News Release

With temperatures on the rise this week in Portland and Southwest Washington, anyone planning to spend time outdoors should watch out for signs of heatstroke and heat exhaustion.

Insufficient water intake combined with overexposure to extreme heat can cause the body to overheat to dangerous and even life-threatening levels, according to Emergency Department physicians at Southwest Washington Medical Center. Watch for the following signs and symptoms:

Heat Exhaustion

• Dizziness, fatigue, faintness, headache
• Pale, clammy skin
• Rapid, weak pulse
• Fast, shallow breathing
• Muscle cramps
• Intense thirst

Heatstroke

• Skin is hot, dry, flushed
• No sweating
• High body temperature
• Rapid heartbeat
• Loss of consciousness

The risk of heat exhaustion or heatstroke increases for children and seniors, drinking alcohol or other drug use, working in a hot environment, wearing heavy and/or restrictive clothing, and severe fever or chronic illness.

How to Treat

If someone with symptoms is faint and sweating:

• Give them liquids (water, sports drinks, caffeine-free soft drinks or fruit juice).
• Find shade, avoid direct sunlight.
• Don’t give salt pills.
• Arrange for transportation to the hospital, except in mild cases. Call your doctor for advice.

If someone with symptoms is very hot and not sweating:

• Cool the person rapidly. Use a cold-water bath or wrap in wet sheets.
• Find shade, avoid direct sunlight.
• Arrange for transportation to the nearest hospital—this is an emergency!

Avoid these life-threatening reactions by drinking plenty of water, wearing light, loose-fitting clothing, and acclimating yourself to hot weather conditions. For more information on the symptoms, risks, and treatments for heat exhaustion or heatstroke, go to www.swmedicalcenter.org/heat. For tips on a safer summer, visit Safety first.