Everyone feels uncomfortable during heat waves, when temperatures rise and leave us hot and sweaty. But it’s important to know when that discomfort might be something more serious. Extreme temperatures can have serious health risks and worsen existing health conditions—especially for vulnerable groups.
If you spot someone who might be struggling from a heat-related illness, knowing the symptoms to look out for can help you take action.
What groups are most vulnerable to heat-related illnesses?
Heat-related illnesses include heat stroke, heat exhaustion, rhabdomyolysis, heat syncope, heat cramps, and heat rash, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Staying out in the hot sun can take its toll on anybody, but some groups are more vulnerable to heat-related illnesses than others. “The groups that have been shown to be most vulnerable are groups that may struggle to access cool environments or needed nutrition and water,” says Matthew Strehlow, professor of emergency medicine and executive vice chair of the department of emergency medicine at Stanford University. That includes older adults, infants and young children, people with chronic medical conditions, those living in poorly ventilated or marginalized housing situations, people experiencing homelessness, as well as people with disabilities. Those who spend a lot of time outside, like athletes and outdoor workers, are also at risk.
Extreme heat can also leave pregnant women and their fetuses vulnerable to pregnancy complications. “Pregnant women have increased rates of preterm birth, low birth weights of their babies, and potentially increasing rates of hypertension and hypertensive disorders [when exposed to extreme heat],” says Strehlow.
Read More: Climate Change Can Increase Health Risks During Pregnancy
How to help someone with heat exhaustion
There are several symptoms to look out for if you think someone might be facing heat-related illness. Dry mouth or hot skin are the first symptoms to appear, but be on the lookout for decreased activity and sleepiness, as well as any changes to a person’s mental status. The most important step is to get the person out of the heat—either into the shade or indoors.
Take action if needed. “If there’s any kind of change in their mental status, so less interactive, not talking normally, very sleepy, anything like that, you should call 911, and get them transported to an emergency department setting right away,” says Strehlow.
If you’ve caught the symptoms early enough, help them cool down using a process called evaporative cooling. “It’s really the best thing that we can do,” says Strehlow. “Taking a cool or damp cloth and wiping it over them, or a spray bottle with water in it and spraying them and letting that evaporation happen is one of the fastest ways to cool them out of the hospital environment.”
Heat exhaustion can impact anyone—especially if you live in an area unaccustomed to high temperatures. In general, it’s important to stay hydrated during heat waves—even if you don’t feel thirsty. If you can, wear light clothing and avoid being outside in direct sunlight during the hottest times of the day, usually between 12 p.m. and 3 p.m..
When a heat wave hits, take the time to check in on your community and make sure they have access to the resources they need to get through it—whether that be a local cooling center or plenty of water. “Heat illness is now the number one climate-related cause of illness and injury in the United States, more than hurricanes and floods and things like that,” says Strehlow. “During heat waves, check in on your family and friends, especially those who might be more at risk. Just be aware that those hot days put our elders and our young at high risk.”
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