The National Weather Service is issuing heat advisories across Illinois this week as a severe heat wave passes through the state.
Heat indices are forecast to surpass 110 degrees in some southern Illinois cities, with various parts of the Chicagoland area reaching 108 Monday and Tuesday.
Here’s how to watch for symptoms of heat stroke and heat exhaustion during this week’s dangerously hot weather.
What is heat stroke?
Heat stroke is the most serious heat-related illness that occurs when the body is unable to control its temperature, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health.
Often spurred by prolonged exposure to high temperatures, the body’s temperature rapidly rises, the sweating mechanism fails and the body becomes unable to cool down. Heat stroke can cause the body’s temperature to rise to 106 degrees within 10-15 minutes, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
It can lead to death or permanent injury if emergency treatment is not given.
What are heat stroke symptoms?
The following are common symptoms of heat stroke, according to the IDPH and CDC:
How to treat heat stroke
The following steps should be taken if you or someone you know experiences symptoms of heat stroke, according to the IDPH and CDC:
What’s the difference between heat stroke and heat exhaustion?
Heat exhaustion is a less severe heat-related illness that can occur when too much time is spent in a very warm environment without proper water and salt replenishment, according to the IDPH. The body usually responds with excessive sweating, with the temperature typically remaining near normal.
Heat exhaustion can occur indoors or outdoors and can lead to heat stroke if left untreated.
What are symptoms of heat exhaustion?
The following are common symptoms of heat exhaustion, according to the IDPH and CDC:
How to treat heat exhaustion
Like those suffering heat stroke, people exhibiting symptoms of heat exhaustion should be moved to a shady or air conditioned indoor spot, according to the IDPH. Clothes should be loosened and the person should be encouraged to drink a cool, non-alcoholic, decaffeinated beverage.
The person should seek medical attention if symptoms worsen or last longer than one hour or if they have heart problems or high blood pressure.
How to avoid heat stroke, heat exhaustion
The IDPH recommends the following tips for avoiding these heat-related illnesses:
Cooling centers in Illinois
Illinois provides cooling centers across the state to keep residents safe from dangerous heat. These public spaces include libraries, government buildings and highway oases.
Find a breakdown of cooling centers by county – including hours and addresses – on the state’s cooling center website.
Heat index map
This article originally appeared on Journal Star: Do I have heat stroke? Identifying symptoms during Illinois heat wave
Reporting by Hannah Hudnall, Peoria Journal Star / Journal Star
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Hannah Hudnall, Peoria Journal Star | USA TODAY Network
