Extremely hot and humid weather is expected for the rest of July and a local emergency room doctor says it’s important to know the symptoms of heat related illnesses.
Bryan Health ER Doctor Noah Bernhardson tells KLIN News heat exhaustion includes nausea, heavy sweating and dizziness. “It’s super important that if you experience any of those symptoms to make sure you move into a cooler area, loosen your clothing, make sure your drinking water, gatorade, something like that.”
He says if a person’s condition doesn’t improve they should come to the emergency room. Dr. Berhardson heat stroke is much more serious. Symptoms include loss of consciousness, confusion and change in mental status. “At that point it’s important that you come and see us immediately.”
Dr. Bernhardson says they have seen an increased number of patients during the recent hot weather. Most have been treated for heat exhaustion and there have been a couple of heat stroke cases. Most of the patients are elderly and very young children.
He urges everyone to avoid being outside for long periods of time during the afternoon hours when the heat is the most intense.