As summer temperatures climb to their highest, residents in Maryland and across the United States should remain mindful of heat-related illnesses, and potential issues caused by high temperatures.
“During the 2023 warm-season months (May–September), rates of emergency department visits for heat-related illness substantially increased across several U.S. regions compared with previous years, especially among males and adults aged 18–64 years,” according to a report issued by the CDC in 2024.
Dr. Candice “C.C.” Weaver, a practitioner of family and lifestyle medicine, begins an important discussion by explaining the differences between heatstroke and heat exhaustion.
“Heatstroke is a severe heat-related illness that occurs when the body’s temperature rises to critical levels, typically above 104°F (40°C). It is considered a medical emergency that can result in death if not treated promptly. Symptoms include confusion, loss of consciousness, seizures, and hot, dry skin,” Dr. Weaver said.
She added that heatstroke and heat exhaustion are two different conditions.
“Heat exhaustion is less severe and occurs when the body loses excessive water and sodium from sweating, leading to symptoms like heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea, and cool, moist skin. Heatstroke, on the other hand, is more severe and involves a failure of the body’s temperature regulation, resulting in a very high body temperature, confusion, and potential loss of consciousness,” Dr. Weaver further explained.
She noted that heat stroke can cause long-term damage to the brain, kidneys, and other organs. It can lead to persistent cognitive deficits, renal failure, and other complications if not treated promptly.
It is critical to point out that serious dangers of vehicular heatstroke can occur when a person is left in a hot vehicle.
“Cars can heat up to extreme temperatures very quickly, even with windows cracked. This can be deadly, especially for young children whose bodies heat up faster than adults,” said Dr. Weaver.
The condition is more common in children because their smaller bodies heat up three to five times faster than adults. Additionally, an adult can easily exit a hot vehicle when needed, but children may not be able to exit a vehicle on their own or to communicate their distress, according to the expert. Elderly people are also at higher risk of facing vehicular heatstroke for similar reasons.
Sometimes adults forget to remove young children from cars “due to changes in routine, stress, distractions, or simply forgetting that the child is in the car. This can lead to tragic outcomes,” according to Dr. Weaver.
Even dogs can be impacted by extreme heat.
Dr. Weaver added, “Like humans, dogs are at risk in hot environments, particularly if they are left in hot cars or exercised in extreme heat. Symptoms in dogs include excessive panting, drooling, lethargy, and collapse.”
Heatstroke can be prevented when individuals stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids; wearing lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing; taking frequent breaks in a cool or shaded area; avoiding strenuous activity during the hottest parts of the day; never leaving children or pets in a parked car; and using fans or air conditioning to stay cool.
Signs of heat-related illnesses in humans include heavy sweating; muscle cramps; fatigue; weakness; dizziness; headache; nausea or vomiting; rapid heartbeat; confusion or altered mental state; and a very high body temperature in heatstroke.
“Individuals with chronic illnesses, heart conditions, respiratory problems, obesity, or those taking medications that impair heat regulation are at higher risk for heat-related illnesses,” Dr. Weaver also said.
How much water should be consumed in extremely hot weather varies based on an individual’s medical needs. Dr. Weaver stated that a very general recommendation for the average person is to drink at least eight to 10 cups of water per day to prevent dehydration and help maintain a healthy body temperature.
“Dehydration occurs when the body loses more fluids than it takes in, leading to a deficiency in the amount of water needed for normal bodily functions. Symptoms include dry mouth, thirst, dark yellow urine, dizziness, and fatigue,” Dr. Weaver cautioned.
The CDC also reported that “heat-related illness will continue to be a significant public health concern as climate change results in longer, hotter, and more frequent episodes of extreme heat.”In partnership with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) National Weather Service (NWS), and the CDC, a new Heat and Health Initiative was launched to protect Americans from heat exposure. The HeatRisk Forecast Tool (https://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/heatrisk/) provides a seven-day heat forecast nationwide to inform individuals when temperatures may reach levels that could pose health harm. The CDC’s HeatRisk Dashboard (https://ephtracking.cdc.gov/Applications/HeatRisk) includes details on local air quality. Visit: https://www.instagram.com/ceasydoesit?igsh=MThnZGxuMmtmMDk5Yw== to learn more about Dr. Weaver.