Extreme Heat Survival Guide: Signs and Symptoms of Heat Illnesses
The Progressive Nature of Heat Illnesses - Example
The following article walks through a scenario of the body's physiological progressive response to rising temperature levels within the body's core. The article attempts to detail the journey as to what happens to the body as it is challenged with heat, the body's counter active responses, the limitations the body encounters, the outward visible symptoms and practical strategies to avoid the detrimental effects of heat illnesses.
The core body properly functions between the narrow temperature range of 97°F (36.1°C) and 99°F (37.2°C). As core body temperatures rise above its normal range, the body initiates a thermostatic process to cool down and maintain the normal temperatures. If core body temperatures continue to rise, the body accelerates the built in thermoregulatory system to lower core body temperatures. As elevated core body temperatures is prolonged or continue to rise towards 104°F (40°C), the body carries out several actions in response to preserve functionality.
1) In response to elevated core body temperatures that is above normal range,
- the skin becomes flushed.
- The body begins to sweat profusely causing loss of fluid creating intense thirst, dry mouth and lips.
- The heart begins to beat faster as breathing from the lungs become faster and heavier as the heart dilates the blood cells and attempts to move heat from the muscles to the skin and cool the body's core through evaporation of sweat.
2) As elevated core body temperatures rise between 100°F to 104°F (37.8°C to 40°C),
- rapid heartbeat, heavy sweating continues, the skin becomes cool and clammy,
- electrolytes (mainly sodium, potassium and magnesium) are loss along with fluids. The significant loss of fluids and electrolytes cause the body to struggle to cool itself leading to dehydration.
- The lack of cooling ability pushes the body's core temperature further higher.
- Dehydration causes headaches, dizziness and nausea. The body begins to become stressed from the inability to cool - lower the rising core body temperature or Heat Stress.
- If Heat stress was the result of physical exertion contributing to the elevated core body temperatures, the body suffers from Exertional Heat Stress.
- Heat Cramps develop in the calves, thighs - quadriceps and hamstrings, feet and toes.
- Hands and fingers begin to cramp and cramping continues to the stomach and arms, as the body's thermoregulatory system becomes overworked.
- The body may develop Heat Rash - prickly and small red bumps emerge in the neck, chest and groin areas, as the skin pores become blocked from the profuse sweating of water, salt, potassium and magnesium.
- As the body attempts to move blood from the muscles, dehydration from the loss of fluids and gravity may cause blood and fluid to pool, build up and cause swelling in the legs, feet and hands, commonly known as Heat Edema.
3) As temperatures continue to rise in the body's core, the prolonged elevated temperatures, the lack of blood flow to the heart and brain causes the blood pressure to drop.
- The body becomes tired and weak, suffering from Heat Exhaustion.
- As less oxygenated blood returns to the brain, headache develops, concentration becomes difficult, vision becomes blurry as pupils dilates and everything becomes dizzy.
- The person faints or has Heat Syncope from the stress.
- As pulse continues to fall and organs begin to slow down, nausea and vomiting ensues, speech becomes slurred, the body begins to lose control of muscles and progress into uncontrolled muscles spasms.
4) As core body temperatures continue to rise and reaches or goes above 104°F (40°C), the body's heat regulatory system becomes overwhelmed and fails to lower core temperatures leaving the skin hot and dry, a condition of Hyperthermia.
5) Heat stroke is the advanced stage of hyperthermia. The temperature or intensity of the heat within the body's core and duration in hyperthermia state are the major contributing factors.
- The body experiences extreme pain or fear, exhibits signs of confusion, delirium, combativeness, seizures and or aggression, as the body is overwhelmed by physiological, mental and psychological stress. Unable to function, the body shuts down and becomes unconscious - Army Col. (Dr.) Anthony Noya, chief of primary care at Bayne-Jones Army Community Hospital, in Fort Polk South, Louisiana, 2022.
- During heat stroke, functioning parts of the body begin to deteriorate and fail at the tissue and cellular level, making heat stroke difficult to recognize.
- Membranes around the cells in the brain, neurons, liver cells, the inner lining of all blood vessels breakdown, damaging organs potentially leading to coma and death.
6) Within minutes, Heat Exhaustion can quickly develop into Heat Stroke
Both should be treated as medical emergencies so that core body temperatures can be monitored, with Heat Stroke being critical.
- Differentiating between heat exhaustion and heat stroke can be difficult. The key element is the degree of central nervous system impairment while under hyperthermia and the resulting degree of damage to the Brain dysfunction (encephalopathy).
- The treatment for both is the same - cool down the body core as fast as possible to normal levels.
7) Heat exhaustion and heat stroke can mimic or present concurrently with many other illnesses - sepsis, ischemic strokes, hypoglycemia, toxic ingestion, or drug misuse.
Preventing Heat-Related Illness - Staying safe in extreme heat requires proactive measures.
Follow these Key Strategies:
1. Hydration and Electrolyte Balance
Drink water every 15–20 minutes, even if not thirsty.
Consume electrolyte-rich drinks to replace sodium, potassium and magnesium lost through sweat.
Avoid excessive caffeine, heavy meals and alcohol, which contribute to dehydration. Foods (like proteins) increase metabolic heat production and also increase water loss.
2. Wearing Heat-Resistant Clothing
Use light-colored, loose-fitting, moisture-wicking fabrics.
Wear wide-brimmed hats for shade.
3. Taking Frequent Breaks
Schedule, carry and have available cold therapy at all times.
Rest in shaded or air-conditioned areas.
Follow OSHA’s recommended work-rest cycles based on temperature and workload.
Use cooling stations with fans and misting systems.
4. Krazy Kool TechnologyTM System Pre-Cooling and Periodic Cooling Strategies
Target core body zones (neck, underarms, groin areas) with Krazy Kool TechnologyTM System before going into the heat. See Krazy Kool TechnologyTM System "Science of Kool".
Schedule periodic Krazy Kool TechnologyTM System cold therapy sessions to target core body zones during breaks to lower core temperature fast. Store the Cold Cores in the thermal pouch, when finish using, put all the Krazy Kool TechnologyTM System components back in the "heat prevention aid" thermal bag for next scheduled cooling break. Keep the Krazy Kool TechnologyTM System "heat prevention aid" thermal bag easily accessible, in a shaded cool area or refrigerator, if possible.
Minimize physical exertion and prolonged sun exposure.
Practice progressive climate acclimatization.
Recovery from Heat Exposure with Cold Therapy
Even with precautions, you may still experience heat stress. Cooling down quickly is essential to prevent long-term health risks. Cold therapy solutions offer effective relief and help regulate body temperature post-exposure.
1. Rapid Cooling with Krazy Kool TechnologyTM System
Applying cold packs to target core body zones can quickly reduce body heat. Our revolutionary Krazy Kool TechnologyTM Cold Cores and Krazy Kool TechnologyTM System were specifically designed to provide super long-lasting cold therapy throughout the day and are easy to use during cooling breaks, post-workout or post-work shift recovery.
2. Krazy Kool TechnologyTM System Cold Therapy for Muscle Recovery
Heat stress can lead to muscle fatigue and inflammation. Using Krazy Kool TechnologyTM System cold therapy on sore muscles help reduce the cardiovascular load from overheating, reduce pain, swelling, and recovery time.
3. Wearable Krazy Kool TechnologyTM System Cooling Solutions for On-the-Go Relief
Our innovative Krazy Kool TechnologyTM System offers versatile cold therapy to individual core body zones for continuous temperature regulation and stabilization and help you minimize the risks, stay cool and comfortable.
