Heat-related illnesses can affect anyone. Officials say prolonged exposure to extreme heat without relief can cause health issues ranging from mild to severe and, in some cases, even death.

According to the National Weather Service, your body’s ability to cool itself down is challenged during extreme heat. As your body temperature rises quickly and dehydration occurs, your risk of suffering from a heat-related illness increases.

In Oregon, a rare “heat dome” with temperatures reaching triple digits killed more than 100 people in June 2021. According to the Oregon Health Authority, most of those who died were low-income, elderly residents living alone.

Health officials say heat illnesses are preventable and that knowing the warning signs can help save lives.

Dr. Tom Jeanne is a deputy state health officer and epidemiologist at Oregon Health Authority. He says the first step in battling heat illness is knowing your risk.

“There are lots of different things that can happen when people are exposed to heat,” Jeanne said. “If you’re at higher risk, you need to be more aware of this.”

People aged 65 years or older, young children and those struggling with chronic illnesses are considered to be at higher risk for heat illness, according to Jeanne.

Drinking plenty of fluids, staying cool indoors and wearing light clothing are some ways people can prevent heat illness.

Below are signs and symptoms health officials say to watch out for:

Heat cramps

According to John Hopkins Medicine, heat cramps are the mildest form of heat illness, which usually occur during or after intense exercise and sweating in high heat.

• Painful tightening of muscles, spasms
• Often affects calves, arms, abdomen and back muscles
• Heavy sweating
• Flushed, moist skin

If you’re experiencing heat cramps, officials say to stop whatever activity you’re doing and find a cool spot to rest. They suggest removing excess clothing and to begin stretching cramped muscles slowly and gently.

Other heat-related illnesses include heat rashes, which occur when sweat glands get trapped beneath your skin. It creates clusters of blisters or small pimple-like bumps usually found in folds of skin like elbow creases. It can sometimes cause itchy or prickly skin.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, heat rashes are usually manageable by using relief creams and keeping your skin cool and dry.

Heat exhaustion

This occurs when your body overheats and loses too much water and/or salt. If you don’t replace the fluids you’ve lost, this moderate form of heat illness can turn into a heat stroke if not treated quickly.

• A fever, usually over 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit
• Dizziness
• Muscle cramps
• Fast, weak pulse
• Nausea
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Heavy sweating
• Irritability
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Pale, moist or clammy skin
• Rapid breathing, increased heart rate

According to OHA, if you’re experiencing these symptoms it’s best to move to a cooler location, sip water and apply wet cloths to as much of your body as possible. If you can, lie down and loosen your clothing. If there’s no improvement, the agency recommends seeking medical attention immediately.

Heat stroke

A heat stroke occurs when heat exhaustion is left untreated. This life-threatening heat illness develops when your body is exposed to extreme heat for too long.

While heat exhaustion and heat stroke share similar symptoms, a few key differences include the inability to sweat, slurred speech and possible hallucinations.

• A fever, usually over 104 degrees Fahrenheit
• Nausea or vomiting
• Throbbing headache
• Hot, red dry or damp skin
• Fast, strong pulse
• Fatigue
• Lethargy
• Loss of appetite
• Confusion, slurred speech
• Seizures
• Fainting
• Loss of consciousness

A heat stroke is considered a medical emergency and if you see someone experiencing these symptoms, officials urge you to call 911 immediately.

OHA suggests, if it’s safe to do so, moving the person to a cooler area and removing excess clothing. Do not give them fluids. You can keep people possibly experiencing a heat stroke cool by drenching their skin with cool water, using ice bags or wet clothes on their head, neck or armpits.

News Source : https://www.opb.org/article/2025/07/11/oregon-temperatures-rising-how-recognize-heat-related-illness/