KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WOKI) – As temperatures soar across East Tennessee, health officials are urging residents to recognize the warning signs of heat-related illnesses before they become life-threatening.
Heat exhaustion occurs when the body loses excessive amounts of water and salt through sweating. While serious, it is usually treatable if action is taken quickly.
Common symptoms of heat exhaustion include heavy sweating, cool or clammy skin, dizziness, weakness, headaches, muscle cramps, nausea, vomiting and a rapid but weak pulse. Body temperature is elevated but typically remains below 104 degrees.
People experiencing heat exhaustion should immediately move to a cool or shaded area, rest, drink water or sports drinks and use cool towels, fans or air conditioning to lower body temperature.
If untreated, heat exhaustion can quickly progress to heat stroke, the most severe form of heat-related illness.
Heat stroke occurs when the body’s temperature-regulating system becomes overwhelmed and stops working. Body temperature can rapidly climb to 104 degrees or higher, creating a life-threatening emergency.
Warning signs include hot, red skin, little or no sweating, a strong rapid pulse, confusion, slurred speech, agitation, seizures, loss of consciousness or coma.
Medical experts stress that heat stroke requires immediate emergency treatment. Anyone suspected of suffering from heat stroke should be moved to a cooler location, have excess clothing removed and be cooled as quickly as possible while someone calls 911.
Ice packs placed on the neck, armpits and groin can help reduce body temperature while waiting for emergency responders. Fluids should not be given to anyone who is unconscious or vomiting.
With extreme heat expected throughout the summer, officials encourage residents to stay hydrated, limit strenuous outdoor activity during peak afternoon temperatures and check on elderly neighbors, children and anyone without adequate cooling.
