Temperatures this week are expected to sit in the mid-90s with moderate humidity following recent rain, which Prisma Health’s Dr. Matt Bitner says could be an issue for individuals spending a lot of time outside, especially those who are less mobile.
“Extremes of heat can cause heat illness, and heat illness is a spectrum of disease. You may have heard of heat stroke or heat exhaustion.
You could have heard of heat cramps. Everyone’s usually familiar with sunburn,” Dr. Bitner, the Chair of Prisma Health’s Department of Emergency Medicine said.
“So as the heat continues to increase, the risk of heat-related illnesses increases as well.”
He continued to explain the humidity also plays a factor, as high humidity can make temperatures feel hotter by restricting the body’s ability to regulate temperature through sweating. This is usually measured in weather forecasts’ heat indexes.
Dr. Bitner said that anyone who experiences lasting symptoms of heat-related illnesses even after leaving the heat should consider visiting their health provider. These symptoms can include heavy sweating, faintness, cramping, and nausea or vomiting.
You can listen to the full interview with Dr. Bitner below:
