Knowra Heat illness Heat illness Heat illness is a spectrum of health conditions caused by excessive heat exposure, ranging from muscle cramps and heat exhaustion to life-threatening heatstroke.
Thermoregulation : The physiological processes that keep an organism's internal temperature within a functional range. Heat illness occurs when these processes cannot balance heat gain and loss.
Heat cramps : Painful muscle spasms associated with strenuous activity in hot conditions. They are a comparatively mild form of heat illness, often following heavy sweating.
Heat action plan : A coordinated set of measures for preparing for and responding to extreme heat. Plans can identify vulnerable groups and organize warnings, cooling, and medical support.
Hypothermia : A dangerous fall in core body temperature below the range needed for normal function. It is the opposite temperature emergency, caused by excessive heat loss.
Sweating : The release of fluid from sweat glands, which cools skin as it evaporates. Evaporative cooling is a primary defense against heat, but weakens in humid air.
Heat exhaustion : A heat-related illness marked by fluid loss, weakness, dizziness, and other symptoms. It is more serious than cramps but typically lacks heatstroke's central nervous system dysfunction.
Heat warning system : A system that forecasts dangerous heat and communicates alerts and protective advice. Warnings can prompt people and services to reduce exposure before illness occurs.
Fever : A regulated rise in body temperature, usually caused by changes in the body's temperature set point during illness. Fever and heat illness both raise temperature, but arise through different mechanisms.
Heat balance : The balance between heat produced or gained by a body and heat it loses. Illness begins when environmental and metabolic heat overwhelm heat loss.
Exertional heatstroke : Heatstroke triggered by intense physical exertion, often in otherwise healthy people. It shows that extreme exertion can cause heatstroke even without prolonged environmental exposure.
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