Heat related illness: Prevention and tips
Written by the editorial staff writer at Hola.
Medically reviewed by Dr Nelson Lau, MBBS FRACGP, GP & Digital Health Specialist.

Contents

How does heat affect the body?
When a person is exposed to high temperatures, the body regulates its internal temperature and avoids excessive heat buildup. In response, the body produces more sweat to eliminate heat by evading moisture from the skin and redirecting blood to the skin for cooling purposes. Health issues can occur when:- The body’s system fails to maintain temperature within the normal range.
- The fluids lost through heavy sweating are not sufficiently replenished.
- The body’s response creates undue pressure on the heart as it pumps more blood to aid cooling.
- Engaging in physical activity in extreme heat can overwhelm the body’s ability to regulate its temperature.
- Wearing heavy, thick clothing can interfere with the cooling process of sweat evaporation from the skin.
- Insufficient water intake to replenish fluids lost through perspiration can cause dehydration.
Also read: Why ‘summer flu’ is not actually a flu?
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What are the types of heat illness?
Heat illnesses occur when the body is exposed to extreme temperatures and struggles to regulate its temperature. They range from mild conditions like heat rash to severe emergencies like heat stroke, all requiring timely intervention.Heat stroke
- Symptoms: Individuals may exhibit a high body temperature exceeding 40°C, confusion, dizziness, nausea, a rapid pulse, and skin that appears hot, dry, and red. In severe cases, unconsciousness may occur.
- Causes: Heat stroke typically results from prolonged exposure to elevated temperatures, particularly when this exposure is coupled with physical exertion, dehydration, or high humidity levels.
- Prevention: To mitigate the risk, it is essential to maintain proper hydration, refrain from engaging in outdoor activities during periods of extreme heat, wear lightweight and loose-fitting clothing, and take breaks in shaded or cooler environments.
- Treatment: Immediate medical assistance is imperative. One should relocate the affected individual to a cooler area, remove excess clothing, and apply water or ice packs to cool the body. If the individual is conscious, fluids should be administered.
Heat cramps
- Symptoms: This condition is characterised by painful muscle cramps, particularly in the legs or abdomen, accompanied by heavy sweating and a sense of weakness.
- Causes: Heat cramps are caused by the loss of salt and fluids due to excessive sweating, dehydration, and overexertion in high-temperature conditions.
- Prevention: To prevent heat cramps, individuals should ensure adequate hydration, consume foods rich in electrolytes, such as bananas, and take regular breaks during physical exertion in hot environments.
- Treatment: Individuals experiencing heat cramps should cease exercise, rest in a cool location, hydrate with electrolyte-containing fluids (such as sports drinks), and gently stretch and massage the affected muscles.
Heat exhaustion
- Symptoms: This condition may present with heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, nausea, headaches, fainting, muscle cramps, and skin that feels cool, pale, and clammy. Cool, clammy skin may transition to hot, dry skin if the condition progresses to heat stroke.
- Causes: Heat exhaustion arises from extended exposure to high temperatures, excessive physical activity in hot atmospheres, and dehydration.
- Prevention: Adequate hydration is essential, and individuals should avoid excessive exposure to heat, wear loose-fitting clothing, and take regular breaks.
- Treatment: To address heat exhaustion, one should move to a cooler environment, rest, hydrate with cool water or electrolyte-based drinks, and loosen clothing. Should symptoms worsen, it is critical to seek medical assistance.
Heat rash
- Symptoms: Heat rash is characterised by the appearance of a red, bumpy rash, typically located on areas of the body that are covered by clothing, or in areas where sweat may accumulate, like under the breasts or in skin folds, and it may cause itching or discomfort.
- Causes: This condition results from the blockage of sweat ducts, which frequently occurs in hot and humid environments and results in sweat becoming trapped beneath the skin.
- Prevention: To prevent heat rash, it is advisable to remain cool, wear lightweight and breathable clothing, and avoid overheating.
- Treatment: Cooling the skin with a cold compress, avoiding tight clothing, and applying soothing lotions such as calamine or hydrocortisone may provide relief. If symptoms persist, an individual should consult a medical professional.
Heat-related problems associated with existing medical conditions
- Heart disease: Individuals diagnosed with heart disease may exhibit heightened sensitivity to heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion or heat stroke. The demands placed on the cardiovascular system by elevated temperatures can amplify the workload of the heart, potentially resulting in complications such as dehydration, fainting, or other cardiovascular events.
- Diabetes: Diabetes influences the body's capacity to sweat and effectively regulate temperature. Exposure to high temperatures may lead to dehydration, which can cause fluctuations in blood glucose levels, increasing the likelihood of experiencing heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
- Respiratory conditions: Elevated temperatures and humidity can aggravate respiratory conditions, complicating the process of breathing. Individuals suffering from asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) may encounter heightened breathing difficulties or wheezing, particularly under hot environmental conditions.
- Obesity: Individuals with obesity face an increased risk of heat-related illnesses due to excess body fat, which hampers the body's ability to dissipate heat. Such individuals may experience challenges in cooling their bodies in hot surroundings, elevating the risk of heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
- Kidney disease: Individuals suffering from kidney disease are more susceptible to dehydration, a condition that may precipitate heat exhaustion or heat stroke. The kidneys' impaired ability to maintain fluid balance exacerbates the adverse effects of extreme heat.
- Medications: Certain pharmacological agents, such as diuretics can cause increased fluid loss, leading to dehydration. Beta blockers may reduce the body’s ability to increase heart rate in response to heat stress and antihistamines and anticholinergics can inhibit sweating, impeding the body’s cooling mechanism.
When to consult a doctor?
Individuals experiencing severe symptoms associated with heat-related illnesses, such as confusion, dizziness, an elevated heart rate, fainting, or breathing difficulties, should seek immediate medical attention, as these may signal a medical emergency such as heat stroke. Should one encounter signs of heat exhaustion, including nausea, excessive sweating, and dizziness, that do not improve despite rest, hydration, and cooling measures, it is advisable to obtain medical advice. Additionally, for those with pre-existing medical conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, or respiratory complications, it is critical to consult a doctor if any heat-related symptoms escalate or fail to improve. In the event of a medical emergency, prompt assistance can be obtained by dialling triple zero (000). While waiting for help, attempt to cool the individual rapidly by moving them to a shaded area, applying cold water to the skin, and using fans to increase evaporation. It is prudent to act with caution if there is any uncertainty regarding the severity of the symptoms.Consult a GP online from home
Consulting a general practitioner through an online platform from the comfort of one’s home presents a practical approach to addressing health-related issues, particularly in instances of heat-induced illnesses. Telehealth appointments facilitate the communication of symptoms, including dizziness, nausea, and shortness of breath, enabling the general practitioner to provide prompt guidance. The practitioner is capable of evaluating the necessity for medical intervention or advising on appropriate measures for symptom management at home, which may include hydration strategies or cooling techniques.Through a virtual consultation with an online doctor, a healthcare provider can assess the symptoms, confirm the diagnosis, and suggest safe treatment options.
This method not only conserves time but also minimises the risk of exposure to potential infections, rendering it particularly suitable for expectant mothers. Furthermore, doctors are equipped to offer advice on managing discomfort at home, strategies for preventing recurrence, and the safe use of over-the-counter medications.
In situations deemed necessary, instant scripts or a doctor’s certificate may be transmitted directly to the designated pharmacy. Telehealth facilitates the delivery of prompt and professional medical guidance while allowing individuals to remain in the comfort of their homes, thereby serving as a practical alternative for managing non-emergency health issues. While telehealth appointments are convenient, some cases may require an in-person examination to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other causes of symptoms.
Hola Health offers a comprehensive range of telehealth services designed to enhance healthcare accessibility in Australia. Their services include:
- Instant consult: Patients can consult with Australian registered medical practitioners 24/7 via video calls, often within 15 minutes.
- Medical Certificates: Users can obtain valid medical certificates for work, school, or carer responsibilities online, with approval from accredited practitioners typically within 15 minutes. Whether it is for the same day or multi day medical certificate, an AHPRA-registered health practitioner can help you with a quick doctor’s note.
- Online Prescriptions: Patients can receive online prescriptions and have medications delivered directly to their homes, often within two hours.
- Referrals: Hola Health facilitates referrals to specialists as needed during consultations.
- COVID Antivirals: The service provides access to COVID-19 antiviral medications through online consultations.
- Mental Health Care Plans: Patients can receive tailored mental health care plans that is bulk billing from qualified GPs as part of their telehealth services.
In conclusion, heat-related illnesses can be avoided by taking necessary precautions, like maintaining hydration, wearing the right clothing, and steering clear of excessive heat. Identifying early warning signs and acting swiftly can avert serious problems. By following these easy steps, we can protect ourselves and others from the hazards of extreme temperatures, promoting a safer, healthier environment during hot weather.
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This content is created for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition. For emergencies please immediately contact 000.
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For urgent medical help & in case of emergency,
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Get affordable healthcare on your terms, with quick access to qualified, Australian-registered telehealth doctors & health practitioners, 24/7, 365 days a year. No more searching for ‘doctors near me‘ – Hola connects you instantly.
Address: 79 St Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000
For urgent medical help & in case of emergency,
call 000.
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