BLOOMINGTON – Temperatures continue to rise in south-central Indiana, and local emergency departments could soon see an increase in heat-related issues coming through their doors. IU Health medical experts have tips to keep you safe and out of the hospital, and when to call 911.
Heat-related concerns such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke happen when a person is exposed to high temperatures and doesn’t get enough fluids. These conditions can be very serious and may lead to death if not treated appropriately and in a timely manner.
“We see folks in the true heat of summer when temperatures get high and stay high,” says IU Health emergency medicine provider and Acute Care Service Line Medical Executive Robert Adams, DO. He continues to explain that those who work outdoors, don’t have air conditioning at home, or can’t cool down at night are at increased risk.
Riley Physicians pediatrician Jeremy Mescher, MD, says, “Early on, there may be no symptoms
from heat exposure.”
He continues to explain that people who don’t get relief from the heat can experience symptoms including nausea, vomiting, headache, fever, muscle aches and tightness, and intense thirst.
Dr. Adams says anyone with signs of heat illness should get out of the heat and into a place with air conditioning where they can rest and hydrate. Symptoms can intensify the longer someone is out in the heat, including extreme fatigue, difficulty waking up, skin numbness, rapid breathing, feeling faint, inability to urinate for long periods, and inability to sweat.
If a person stops sweating, has an altered mental status including confusion, experiences a seizure, or passes out, please call 911 immediately to request help.
For young children and infants, figuring out if there’s an issue may be more difficult. Dr. Mescher says infants are less able to communicate their physical symptoms, so look for signs such as increased temperature (fever), lethargy/difficulty waking, vomiting, and muscle rigidity.
