4 Types of Heat-Related Illnesses to Beware Of

We regulate our internal temperature through sweating and relaxation of blood vessels in other to avoid overheating. However, your environment, activities, and interaction with underlying physical conditions can interfere with or overwhelm your body’s ability to control your internal temperature. Generally, heat exposure increases the risk of cardiovascular problems, stroke, pregnancy complications, etc. Hence, it is essential to know the critical information on heat-related illnesses. 

Heat-related illnesses can also cause or worsen underlying health problems. These illnesses can be life-threatening if not managed as they can affect the internal organs. This is why we deem it fit to identify other factors that can cause heat-related illnesses, the types, and what you can do about it.

What Are Heat-Related Illnesses?

As the name implies, these illnesses occur due to exposure to prolonged amounts of heat without relief or adequate hydration. These conditions can worsen existing medical conditions and can cause discomforting symptoms. These illnesses can be categorized into; mild, moderate, and severe. Mild heat-related illnesses such as heat rash and heat cramps can get better with rest and proper hydration. By contrast, moderate and severe conditions can cause serious complications if not properly managed.

Types of Heat-Related Illnesses

• Heat Edema: This involves swelling of the limbs caused by widening of the blood vessels in the arms and legs. This can cause pooling of water which results from your body’s attempt to maintain physiological function during a heatwave.
• Heat Syncope: This is characterized by a brief loss of consciousness due to widening of the blood vessels. It is also accompanied by pooling of blood in the limbs.
• Heat Stroke: This is characterized by the triad of high temperature, neurologic abnormalities, and recent exposure to hot weather and physical exertion. This is the most severe type of heat-related illness because it can progress to multi-organ failure and even death if not treated. The most unfortunate thing is that heatstroke can severely affect older individuals with underlying health problems, especially if they are taking medications that worsen their poor thermoregulation.
• Mental Health Issues: People with chronic heat exposure may be confused, weak, dizzy, delirious, agitated, and slurred speech. In extreme cases, the person might have seizures and an inability to control bowel movements. Consequently, this can induce feelings of embarrassment, anxiety and depression and social isolation. 

Other Causes of Heat-Related Illnesses

Apart from exposure to extreme heat, the following are some other causes of heat-related illnesses;

• Certain medications
• Excessive alcohol intake
• Poor circulation 
• Obesity
• Excessive sun exposure
• Intense physical activities

Remedies for this type of Illnesses

Here are some effective remedies that can help improve heat-related illnesses;

• Stay away from the heated atmosphere and you can pour cold water over your body to induce thermoregulation.
• Stabilize your breathing, drink cold water, and reduce your physical activities to the minimum.
• Wear lighter-colored clothes and take heat-regulating supplements: Certain supplements can help naturally regulate your internal temperature, especially during a heatwave. These include vitamins like Vitamin B1, Vitamin E, Folic acid, magnesium, and other electrolytes. These nutrients can be obtained by going for NATURE’SFIELD brand of supplements.

Extreme exposure to heat can be harmful on your body although it might not seem serious. Thus, endeavor to take charge of your health and  incorporate strategies to regulate your internal temperature. The symptoms of these heat-related illnesses are easy to overlook till they become serious or cause the onset of other health conditions. Therefore, ensure your body has the essential nutrients during the heatwave and avoid the devastating effects of extreme heat on your body.

Heat-related illnesses can happen to anyone. Even if you think you’re used to the sweltering heat and feel fine, that doesn’t mean you’ll avoid heat-related illnesses in the future. This is because your body’s metabolism can be unpredictable and can surprise you if you don’t pay attention to the subtle signs. Thus, stay hydrated, limit physical activity, and ensure you are well-nourished with supplements from NATURE’SFIELD.