:
- Heat Cramps: painful muscle spasms usually caused by dehydration and an imbalance of electrolytes (such as sodium, potassium, and calcium) due to excessive sweating.
- Heat Exhaustion: occurs when the body is losing more fluids through sweating than it is taking in.
- Heat Stroke: this is the most severe and life-threatening illness. It occurs when the body’s internal temperature rises to a dangerous level. Heat stroke is a medical emergency and requires immediate attention.
- Sunburn: occurs when the skin is overexposed to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or artificial sources like tanning beds. Severe sunburn can lead to sun poisoning.
- Heat Rash: occurs when sweat glands become blocked, leading to the accumulation of sweat under the skin. It is more common in hot and humid weather, and it often affects areas of the body covered by clothing or areas with skin-to-skin contact.
Symptoms of Heat Illness
Heat illnesses have similar symptoms that range from mild to severe. If you start experiencing any symptoms of heat illnesses, it is important to treat them before they progress. For example, heat exhaustion can quickly escalate into a heat stroke. Knowing the symptoms of the different types of heat illness is the best way to prevent this from happening.
Symptoms of Heat Cramps
- Heavy sweating during exercise or physical labor either outdoors or in a hot climate
- Muscle pain and spasms
Symptoms of Heat Exhaustion
- Excessive sweating
- Fast, weak pulse
- Cold and pale skin
- Nausea or vomiting
- Muscle cramps
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Tiredness/weakness
- Fainting
Symptoms of Heat Stroke
- Body temperature above 104°F
- Hot, red skin
- Increased heart rate
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Confusion
- Loss of consciousness
Symptoms of Heat Rash
- Small red or pink bumps on the skin
- Itching and a prickling or stinging sensation
- Clear fluid-filled blisters
Symptoms of Sunburn
- Red skin
- Inflammation
- Blistering
- Peeling
- Pain and tenderness
- Fever, chills, and nausea in severe cases
Heat Illness Prevention and Safety Tips
Heat illness is entirely preventable by following a few simple guidelines. You can enjoy the warmer weather and all the activities that come with it in the Quad Cities while staying safe from heat illnesses by following these tips:
- Drink plenty of fluids: drink water often, even before you feel thirsty. Avoid drinks with caffeine or alcohol, as these can dehydrate you. Additionally, have some electrolyte replacement drinks on hand.
- Stay cool indoors: avoid going outside during the hottest part of the day, usually between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Schedule outdoor activities during the cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or late evening.
- Wear light, loose-fitting clothing: avoid wearing dark or heavy clothing, as this will trap heat.
- Check on vulnerable individuals: keep an eye on children, elderly individuals, and those with chronic health conditions during hot weather. They are more susceptible to heat-related illnesses and may need assistance staying cool and hydrated.
- Use sunscreen: protect your skin from harmful UV rays by applying sunscreen with a high SPF. Sunburn can impair your body’s ability to cool down.
- Take breaks: when outdoors, seek shaded areas to rest and cool down. Take frequent breaks to allow your body to recover from the heat.
Contact WKC Law
By recognizing the symptoms of heat illness, taking preventive measures, and prioritizing safety, you can make the most of the warm season without compromising your health and safety. However, sometimes the negligent or reckless actions of another may lead to you or a loved one suffering from heat illness. Or, in the worst cases, even wrongful death.
If this has happened to you, our team of personal injury attorneys will fight for you and see you receive a fair settlement. Our caring and compassionate lawyers will support you throughout your journey of seeking compensation for your injuries, pain and suffering, lost wages, and more.
To get started on your claim, schedule your free case consultation. Reach us 24/7 by phone at (309) 794-1515, via LiveChat, or by filling out our contact form.