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In all weather conditions, the body works to maintain a normal temperature ranging from 97 to 99 degrees. When temperatures are extreme, like on a scorching summer day, it can be more difficult for our body to maintain its ideal temperature.

Extreme sweltering heat can be hazardous to our health. One way the human body can typically regulate its temperature is through sweating.

Our bodies have nearly four million sweat glands. The hypothalamus controls our body temperature by regulating sweat output and blood flow to the skin.

When it is hot, our body sweats to keep cool. Perspiration comes to the surface of our skin, and as it evaporates, we begin to feel cooler.

When it is humid, it is more difficult for the sweat on the surface of our skin to evaporate because the air is already saturated with moisture. That explains why people often say it is not the heat but the humidity that makes it unbearable to be outside on a hot day, though both play a role in our body’s overheating.

Continued sweating eventually leads to dehydration. However, more severe health risks are heat exhaustion and heat stroke, which can escalate rapidly, leading to delirium, organ damage and even death. According to the National Safety Council injury facts, in 2019, 884 people died, and 2,061 were injured in the U.S. from exposure to excessive heat.

Anyone can suffer from heat-related illness, but some people are at greater risk than others, including children, older adults, those working or exercising outside, and those with pre-existing medical conditions such as diabetes.

Signs of heat exhaustion

Heat exhaustion occurs when the body loses excess water and salt, usually due to sweating. The American Red Cross advises that the warning signs can vary among individuals. Still, common symptoms of heat exhaustion include dizziness, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, heavy sweating, muscle cramps, rapid heart rate and headache.

To treat heat exhaustion, move to a cool location, drink lots of water, and use cool compresses. Heat exhaustion can evolve into heatstroke, so treat this condition quickly.

Signs of heat stroke

Life-threatening heatstroke occurs when our body temperature reaches at least 103 degrees. At this temperature, our body loses the ability to regulate temperature.

According to the CDC, signs of heatstroke include an absence of sweating, rapid pulse, difficulty breathing, vomiting, flushed skin, throbbing headache, mental confusion, seizures, and extremely high body temperature.

Immediately call 911 if someone experiences these symptoms. As with heat exhaustion, a person experiencing heat stroke needs to be moved to a cooler place and given a bath of cool compresses until help arrives.

Knowing the symptoms and the proper response to these illnesses can save a life. Become familiar with the signs and symptoms of heat-related conditions, especially if caring for children, the elderly or pets.

If you notice symptoms of heat-related illness, act quickly to help cool the victim down. If you, or someone else, is showing signs of a heat-related illness, stop the activity immediately, find a cool place to rest, hydrate, and seek medical attention if necessary. Remember, heat stroke is a medical emergency that can be fatal if not treated promptly.