Record Heat Wave in Central Texas
TIPS ON TAKING CARE OF YOURSELF DURING THE HOT WEATHER
CBS reported the hottest day for Austin during the last week.
We are seeing a drop in the temperature gradually in this fifth longest heat wave in the history of Austin. Spectrum News reports:
- 96-100 to close out week
- Some of the hottest conditions
- Slight chance of rain expected
- The forecast calls for highs around 96-100 to close out the week, with a heat index topping out around 105.
With the continued heat wave and humid weather, our body's ability to cool itself is challenged. Our body may experience heat-related illness in the conditions such as losing fluid or salt through dehydration or sweating, body heats too rapidly to cool itself properly.
It is important to know the symptoms of excessive heat exposure and the appropriate response. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention provides a list of warning signs and symptoms of heat illness, and recommended first aid steps. Some of these symptoms and steps are listed below:
Infographic by created by National Weather Service.
* HEAT CRAMPS
Heat cramps may be the first sign of heat-related illness, and may lead to heat exhaustion or stroke.
- Symptoms:
a. Painful muscle cramps and spasms usually in legs and abdomen
b. Heavy sweating
- First Aid:
a. Apply firm pressure on cramping muscles or gently massage to relieve spasm.
b. Give sips of water unless the person complains of nausea, then stop giving water
* HEAT EXHAUSTION
- Symptoms:
a. Heavy sweating
b. Weakness
c. Cool, pale, clammy skin
d. Fast, weak pulse
e. Possible muscle cramps
f. Dizziness
g. Nausea or vomiting
h. Fainting
- First Aid:
a. Move person to a cooler environment
b. Lay person down and loosen clothing
c. Apply cool, wet cloths to as much of the body as possible
d. Fan or move victim to air conditioned room
e. Offer sips of water
f. If person vomits more than once, seek immediate medical attention.
* HEAT STROKE
- Symptoms:
a. Altered mental state
b. One or more of the following symptoms: throbbing headache, confusion, nausea, dizziness, shallow breathing
c. Body temperature above 103°F
d. Hot, red, dry or moist skin
e. Rapid and strong pulse
f. Faints, loses consciousness
- First Aid:
a. Heat stroke is a severe medical emergency. Call 911 or get the victim to a hospital immediately. Delay can be fatal.
b. Move the victim to a cooler, preferably air-conditioned, environment.
c. Reduce body temperature with cool cloths or bath.
d. Use fan if heat index temperatures are below the high 90s. A fan can make you hotter at higher temperatures.
e. Do NOT give fluids.
Allergies & Asthma Clinic in Austin and Round Rock, provides the latest, proven and most up-to-date diagnostic treatment options in allergy and asthma care. The Clinic offers allergy testing, allergy shots, allergy drops and has treated thousands of patients, both adults and children, with various conditions of allergies and asthma.
Patients may call at (512) 804 0000 or (512) 804 0999 to request an appointment at Austin or Round Rock clinic respectively or by filling up the Consultation form.
Allergies & Asthma Clinic
2312 Western Trails Blvd. Suite 101 Austin TX 78745
(512) 804 0000
www.allallergies.com
