Unraveling the Dangers of Heat Stress: Insights into Heat-Related Illnesses

Scientists have anticipated a rise in the frequency and intensity of climatic extremes. Heat waves may overwhelm the physiological adaptation ability of some population groups. Hence, these alterations may have direct effects on public health. 

Heat-related illnesses occur when the body is subjected to high temperatures and high humidity for an extended period of time without enough cooling or hydration. This article will explain heat stress and its related illness.

What is heat stress?

The inability of the body to regulate its temperature properly leads to heat stress. Sweating is the body's normal method of self-cooling, but there are instances when it is not enough, and the temperature continues to rise.

Heat stress happens when the body's temperature increases too quickly, the sweating process breaks down, and the body has no other way to cool down. Body temperature may reach 106 degrees Fahrenheit or higher in as little as 10 to 15 minutes during a heat stroke. Without prompt medical attention, heat stroke may result in irreversible disability or death.

Vulnerable people to heat-related illnesses

Heat-related illnesses may affect everyone but the following are the most prone to its occurrence: The elderly, especially those who live in isolation or without air conditioning; young children and infants; pregnant women; nursing moms; those who suffer from serious bodily ailments, such as heart disease, high blood pressure or lung conditions; and individuals being treated medically for mental illness.

Heat stress affects the elderly more than the young because their bodies are less able to adapt to extreme heat or cold. They also have a higher prevalence of chronic health problems and are more likely to be taking medications that may alter the way the body handles heat.

Causes of heat stress 

Heat stress and heat-related illnesses may be caused by a wide variety of circumstances. These circumstances are explained in this section.

Dehydration

To maintain good health, the ideal core body temperature for humans is between 36 and 37 degrees Celsius. Sweating is the body's primary method of heat dissipation, often accounting for up to 80% of total heat loss. Dehydration prevents sweating; therefore, a person's core temperature continues to rise even while they exert themselves.

Poor ventilation

Heat stress can be caused by working in hot, confined and poorly ventilated areas.

Sunlight exposure

Continuous working while being exposed to the sun causes heat stroke and other related illnesses. 

Hot weather and congestion

Heat stress may also be dangerous for persons who attend major events (concerts, dance parties, athletic events) in hot or crowded situations.

Bushfires

The fast loss of body fluids and the development of heat exhaustion may result from being exposed to the radiant heat of bushfires. 

Heat-related illnesses

Identifying the symptoms of heat exhaustion and knowing how to treat it are both crucial. Heat-related illnesses include a wide range of symptoms. In infants, the number of wet diapers a baby or toddler has may decrease, and they may exhibit indications of agitation or irritation. Lightheadedness, confusion, weakness, and fainting are common among the elderly.

The most common heat-related illnesses and symptoms are explained in this section.

Heat cramps

The mildest manifestation of heat illness is heat cramps. Common examples of this condition include muscle aches and spasms. After exertion in high temperatures, the body may get dehydrated and suffer from these symptoms. 

Heat exhaustion

Extreme heat causes heat exhaustion, which is more severe than heat cramps. This condition results from the body losing too much salt and water. It happens when fluid and salt losses are not adequately replaced during periods of high environmental heat and perspiration. When the body's cooling systems break down, heat exhaustion results. The condition might worsen into heat stroke if not treated timely and adequately.

Heat stroke

The most serious consequence of being overexposed to heat is heat stroke. This condition develops when the body's natural cooling mechanisms are unable to cope with very high temperatures. If the body no longer sweats, the skin may become dry. This is a medical emergency of the highest priority.

Conclusion

Heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke are more likely to occur in those over the age of 60, those who are overweight, have high blood pressure, have pulmonary or cardiovascular disease, and diabetic patients. 
Constant isolation, a lack of social interaction, and a lack of physical activity are further concerns. Physiological deficiencies in the control of body core temperature in hot situations contribute to this heightened sensitivity. 
The best way to prevent heat sickness is for doctors to be well-versed in both the causes and treatments so that they can advise their patients who are at risk.

References

• Better Health Channel (2022) Heat stress and heat-related illness, Safety. Available at: https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/heat-stress-and-heat-related-illness (Accessed: 6 November 2022).
• JOHNS HOPKINS MEDICINE (2021) Heat-Related Illnesses (Heat Cramps, Heat Exhaustion, Heat Stroke), Health, Conditions and Diseases. Available at: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/heatrelated-illnesses-heat-cramps-heat-exhaustion-heat-stroke (Accessed: 6 November 2022).
• University of Rochester Medical Center (2021) Heat-Related Illnesses in Children and Teens (Heat Cramps, Heat Exhaustion, Heat Stroke), Health Encyclopedia. Available at: https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?ContentTypeID=90&ContentID=P01611 (Accessed: 6 November 2022).

Further Reading

• All Heat Stroke Content
• Heat stroke – What is heat stroke?
• Symptoms of heat stroke
• Causes of heat stroke
• Diagnosis and treatment of heat stroke

Written by

Maira Ahsan

During the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) lockdown, while pursuing a bachelor's degree in human nutrition and dietetics, Maira started her freelancing career as a content writer, focusing on the life sciences. In 2020, she started working as a freelancer on Fiverr, where she quickly found opportunities to work with several Canadian companies.Maira received an offer for a nutritionist position from a French hotel in Canada, where she was responsible for developing nutrition-based recipes and calorie-counted meals.