Book 16, Question 49
What Happens to a Body That Is Too Hot, and How Can You Help?
When you get too hot, your body sweats and your heart works harder! If you cannot cool down, you may feel dizzy, sick, or very tired. Heat can be serious, so always tell a grown-up.
More fun facts
- Heat stroke is the most serious illness caused by heat.
- It happens when the body can no longer control its temperature, sweating stops working and the body cannot cool down.
- During heat stroke, body temperature can climb to 106 degrees Fahrenheit or higher in just 10 to 15 minutes.
- Signs of heat stroke include confusion, slurred speech, fainting, seizures and very hot skin that may be dry or sweaty.
- Heat stroke is an emergency, so the first step is to call 911 and stay with the person until help comes.
- Move the person into shade, take off extra clothing and cool them fast with cold water, wet cloths or ice on the neck, armpits and groin.
- Heat exhaustion is a milder illness from losing too much water and salt through heavy sweating, with signs like headache, thirst, dizziness and weakness.
- Someone with heat exhaustion should get out of the heat, take frequent sips of cool water and wash their head, face and neck with cold water.
Sources: CDC
Questions kids ask
What causes heat cramps?
Sweating a lot during hard exercise drains salt from the body, and low salt in the muscles causes painful cramps.