Texas's temperatures have been unrelenting as a heat wave maintains in effect, with no reports of relief in sight. Public warnings have been issued with dangerous heat conditions since June.
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Beaumont Enterprise
Robin Bradshaw, Staff writer
Texas's temperatures have been unrelenting since June as a heat wave maintains in effect, with no reports of relief in sight. Emergency department visits related to the heat have surged across Texas in June alone, which has alarmed medical examiners and local public health officials, the Texas Tribune reported.
July and August are usually scorchers across the state, and officials warn residents about health risks from the life-threatening heat.
Multiple deaths have already been reported; at least eight people have died in South Texas, according to Texas Tribune in late June, all over the age of 60, and nine inmates in Texas prisons, two of which were in their 30s.
While heat-related illnesses can happen to anyone, those most at risk include children under four and people over age 65, according to a report from Cedars Sinai. Heat-related illness commonly occurs when people work or spend time outdoors during high temperatures and in high-humidity climates.
Texas's temperatures have been unrelenting as a heat wave maintains in effect, with no reports of relief in sight. Public warnings have been issued with dangerous heat conditions since June.
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In addition, people who take medication like antihistamines or diuretics, which are used to treat high blood pressure, may also be more prone to heat illnesses, the report explains, due to the body's decreased ability to sweat effectively or stay hydrated as a side effect from the medication.
While keeping these tips in mind, the report mentions the importance of knowing the symptoms of heat illnesses to avoid complications from a heat stroke.
When experiencing heat exhaustion, the symptoms include heavy sweating, weakness, or tiredness, and the skin will start to feel cool and look pale and clammy, the report adds. Symptoms also have a weak pulse with muscle cramps, dizziness, nausea or vomiting, headaches and fainting. If these symptoms occur, it is recommended to move to a cool space, loosen up clothing attire, sip on water and call a doctor if nausea and symptoms persist.
A heat stroke is the most severe and happens when the body temperature increase to 103 degrees. The significant difference from heat exhaustion will include a stronger pulse, a throbbing headache, a red dry face, confusion, nausea, dizziness, fainting and losing consciousness. If these symptoms occur, call 911, and try to move to a cool space.
The Centers for Disease Control posted a listed visual to stay informed on heat illnesses. The list breaks down the symptoms, what to look out for when experiencing a heat-related, and the signs to look out for with heat exhaustion and heat stroke. The big takeaway is staying hydrated and cool while the heat wave endures. If serious complications arise from the heat, call 911.