Heat-Related Illnesses

Emergencies

Yes	Do you have any of the following symptoms that require emergency treatment? Call 911 or other emergency services immediately.

• Exposure to a hot environment with any of the following:
  • Unconsciousness for longer than a few seconds
  • Seizures
  • Moderate to severe difficulty breathing
  • Confusion, severe restlessness, or anxiety
  • Hot, dry, flushed skin with no sweating (classic heatstroke) or with a lot of sweating (exertional heatstroke)
  • Severe vomiting and diarrhea

Note:

After calling 911 or other emergency services, begin emergency first aid treatment if emergency medical personnel, such as paramedics, are not going to arrive soon.

Check Your Symptoms

If you answer yes to any of the following questions, click on the "Yes" in front of the question for information about how soon to see a health professional.

Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.

If you have any of the following symptoms, check those symptoms first.

• A high body temperature that may be caused by illness: Go to the topic Fever, Age 3 and Younger or Fever, Age 4 and Older.
• A skin rash: Go to the topic Rash, Age 11 and Younger or Rash, Age 12 and Older.

Yes	Do you have any signs of heat exhaustion?
Yes	Do you have any symptoms that could cause heat syncope (fainting)?
Yes	Do you have any signs of heat cramps?
Yes	Do you have any signs of heat edema (swelling)?

Other Symptoms to Watch For

Do you have the following symptom?

• Sunburn: Go to the topic Sunburn.
• Dehydration: Go to the topic Dehydration.

If a visit to a health professional is not needed immediately, see the Home Treatment section for self-care information.

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Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS	Last Updated: December 12, 2006
Medical Review:	Martin Gabica, MD - Family Medicine H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine
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