In Houston, summer doesn’t wait for the calendar. As early as late spring, temperatures and humidity start climbing, putting many residents at risk of heat-related illnesses. These conditions can come on quickly and turn serious without fast intervention. At Life Savers Emergency Room, we see a spike in visits every year as the heat rises, and we want our community to stay informed and protected.
Whether you’re spending time outside for work, exercise, or fun, understanding how heat impacts the body and knowing when to seek help can prevent dangerous complications. Here’s what you need to know about heat exhaustion, heatstroke, and staying safe in Houston’s heat.
Understanding How Heat Affects the Body
Your body normally cools itself by sweating, but in high temperatures and humidity, this system can become overwhelmed. When you lose too much fluid and electrolytes, or your body can’t regulate temperature efficiently, you may start to experience symptoms of a heat-related illness.
These conditions range from mild to severe, including:
- Thirst and Heavy sweating
- Disorientation: Potential changes in vision, lightheaded and fuzziness.
- Heat cramps: Muscle spasms due to heavy sweating and loss of salt.
- Heat exhaustion: A serious condition that may include dizziness, nausea, and rapid heartbeat.
- Heatstroke: A life-threatening emergency where the body’s core temperature reaches 103°F or higher.
The key difference between heat exhaustion and heatstroke is body temperature. If someone stops sweating and becomes confused or loses consciousness, it may indicate heatstroke and requires immediate emergency care.
Who’s Most at Risk?
While anyone can develop a heat-related illness, certain groups in Houston are especially vulnerable:
- Older adults (especially over 65), whose bodies may not regulate temperature as efficiently
- Infants and young children, who can’t always express how they’re feeling
- People with chronic conditions like heart disease, diabetes, or those with high blood pressure or compromised immune systems
- Outdoor workers or those without air conditioning
- Athletes or fitness enthusiasts who train in the heat without proper hydration
Medication can also affect how your body handles heat. Diuretics, antihistamines, and beta-blockers may increase risk, so be sure to talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you’re taking any of these medications during the warmer months.
Recognizing the Signs of Heat Exhaustion
Early symptoms of heat-related illness can be easy to miss or mistaken for fatigue. If you’re outdoors in Houston’s heat, it’s important to pay attention to how you feel and act fast at the first sign of trouble.
Symptoms of heat exhaustion may include:
- Thirst
- Heavy sweating
- Cool, pale, or clammy skin
- Weakness or fatigue
- Muscle cramps
- Dizziness, lightheadedness, vision changes
- Nausea or vomiting
- Headache
- Fainting
If symptoms are noticed, it’s important to move to a cooler location, loosen clothing, sip water slowly, and rest. But if symptoms don’t improve quickly (or get worse), it’s time to seek emergency care.
Heatstroke Is a Medical Emergency
Heatstroke is the most severe form of heat-related illness and requires immediate treatment. Delaying care can lead to brain damage, organ failure, or death.
Warning signs of heatstroke include:
- A body temperature of 103°F or higher
- Hot, red, dry, or damp skin
- Rapid, strong pulse
- Confusion, agitation, or slurred speech
- Seizures
- Loss of consciousness
If you suspect heatstroke in yourself or someone else, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room right away. Do not wait. While you wait for help, try to cool the person down with cold cloths or ice packs on their head, the back of their neck, and chest, and get them into the shade or air conditioning if possible.
Why ER Visits Spike in Houston’s Heat
Houston’s unique combination of high temperatures and high humidity means heat-related illnesses are a yearly concern. From May through September, Life Savers ER sees an increase in patients with symptoms of heat exhaustion, dehydration, or heatstroke.
Several factors contribute to this:
- Unpredictable heatwaves in spring and early summer catch people off guard.
- Lack of acclimation: It takes time for your body to adjust to hotter weather.
- Dehydration: Many people don’t realize how much fluid they’re losing throughout the day.
- Delayed symptoms: You might feel fine until later in the day when symptoms suddenly hit.
Knowing when to go to the ER can save lives. If symptoms are severe or persistent, or even if you aren’t sure, don’t hesitate. At Life Savers ER, our team is trained to respond quickly with on-site labs, IV hydration, and monitoring to treat heat-related conditions effectively.
Prevention Tips: Stay Safe in the Houston Heat
Prevention is always better than treatment. Simple steps can dramatically lower your risk of heat-related illness:
- Hydrate regularly. Don’t wait until you feel thirsty. Carry water with you and drink often. Consider good sources of electrolytes for children.
- Avoid peak sun hours. Try to schedule outdoor activities before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m.
- Dress appropriately. Wear lightweight, light-colored, and loose-fitting clothing.
- Use air conditioning. Spend time in air-conditioned spaces when possible. Don’t rely on fans alone in extreme heat.
- Take breaks often. If you’re working or exercising outdoors, rest in the shade and cool off regularly.
- Check on vulnerable individuals. Make sure elderly neighbors, children, and pets stay safe and cool.
- Watch for early warning signs. Don’t ignore symptoms like thirst, dizziness, or nausea. Take action early.
What to Expect at Life Savers ER
If you come to Life Savers ER for a heat-related issue, you’ll be seen quickly and treated with care. Our no-wait emergency rooms in Houston are open 24/7 and equipped to provide:
- IV fluid replacement for dehydration
- Monitoring of vital signs and body temperature
- Treatment of heat cramps or heat exhaustion
- Emergency stabilization for heatstroke symptoms
- On-site lab testing to check for electrolyte imbalances or kidney stress
Our medical team understands the urgency of heat-related conditions and is prepared to help you or your loved one recover safely.
Know When to Get Help
Houston’s heat can be dangerous, but it doesn’t have to be. By staying hydrated, dressing smart, and recognizing early symptoms, you can reduce your risk of heat exhaustion or heatstroke. But if you or someone you’re with starts showing signs of serious illness, don’t delay.
Life Savers ER is here for you 24/7 with no wait times and expert emergency care in three convenient Houston locations.
Whether you need hydration, evaluation, or immediate stabilization, we’re always ready to help you feel better fast.
