The Initial Signs of a Heat-Related Emergency

In dealing with heat illness, it's important to recognize symptoms in order to treat the condition before it leads to a trip to the emergency room, as is the case with heatstroke. Korey Stringer, a football player with the Minnesota Vikings, became ill on July 30, 2001 after a day of practice on the football field. Two days later, he passed away due to the multiple organ failure that full-blown heatstroke often produces. Pay attention to any discomfort you feel while outdoors on an unusually hot day, and seek shelter in a cooler place.

Sweating

• Sweating is a normal response to hot weather. It's the body's way of telling you that it needs to cool down. If you notice that you're sweating more than is normal for you -- and the Mayo Clinic website suggests this varies from person to person -- move to a cooler indoor location that has air conditioning before your symptoms worsen.

Edema

• Edema, or swelling, is another early sign of the onset of heat illness, according to the Hughston Health Alert website. This swelling can be a sign of low fluid retention and can appear in the hands, lower legs and feet due to fluid buildup in those areas. If you observe any of these symptoms, go inside, elevate your legs and drink plenty of water before resuming outdoor activity.

Mild Fatigue

• The "New York Times" health website names fatigue among the early symptoms of heat illness. Dr. Robert Sheeler, medical editor of the Mayo Clinic Health Letter, defines fatigue as a "feeling of tiredness and lack of energy." As Sheeler points out, this condition can develop due to an underlying mental condition, such as depression. However, on an extremely hot day, if you begin to experience this symptom, bring any outdoor activity to a close. Move to a cooler place in your house or apartment, rest and drink liquids. In its milder form, fatigue in hot weather can be a beginning sign of heat illness.

Cramping Muscles

• If your muscles begin to feel tight on a hot day and you begin to experience spasms, you're probably experiencing heat cramps. They usually appear in the lower extremities, but they can also affect your abdominal muscles. Take these symptoms seriously. As the Hughston website points out, such cramping may be a precursor of heat exhaustion. Upon experiencing these signs, go inside to a cooler area. Exercise and massage any cramping muscles, and drink cold water to rehydrate.

Syncope

• Syncope is the condition in which you feel dizzy or lightheaded, as if you're about to faint. It usually comes after exercise in extreme heat. As the Hughston website recommends, if you have this symptom, stop all outdoor activity immediately and proceed indoors to an air-conditioned room. Go to bed, elevate your legs and drink much cold water. To avoid this problem in the future, drink plenty of liquids during and after exercise.