Heat stress, also called hyperthermia disorders or heat-related illnesses, includes a spectrum of medical conditions that can occur when the body is exposed to excessive heat. These conditions range from mild issues such as heat cramps to severe, potentially life-threatening conditions such as heat stroke, resulting from the body’s inability to regulate its temperature. ¹

Heat stroke is a severe heat-related condition where the body temperature can soar, typically exceeding 40°C. It causes symptoms like confusion, lack of coordination, delirium, or seizures. Heat stroke can be brought on by intense physical activity or exposure to hot weather, although not always. Heat stroke cases require immediate medical attention as it could be critical, especially among older individuals or in people with other health complications. ²

Here are some of the symptoms related to heat stress and heat stroke, which require immediate attention. ^2,4

Apart from the above-mentioned symptoms of heat stress, older individuals may experience. ⁵

Children and infants may experience: ⁶

Managing heat stress involves finding ways to mitigate and alleviate the adverse effects of excessive heat on the body. Here are ways to effectively manage heat stress: ^1,2,4

SPF: Sun Protection factor; UVA: Ultraviolet A, UVB: Ultraviolet B.

Children and older adults are more vulnerable to heat stress. Caregivers should be watchful for symptoms and act promptly. ^5,6

References

1. Leiva DF, Church B. Heat Illness. In: StatPearls. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing. Available at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK553117/. Accessed on: 1 November 2023.
2. Morris A, Patel G. Heat Stroke. In: StatPearls. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing. Available at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537135/. Accessed on: 1 November 2023.
3. Kenny GP, Yardley J, Brown C, et al. Heat stress in older individuals and patients with common chronic diseases. CMAJ. 2010;182:1053–1060.
4. National Institutes of Health. Mindfulness for Your Health: The Benefits of Living Moment by Moment. Available at: https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/sites/nihNIH/files/2021/June/NIHNiHJun2021.pdf. Accessed on: 2 November 2023.
5. National Institutes of Health. Hot Weather Safety for Older Adults. National Institute on Aging. Available at: https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/hot-weather-safety-older-adults. Accessed on: 2 November 2023.
6. Nemours KidsHealth. Heat Illness (for Parents). Available at: https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/heat.html. Accessed on: 2 November 2023.

About Frontier Healthcare Group

Frontier Healthcare (as part of the Qualitas Primary Care Division) runs 18 GP clinics, 2 Family Medicine Clinics (Clementi and MacPherson) and has 37 affiliated GP clinics under its Frontier Primary Care Network Program. Frontier Healthcare supports national schemes such as the Community Health Assist Scheme (Pioneer, Merdeka, CHAS Green, CHAS Orange, CHAS Blue), Baby Bonus, Healthier SG, MBS@Gov etc, as well as partnerships with major Insurers, Corporates and TPA partners to bring quality and affordable healthcare closer to the community.