What is heat stroke? Signs of heat-related illness and how to prevent it

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — With three days of 100-degree heat forecast for the Portland area, the National Weather Service is warning the public about the dangers of excessive heat.

“Now is the time to think about how you will stay cool during this potentially dangerous heat wave,” Portland’s National Weather Service office warns. “Inland temperatures will turn very hot by Friday. We all learned in June 2021 how deadly excessive heat can be.”

Kaiser Permanente Northwest issued a statement Tuesday warning the public about heat-related illnesses like heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Kaiser Permanente Doctor of Family Medicine Caroline King-Widdall said that anyone can suffer from heat exhaustion or heat stroke, but that babies, children and the elderly are most at risk.

“Heat exhaustion happens when your body isn’t able to regulate its own temperature, and it begins to rise,” King-Widdall said. “This can happen when you’re working out rigorously or when you’re doing yard work outside on a hot day. When temperatures get hotter, the risk of heat exhaustion goes up. If heat exhaustion isn’t addressed it can lead to heat stroke, which is more serious.”

The Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs states that heat exhaustion occurs when the human body overheats. Symptoms of heat exhaustion can include dizziness, headache, nausea, weakness, unsteady gait, muscle cramps and fatigue and an elevated core body temperature that is below 104 degrees.

The Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs warns that, if left untreated, heat exhaustion can quickly progress into the medical emergency known as heat stroke. Heat stroke occurs when the body’s core temperature reaches or exceeds 104 degrees. Symptoms of heat stroke include confusion, dizziness, and unconsciousness. Without treatment, heat stroke can be fatal or cause permanent disability.

Kaiser Permanente Northwest provides the following safety precautions for avoiding heat-related illnesses:

• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids even if you do not feel thirsty. Avoid drinks with caffeine or alcohol.
• Eat small meals and eat more often.
• Avoid extreme temperature changes.
• Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing. Avoid dark colors because they absorb the sun’s rays.
• Slow down, stay indoors and avoid strenuous exercise during the hottest part of the day.
• Postpone outdoor games and activities.
• Use a buddy system when working in excessive heat.
• Take frequent breaks if you must work outdoors.
• Check on family, friends and neighbors who do not have air conditioning, who spend much of their time alone or who are more likely to be affected by the heat.
• Never leave children or pets alone in enclosed vehicles, even if the windows are open.
• Check on your animals frequently to ensure that they are not suffering from the heat.