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Under normal physiological conditions, the body’s internal thermostat mechanism produces perspiration that evaporates fluids along with heat and cools the body. However, in extreme heat and high humidity, evaporation is slowed and the body needs to work extra hard to maintain the normal temperature. Elderly people, young children, and those who are sick or overweight are more susceptible victims of extreme heat. Because men sweat more than women, they are more susceptible to heat illness as they become dehydrated more rapidly. The duration of excessive heat has role on the victim’s to be affected by a heat wave. Several studies have shown a significant rise in heat-related illnesses when excessive heat continues for more than 2 (two) days. A basic formula for heat related illness is outlined below.
High Temperature + High Humidity + Physical Work = Heat Illness
Let‘s know about some common terms related to heat related illness.
• Heat wave: Prolonged period of excessive heat often combined with excessive humidity. National Weather Service usually alerts the public during these periods when anticipating an increased chance of human heat-related illnesses.
• Heat index: A number in degree Fahrenheit (°F) that tells how hot it feels actually when relative humidity is added to the actual air temperature. Exposure to full sunshine may increase the heat index even by 15°.
• Heat cramps: Heat cramps are pains and spasms of muscles due to heavy exertion. Although heat cramps are the least severe, they are often the first signal that the body is having trouble with the heat.
• Heat exhaustion: Heat exhaustion typically occurs due to heavy exercise or work in a hot, humid place resulting in loss of body fluids through profuse sweating. Increased blood flow to the skin causes blood flow to decrease to the vital organs. This results in a form of mild circulatory shock. If left untreated, the victim’s condition will worsen. Body temperature will keep rising and the victim may suffer heat stroke.
• Heat stroke: Heat stroke is a medical emergency as life-threatening. The temperature control system of the body, which signals for sweating to cool the body, stops working. The body temperature can rise to a level so high that brain damage and death may even result if the measure for cooling the body is not taken quickly.
• Sunstroke: Another term for heat stroke.