Dangerous warning signs you're close to having a heatstroke

The INSIDER Summary:Heatstroke is a medical emergency that needs immediate treatment.It happens when your body temperature gets too high, damaging your internal organs.The biggest warning signs are:Temperature of 103F or higher; Hot, red, dry, or damp skin; fastpulse and breathing; headache; dizziness; nausea and vomiting; confusion and irrational behavior; losing consciousness; and seizures.When it's hot outside, yourbody has a pretty nifty way of keeping youcool: Sweating. It may be the source of unwelcome BO, but when sweat evaporates from the skin, the body cools down. It's an automatic mechanism that protects your insides from overheating.But sometimes it's so hot and humid that sweating just isn't enough. And when the body heats up faster than it can cool itself down, you might be at risk for a heatstroke.Heatstroke is considered a medical emergency because severe overheating can damage your internal organs your brain tissue is especially sensitive to heat. If it's not treated right away, there's a risk of permanent disability or death, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).But if you know what signs to look for, you can help prevent heatstroke and other heat injuries in yourself and others. Here's everything you need to know:Some people are at higher risk for heatstroke.The CDC says that older adults, young kids, people with chronic conditions, people with mental illness, athletes, and outdoor workers are all at a higherrisk forheatstroke. People on certain medications should also be extra cautious, and sunburn, dehydration, and drinking alcohol can up your risk, too.And remember thatnot evenyoung, healthy people are immune. Anyone who's doing strenuous physical activity in the heat can experience a heatstroke, according to theCDC.One more thing to know: Humidity also increases the risk of heatstroke. In humid air, sweat evaporates more slowly, meaning it takes longer to cool down.There are key warning signs to look for.According to the CDC and the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the key warning signs of heatstroke are:Body temperature of 103F or higherHot, red, dry, or damp skinFastpulse andfast breathingHeadacheDizzinessNausea and vomitingConfusion and irrational behaviorLosing consciousnessSeizuresOf course, it's important to look forless serioussymptomsbeforethingsprogress to this life-threatening level. The first stage of heat injury is heat cramps, the NIH says.If you're in the heat and start feelingmusclecrampspaired with heavy sweating, thirst, and fatigue,immediately stop all physical activity, move to a cool place, and start drinking water or a sports drink. Then wait until the cramps stop before going back toany physical activity. If they don't go away within an hour, seek medical attention.Here's what to do if you or someone you knowmight be having a heatstroke.First, make sure someone calls 911. Next,move the person to a cooler place. Use a cool bath, shower,ice packs, or cool cloths to help lower the persons temperature The Mayo Clinic even suggests using cold water from a garden hose. Basically, use whatever is available. If the person passes out and stops breathing, begin CPR.There are also a few things you should definitely not do. First, don'tgive the personmedications for fever the NIH says they could actually make heatstroke worse. Don't give the person salt tablets, or liquids that contain alcohol or caffeine. In fact, if the person in vomiting or unconscious, don't give them anything by mouth at all (even water). Finally,don't use alcohol rubs on the person's skin.You can prevent heatstroke by doing these things.Yourtwo best weapons against heat injuries' Being prepared and using common sense.On any hot day, wear light and loose-fitting clothes. If you're out in the heat, seek shade when you can. If you're exercising, start slow and pace yourself.If you're staying inside, use air conditioning. Go to amall, public library, or local heat-reliefshelter if you don't have AC in your home. Cool showers and baths help, too, but be wary of relying on fans. According to the CDC, when temperatures reach the high 90s, fanscan't prevent heat-related illnesses.Next, wear sunscreen. Aside from aging youand uppingyour risk for skin cancer, getting burned can dehydrate you and mess withyour body's ability to cool down. For the most effective protection, choose a product labeled "broad spectrum" with an SPF between 30 and 50. (Here's why an SPF higher than 50 isn't worth buying.)And finally, stay hydrated. Drinkplenty of fluidsbut stay away from excessively sugary and alcoholic drinks, the CDCsays. (Here are two simple ways to tellif you'rehydrated enough.)Read more about heatstroke and other heat illnesses over at the CDC.Join the conversation about this storyNOW WATCH: A dermatologist reveals the fastest way to get rid of sunburn
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