What is Heat related illness?

Heat related illness refers to health problems caused by exposure to high temperatures. It occurs when the body’s ability to regulate internal temperature fails or body’s inability to cool itself properly, especially in hot and humid conditions.

When heat builds up faster than the body can get rid of it, it can lead to a spectrum of illnesses—from mild heat cramps to severe heatstroke, which can be fatal if not treated quickly.

Heat related illness can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or location. From mild muscle cramps to life-threatening heatstroke, this blog will help you identify, prevent, and respond to different stages of heat related illness.

Types of Heat related illness

The major types of heat-related illness include:

1. Heat Cramps
2. Heat Exhaustion
3. Heatstroke

Let’s take a quick look in each heat related illness one by one.

1: Heat Cramps

What Are They?

Heat cramps are painful muscle contractions, often occurring during physical activity in hot conditions.

Heat cramps are often the first sign that the body is struggling to regulate temperature. They occur usually in the legs, arms, or abdomen, and occur after intense physical activity in a hot environment.

Symptoms:

• Muscle spasms in legs, arms, or abdomen
• Heavy sweating
• Mild fatigue

What to Do:

• Stop activity and rest in a cool place
• Drink water or electrolyte drinks
• Stretch and massage the cramped area gently

2: Heat Exhaustion

What Is It?

This is a moderate stage of heat related illness that happens when the body loses too much water and salt.

Symptoms:

• Profuse sweating
• Pale, cool, clammy skin
• Dizziness, fainting
• Nausea or vomiting
• Fast, weak pulse
• Muscle cramps
• Tiredness or weakness
• Headache

 What to Do:

• Move the person to a cooler place
• Remove or loosen clothing
• Apply wet clothes or take a cool shower
• Drink cool fluids slowly. Drink in SIPs.
• Avoid caffeinated or alcoholic drinks

If symptoms worsen, get medical attention immediately.

3: Heatstroke (Life-Threatening Emergency)

What Is It?

Heatstroke is the most serious form of heat related illness and can cause damage to the brain, heart, kidneys, and muscles. It happens when the body temperature rises above 103°F (39.4°C) and can no longer cool itself.

Symptoms:

• Core body temperature above 103°F (39.4°C)
• Hot, red, dry or damp skin
• Rapid, strong pulse
• Confusion or slurred speech
• Seizures
• Loss of consciousness
• No sweating despite heat

What to Do:

• Call emergency services immediately
• Move the person to a shaded or cool area
• Use cool cloths or an ice bath to bring down body temperature
• Do not give fluids if the person is unconscious or confused

Don’t wait, Heatstroke is a medical emergency—act quickly – seek medical attention.

Prevention Tips: How to Stay Safe in the Heat

1. Stay Hydrated

• Drink plenty of water throughout the day
• Avoid caffeine and alcohol

2. Dress Appropriately

• Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothes
• Use hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen

3. Time Outdoor Activities Wisely

• Avoid strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day (typically 12–4 pm)
• Take frequent breaks in the shade or indoors

4. Use Cooling Methods

• Use fans, air conditioners, or take cool showers
• Apply cold compresses to neck and armpits

5. Watch for Early Warning Signs

• Learn to identify heat cramps and exhaustion before they escalate to heatstroke

6. Never Leave Anyone in a Parked Car

• Even a few minutes can lead to dangerous overheating, especially in children and pets.

Who is Most at Risk?

While anyone can suffer from heat related illness, certain groups are at higher risk due to age, health status, or exposure:

• Infants and young children – they have immature heat regulation systems
• Older adults – may have reduced ability to cool down or feel thirst
• People with chronic illnesses – such as heart disease, diabetes, or obesity
• Athletes and outdoor workers – due to physical exertion in heat
• People on certain medications – like diuretics or antidepressants
• Those without access to cooling resources

 When to Call for Emergency Help

Call emergency services immediately if:

• A person feels too much uncomfortable or uneasy or weak
• A person has a body temperature above 103°F (39.4°C)
• The person is unconscious, confused, or having seizures
• There is no sweating, or skin feels very hot and dry in hot climate
• The condition is not improving with home care
• Prolonged heat cramp

Time is critical in heat emergencies. Don’t delay care.

Read about Heat Rash – Click Here

References

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Heat-related illnesses. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov

2. World Health Organization. Heat and health. Available from: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/climate-change-heat-and-health

3. WHO-SEARO. Heat–Health Action Plans. Available from: https://www.who.int/india/activities/heat-health-action-plan-india