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Dangers of the Sun - Continued

Defining Heat-Related Terms

There are so many terms associated with the sun; heatstroke, sunstroke, heat exhaustion and so on.  Do all these terms mean the same?  What are the most common symptoms relating to these terms?  What are the first-aid procedures?

A heat wave is a prolonged period of excessive heat and humidity.  You’ll usually find heat waves in abundance in Texas, Florida and Arizona – again, in most of the southern regions of the United States.  During this potentially dangerous time of year the National Weather Service steps up its procedures to alert the public.  This will bring us to the heat index.

The heat index is a number in degrees Fahrenheit that tells how hot it really feels when relative humidity is added to the actual air temperature.  Exposure to full sunshine can increase the heat index by 15 degrees Fahrenheit.

Heat lightning can be described as bright flashes of sheet lightning without thunder, seen near the horizon usually at twilight, and ascribed to be the reflection by high clouds of far-off lightning.

Heat pollution (thermal pollution) is heated industrial waste that causes environmental changes and contributes diverse effects on our ozone.  People experiencing respiratory ailments should use special care during ozone alert days.

A heat rash  (prickly heat) is a noncontiguous coetaneous eruption of red pimples with intense itching and tingling caused by inflammation around the sweat ducts.  This is one nasty rash!

Heat cramps is a condition that is marked by sudden development of cramps, pains and spasms in skeletal muscles, usually involving abdominal or leg muscles.  Heat cramps usually result from working for prolonged times in high temperatures.  Heat cramps are generally accompanied by profuse perspiration with loss of sodium chloride from the body.  The condition may occur by itself or as a symptom of heat exhaustion or heat stroke.  Treatment and prevention consist of the use of salt tablets or drinking a weak salt solution.

Heat exhaustion (heat prostration) is a condition marked by weakness, nausea, dizziness and profuse sweating resulting from physical exertion in a hot environment, sometimes culminating in collapse.  The blood flow to the skin increases, causing blood flow to decrease to vital organs, resulting in a form of mild shock.  If left untreated the condition will worsen as the body temperature continues to rise, resulting in potential heat stroke.

Symptoms & Signs of Heat Exhaustion are fatigue, faintness, dizziness, nausea, restlessness, headache and when salt loss is heavy, heat cramps in the legs, arms, back or abdomen.  The skin is usually pale and clammy.  Breathing is fast and shallow; the pulse is rapid and weak.  Vomiting may also be present and the victim may faint.

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