Extreme heat: How to spot heat-related illness and what to do

Take steps to protect yourself in the sun this summer to prevent heat-related illnesses. (Aleksandar Nakic/Istock.com)

Summer is nearly in full swing and many of us are looking forward to hot and sunny vacation time both at home and away. However if you're planning to be out all day making the most of the good weather then you could also be at risk of heat stress caused by extreme heat. Here we've put together some tips to spot the signs of heat stress.

What is heat stress?

People suffer from heat stress when their bodies are unable to compensate for the heat and properly cool themselves. This is normally done via sweating, but in extreme heat conditions sweating sometimes just isn't enough. When this happens body temperature rises rapidly, which may damage the brain or other vital organs.

The most serious form of heat stress is heat stroke, which can cause death or permanent disability if emergency treatment is not provided. Heat exhaustion is a milder condition which can develop after several days of exposure to extreme heat without proper hydration.

What are the signs of heat exhaustion?

There are a number of warning signs for heat exhaustion and they vary from person to person, but symptoms to look out for include:

What to do if you suspect someone has heat exhaustion

What are the signs of heat stroke?

Again symptoms may vary, but look out for the following:

What to do if you suspect someone has heat stroke

For more information on how to prevent, spot and treat heat stress and other heat-related illnesses, head to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.