From Your Team at Premier Urgent Care, Beaumont, TX
When Southeast Texas turns up the heat, it’s more than just uncomfortable — it can take a toll on your health. While heatstroke is a medical emergency that requires hospital-level care, many other heat-related illnesses can be safely and effectively treated at Premier Urgent Care.
Common Heat-Related Illnesses We Treat
At Premier Urgent Care, we see a variety of heat-related conditions that, while not life-threatening, still need medical attention. These include heat exhaustion, dehydration, muscle cramps, heat rash, heat-related headaches, and mild electrolyte imbalances. These conditions often occur during outdoor work, sports, or long periods in the sun without enough hydration or cooling. Early care can help prevent more serious complications.
Understanding Heat Exhaustion
Heat exhaustion occurs when the body overheats due to fluid and electrolyte loss from excessive sweating. If untreated, it can progress to heatstroke, which is far more serious.
Types of heat exhaustion:
- Water depletion: Excessive thirst, weakness, headache, fainting
- Salt depletion: Nausea, vomiting, muscle cramps, dizziness
Symptoms to watch for:
Heavy sweating, cool and clammy skin, fatigue or weakness, dizziness or fainting, muscle cramps, headache, nausea or vomiting, fast and weak pulse, low blood pressure when standing.
What To Do If You Suspect Heat Exhaustion
Move to a shaded or air-conditioned space. Loosen tight or heavy clothing. Apply cool, wet cloths or take a cool shower. Sip water or an electrolyte drink slowly. Rest until symptoms improve. If symptoms last more than an hour, worsen, or prevent you from rehydrating, visit Premier Urgent Care for prompt medical attention.
When It’s More Than Urgent Care: Recognizing Heat Emergencies
While Premier Urgent Care is well-equipped to treat many heat-related illnesses, some symptoms indicate a true medical emergency and require ER care.
Go to the ER or call 911 immediately if someone is:
Extremely confused or disoriented, unconscious or fainting repeatedly, having seizures, vomiting persistently and unable to hydrate, or showing signs of heatstroke, including a body temperature over 103°F, hot, red, dry, or damp skin, rapid and strong pulse, seizures, or loss of consciousness. Heatstroke is life-threatening and must be treated in an emergency room.
How to Prevent Heat-Related Illness
Hydrate regularly — don’t wait until you feel thirsty. Dress smart — wear lightweight, light-colored clothing. Use sunscreen — sunburn hinders your body’s ability to cool. Avoid strenuous activity between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Take breaks in the shade or indoors. Never leave children or pets in vehicles, even for a short time.
Need Care Fast? Walk In Today
If you’re feeling unwell from the heat — whether it’s fatigue, cramping, dizziness, or dehydration — Premier Urgent Care is here to help. No appointment needed. Walk in for fast, professional treatment to help you recover and stay safe in the summer heat.
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