heatrelated

Heat-related is an umbrella term used in public health and environmental science to describe illnesses, conditions, and events caused or worsened by exposure to high environmental temperatures. In medical contexts, heat-related conditions include heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke, as well as mortality during prolonged heat waves.

Causes and risk factors include high ambient temperatures, humidity, solar radiation, and poor air movement, along with dehydration, strenuous activity, and certain medications or chronic diseases. The elderly, young children, outdoor workers, and urban residents are especially at risk. Climate change is increasing heat-wave frequency and severity.

Common heat-related illnesses range from heat cramps to heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Cramps involve muscle pains after activity; exhaustion includes weakness and dizziness; stroke is life-threatening, with confusion or loss of consciousness and very high core temperature.

Prevention emphasizes cooling and hydration: drink fluids, avoid peak heat hours, wear light clothing, seek shade or air conditioning, and use cooling strategies for vulnerable populations. Workplaces may schedule acclimatization and breaks to reduce risk.

Response to suspected heat stroke requires emergency help, cooling the person immediately, removing excess clothing, and applying cool water or ice. For heat exhaustion, move to a cooler place, rest, rehydrate, and monitor symptoms.

Heat indices combine temperature and humidity to estimate perceived heat; other measures like wet-bulb globe temperature guide outdoor activity and safety decisions.

Heat-related issues intersect with public health, urban planning, and climate resilience, underscoring the need for adaptation to protect vulnerable groups.