Jun 9, 2008 1:19 pm US/Eastern
Know The Signs Of Heat Related Illness
BOSTON (WBZ) ―
The combination of hot temperatures and high humidity is a recipe for disaster when it comes to heat-related illness.
The body normally does a pretty good job of regulating its own temperature. When it gets too hot, it cools itself down by sweating. However, if someone is exposed to sweltering heat for too long and becomes dehydrated, that cooling mechanism breaks down and your body temperature begins to rise.
People most at risk are the elderly and young children. Other people who need to be particularly careful in this type of heat include pregnant women; anyone who is overweight, because their bodies naturally generate more heat; people who take certain medications like antihistamines, water pills or calcium channel blockers; and people who live in small spaces without access to air conditioning.
According to WBZ's Dr. Mallika Marshall, the symptoms of heat related illnesses include abdominal cramps, muscle cramps, nausea and vomiting, dizziness, and weakness. If you are no longer able to sweat you are getting into trouble and need to re-hydrate and cool yourself down immediately.
If you start to feel confused or delirious, Dr. Marshall says you should call 911.
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