![]() ![]() When the heat index is 91 F (33 C) or higher, you should take precautions to keep cool. When the humidity is high, your sweat can't evaporate as easily and your body has more difficulty cooling itself, making you prone to heat exhaustion and heatstroke. The heat index is a single temperature value that considers how both the outdoor temperature and humidity make you feel. Traveling to a warm climate from a cold one or living in an area that has experienced an early heat wave can put you at risk of a heat-related illness because your body hasn't had a chance to get used to the higher temperatures. If you're not used to the heat, you're more susceptible to heat-related illnesses, such as heat exhaustion. Carrying excess weight can affect your body's ability to regulate its temperature and cause your body to retain more heat. Additionally, some illegal drugs, such as cocaine and amphetamines, can increase your core temperature. Medications that affect your body's ability to stay hydrated and respond appropriately to heat include some used to treat high blood pressure and heart problems (beta blockers, diuretics), reduce allergy symptoms (antihistamines), calm you (tranquilizers), or reduce psychiatric symptoms such as delusions (antipsychotics). The body's ability to regulate its temperature isn't fully developed in the young and may be reduced by illness, medications or other factors in older adults. Infants and children younger than 4 and adults older than 65 are at higher risk of heat exhaustion. Overdressing, particularly in clothes that don't allow sweat to evaporate easilyĪnyone can develop heat exhaustion, but certain factors increase your sensitivity to heat.Alcohol use, which can affect your body's ability to regulate your temperature. ![]() Dehydration, which reduces your body's ability to sweat and maintain a normal temperature.Other causesīesides hot weather and strenuous activity, other causes of heat exhaustion include: You usually can treat heat cramps by drinking fluids or sports drinks containing electrolytes (Gatorade, Powerade, others), getting into cooler temperatures, such as an air-conditioned or shaded place, and resting. Prompt treatment usually prevents heat cramps from progressing to heat exhaustion. Signs and symptoms of heat cramps usually include heavy sweating, fatigue, thirst and muscle cramps. However, when you exercise strenuously or otherwise overexert in hot, humid weather, your body is less able to cool itself efficiently.Īs a result, your body may develop heat cramps, the mildest form of heat-related illness. The evaporation of your sweat regulates your body temperature. In hot weather, your body cools itself mainly by sweating. Your body needs to regulate the heat gain (and, in cold weather, heat loss) from the environment to maintain a core temperature that's normal, approximately 98.6 F (37 C). Your body's heat combined with environmental heat results in what's called your core temperature - your body's internal temperature. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic Causes
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