The Dangers of Overheating

Since summer is fast approaching for parts of the country, Advanced Misting Systems is discussing overheating because we consider it a life-threatening situation. Join us as we explore its symptoms and effects.

Most of the country is going to start seeing a warming trend, especially in the Southwest and South in the coming months. These states generally see temperatures in the high 90s and well into the 100s. Some areas compound these hot temperatures with high humidity too. The human body’s normal functioning temperature is 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit. If you are exposed to these weather conditions, your body struggles with the suppressed oxygen levels of high humidity and the attempts to cool down from the increased temperature exposure.

What happens to my body if I overheat?

If your body temperature is over the normal range, initially you may experience sweating and fatigue. You could also develop dizziness, nausea or muscle cramps. Prolonged exposure without any remedies can results in seizure, fainting, coma, and in rare cases, death. Overheating is a serious health threat, and when your body starts experiences the more severe side effects, it can be medically diagnosed as heat exhaustion or heat stroke.

cooling.downAccording to Melissa C. Stoppler, MD[1], some symptoms indicating heat exhaustion besides sweating and fatigue could include being thirsty, weakened, uncoordinated or becoming nauseous. The danger lies in how overlooked these symptoms are. Heat exhaustion can lead to heat stroke. Ms. Stoppler continued to define heat stroke’s symptoms as the following[1]:

  • Developing a fever that reaches dangerous levels quickly
  • Confusion
  • Drunken behavior
  • Elevated and strong pulse
  • Absence of sweating with dry, drained skin

As the weather warms up, protect yourself and others from reaching this point by seeking cool down options.

What options are there for cooling down?

Experts say to drink more than the suggested eight glasses of water at eight ounces each for these conditions. Other options include staying away from foods that retain water, preventing your body from using that as a way to cool down. Avoid heavy skin care products and clothing preventing your skin from breathing and sweating.

HPFanWallMountMistKitAt Advanced Misting Systems, we carry a wide range of products to assist in personal, porch, patio and large venue cooling.  Our misting fan equipment uses pressure to push the water though pipes and nodules, which breaks down the water molecules into fine drops to create a mist cloud. A fan helps disperse the nodule released water to blanket an entire area with the cloud. This helps cool down the area similarly to an evaporated cooler but more noticeable. While it is not like a shop fan blowing right into your faces during outdoor entertaining or sporting events, it does cool down the air within the designated area considerably and can aid in prevention of heat-related illnesses. Misting systems come in a variety of sizes for many different uses. If you are interested in how these kinds of products can help you personally or commercially, seek the misting system experts at Advanced Misting System!

[1]Stoppler, Melissa Conrad (M.D.). “5 Ways to Recognize a Heat-Related Illness.” 14 May, 2013. MedicineNet.com. Retrieved March 5, 2014 from < http://www.medicinenet.com/5_ways_to_recognize_a_heat-related_illness/views.htm>.