Illnesses due to heat can sneak up on you quickly. Get prepared by knowing where and when to seek care.
First, know the symptoms of heat-related conditions. They can include:
- Heat cramps – Muscle spasms that often occur in the legs or abdomen.
- Heat exhaustion – Symptoms include skin that’s cool, moist, pale or ashen in color, headache, nausea, dizziness, weakness, exhaustion or heavy sweating.
- Heat stroke – Symptoms include hot, red skin, vomiting, high body temperature and possible loss of consciousness.
“Anyone with systemic heat related symptoms, particularly muscle pain, nausea or vomiting, should call 9-1-1 or get to an emergency room immediately for active cooling, IV fluids and other treatments,” says emergency medicine physician Christopher Stella, MD, with Grand View Urgent Care. Such conditions can progress rapidly and even be life-threatening.
If you suffer a common illness or minor injury this weekend that is not heat-related, Grand View Urgent Care locations in Kulpsville or Quakertown are open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. weekdays and from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends. Check wait times and book an appointment.