When to Visit Physician Offices at Arlington, VA, During a Heat Wave

Do you or somebody you know has a rapid pulse rate and is sweating heavily? Then they are suffering from exhaustion due to extreme heat. This happens due to overheating of the body.

With a major part of North America in the grip of a heat wave, it is important to know what the symptoms related to heat are and what you must do.

Heat cramps is the mildest form of heat-related syndrome. Heat stroke is the most severe form.

Physician offices in Arlington, VA, are equipped to handle mild to moderate forms of heat-related illnesses. In case of stroke, you must rush to a hospital because this can be life-threatening.

The good news is that heat exhaustion can be prevented.

Symptoms of heat exhaustion

The symptoms may develop all of a sudden or with time, especially when you continue to work out during extreme heat.

• Excessive sweating
• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Rapid and weak pulse
• Dropping of blood pressure when getting up suddenly
• Headache
• Nausea
• Muscle cramps
• Moist and cool skin with goose bumps when in heat

What to do?

In case you suffer from any or more of the above symptoms, do the following:

• Stop all physical activity.
• Lie down in a cool place.
• Drink water.

Your symptoms must improve within 60 minutes. If not or if symptoms worsen, contact a doctor immediately.

You must also call a doctor immediately, if somebody you know who is suffering from heat exhaustion symptoms, also shows symptoms like agitation, mental confusion, inability to drink water, or faints.

Physician offices in Alexandria, VA, feature qualified doctors who can help you deal with heat-related illnesses with appropriate treatment and tips.

Core temperature of the body

According to doctors, the core temperature, which is the internal temperature of the body, is the combination of the body heat and the heat in the environment.

The body has the mechanism to regulate heat gain (during hot weather) and heat loss (during cold weather) to maintain the core temperature, which is approximately 37 degree Celsius or 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit.

Sweating is a cooling mechanism of the body.

In conditions of extreme heat, sweating fails to work. The body heats up at a rate faster than the rate of cooling itself. This usually happens when you indulge in strenuous physical activity or do not keep yourselves hydrated in hot and humid weather.

At times, overdressing during hot and humid weather can trap heat inside the body, leading to heat-related illness.

That’s why it is important to dress according to the weather. Wear clothes that let your skin breathe during hot months.

Conclusion:

It’s crucial to receive prompt treatment during heat exhaustion to prevent worsening of the condition. Walk in physician offices in Arlington, VA, when you experience heat exhaustion. The clinic is located conveniently and just a block away from Pentagon City metro station.

If you feel you are not in a position to visit, call the doctor. The clinic also offers video consultation.