With summer just around the corner, the chances of suffering from heatstroke and heat exhaustion will increase as the weather gets warmer. You need to know what to look for and what to do if someone is suffering from either condition. Both of these conditions are called hyperthermia. Hyperthermia is an increase in the internal or core body temperature. Hyperthermia can be caused from a high environmental temperature or strenuous exercise.

Heatstroke is the most severe form of hyperthermia. The body temperature often climbs above 105*F, usually with the absence of sweating. The symptoms of heatstroke are confusion, impaired coordination, loss of consciousness and a rapid pulse. Heatstroke is a medical emergency that should be treated right away. The first thing that you need to do is to call 911 immediately. To treat heatstroke, first remove the victim's clothing. Try to then move then to a cooler environment. Get them out of the sun in at least some shade. Blow air on them with a fan while spraying them with a mist of water. Give them liquids. Apply cold packs to the groin area and the armpits.

Heat exhaustion is milder than heatstroke. The symptoms are nausea, vomiting, fatigue, a headache, sweating and dizziness. Heat exhaustion can progress to heatstroke if it is not treated properly. If treated properly the symptoms will resolve within an hour. To treat heat exhaustion, follow the same instructions outlined for heatstroke. Continue to treat the person until their symptoms disappear. If symptoms do not get better after two hours, the person needs to go to the hospital as their body may be having a hard time cooling down properly.

It is best to take precautions to avoid hyperthermia. Do not perform strenuous activities in the extreme heat. If you are, make sure you are seeking shade and taking breaks often. Make sure that you are drinking plenty of water if you are outside in the heat. Do not exercise beyond your ability as extreme exercise can also cause hyperthermia. If you feel any of the symptoms of heat exhaustion coming on, stop what you are doing immediately and seek treatment. You want to catch the problem before it turns into full blown heatstroke. Make sure that you are also watching out for your children in the summer. Make sure that they are well hydrated and they are not experiencing any of the symptoms above. Try to keep them inside on days were there is extreme heat.

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