It’s not a secret that Texas summers can be brutal! We often have days of summer that reach 100+ degree weather, and humidity plays a huge factor in making hot days feel even hotter. During these summers, many families are taking vacations to the beach or the river, people are lounging by the pool and BBQing, and many dedicated men and women are working in the heat. 

While we want you to enjoy the sunshine, heat exhaustion and other heat-related illnesses are a serious risk. Understanding the symptoms and taking preventive measures can make all the difference in maintaining health and productivity. Here’s a guide on recognizing and preventing heat exhaustion and other heat-related illnesses. 

What Is Heat Exhaustion? 

Heat exhaustion is the most common form of heat-related illnesses. It is a result of sweating out more liquid than what is being replaced while exercising or working in excessive heat. When your body suffers severe dehydration, it can’t properly cool itself down, causing your body temperature to rise. Once your internal temperature rises between 98.6 degrees and 103 degrees Fahrenheit, you begin feeling symptoms of heat exhaustion. 

What Are the Signs? 

If you start to experience signs of heat exhaustion, it’s crucial that you take immediate action. Without treatment, your body temperature will continue to rise and could result in heat stroke – the most severe of heat-related illnesses that could be life-threatening. 

While heat exhaustion symptoms can vary, these are the most common symptoms: 

  • Loss of appetite 
  • Fatiga 
  • Heat cramps 
  • Quick, shallow breathing 
  • Cool, clammy, pale, ashen (gray) or slightly flushed skin 
  • Weakness 
  • Excessive sweating 
  • dolores de cabeza

If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, seek immediate medical attention. These are signs of a serious illness that could be life-threatening. 

  • Dizziness with fainting 
  • Fast, weak heart rate 
  • Inability to walk or stand 
  • Náuseas o vómitos 

The most important thing to remember is that heat exhaustion, or any heat-related illness, is preventable. If you begin to experience any of these symptoms, don’t allow the situation to escalate. Put your health above all else and take immediate action. 

How To Prevent Heat Exhaustion 

In most cases, heat-related illnesses can be prevented by taking minor precautions to prioritize your health. Sometimes, the easiest solution is to stay in the air conditioning on extremely hot days. However, we know that there are circumstances where individuals cannot remain indoors, or don’t have working air conditioning in their home or cars. 

If the air conditioning in your home is not working, try to use fans to help cool the room down. If the temperature in your home is above 90 degrees, do not use fans to circulate air – fans in severe heat can cause your body temperature to rise and cause further damage, including heat exhaustion or heat stroke. In these cases, try to stay with a friend, go to a public business with air conditioning, or call 2-1-1 or your local health department for assistance in finding a safe place to go. 

For individuals working in extreme heat where remaining indoors is not an option, it is crucial to plan ahead. Staying hydrated will be one of the most important precautions to prevent heat exhaustion. Try to limit your consumption of sugars, sodium, and caffeine, as these can contribute to dehydration. Be sure to drink plenty of water and replenish your electrolytes as much as possible. Carry a water bottle and keep it filled, when possible. Take breaks when you can and find somewhere cool to off, even for a few minutes. 

Young children, elderly people, people with asthma or heart disease, and pregnant women are considered “high-risk” for heat-related illnesses. If you or a loved one belongs to one of these groups, be sure to take the necessary precautions for protection. If you suffer with asthma, always keep an inhaler within arm’s reach, and notify others around you where your inhaler is located. 

Contacte a un abogado especializado en lesiones personales 

After heat exhaustion, you may not think to contact a personal injury attorney – it’s no one’s fault that it’s hot! However, in many instances, heat-related illnesses are caused by negligence either by an employer, caregiver, or even a manufacturer. You might consider contacting a personal injury attorney after experiencing heat exhaustion or heat stroke in these scenarios: 

  • If the heat-related illness occurred due to unsafe working conditions or employer negligence, such as lack of proper cooling systems or breaks during extreme heat. 
  • If there was a failure of a school, daycare, or other facility to provide adequate protection or care for children or elderly individuals during extreme heat. 
  • If you were not warned or informed about the risks associated with extreme heat by a property owner or event organizer where the incident occurred. 
  • If a product, such as an air conditioner or fan, failed or malfunctioned, leading to heat-related illness. 
  • If medical professionals provided inadequate care or misdiagnosed your condition related to heat exposure. 

In any of these situations, a qualified heat exhaustion lawyer can help determine if you have a valid claim for negligence or liability and guide you through the legal process.