The dog days of summer. As Oklahomans, they are a given in July and August.

For many of us, they are a discomfort as we limit time spent outdoors to early morning or late evening.

If we do venture out in between, we seek shade at every turn and slow our pace.

Most people never think past reaching the next air-conditioned environment.

They just don’t realize how quickly discomfort can turn deadly.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health shared the following information on heat-related dangers.

Topping their list is heat stock.

This most serious heat-related illness occurs when the body can no longer control its temperature.

As the body’s temperature rises rapidly, the sweating mechanism fails. Like a car with a broken water pump, the  body is unable to cool itself down.

In a case of heat stroke, the body’s temperature can rise to 106 degrees or higher in as few as 10 minutes.

Heat stroke can cause permanent disability or death if the person does not receive emergency treatment, the agencies report.

Symptoms of heat stroke are confusion, altered mental status and slurred speech. The victim may slip into a coma and seizures are possible. Skin is hot and dry to the touch. If treatment is delayed, heat stroke can prove fatal.

If you suspect someone is suffering from heat stroke, call 911 for emergency medical care.

Stay with the worker until emergency medical services arrive and if possible, move them to a shaded, cool area.

Remove outer clothing and cool them quickly.

With cold water or, if possible, an ice bath, wet the skin and place cold wet cloths on the skin. Soak their clothing with cool water and circulate air around them to speed cooling.

Place cold wet cloths or ice on the head, neck, armpits and groin.

Heat exhaustion is the body’s response to an excessive loss of water and salt, usually through profuse sweating.

The most likely victims include the elderly, those with high blood pressure and those working in a hot environment.

Symptoms include headache, nausea, dizziness, weakness, irritability, thirst, heavy sweating, elevated body temperature and decreased urine output.

Anyone suffering from heat exhaustion should be taken to a clinic or emergency room for medical evaluation and treatment or call 911.

Stay with the stricken person until help arrives. Remove them from the hot area and give them liquids. Removing unnecessary clothing, including shoes and socks. Cool them with cold compresses or have them wash their head, face and neck with cold water. Encourage them to take frequent sips of cool water.

Rhabdomyolysis (rhabdo) is a medical condition associated with heat stress and prolonged physical exertion.

Rhabdo causes the rapid breakdown, rupture and death of muscle, leading to the release of electrolytes and large proteins into the bloodstream.

This can cause irregular heart rhythms, seizures and kidney damage.

Symptoms to watch for are muscle cramps/pain, abnormally dark urine, weakness and exercise intolerance.

Keep in mind, though, that victims may also be asymptomatic.

Suspected rhabdo sufferers should stop activity, and drink more liquids, preferably water, and seek immediate care at the nearest medical facility. It is also important to have a blood sample analyzed for creatine kinase.

Heat syncope refers to a fainting episode or dizziness that usually occurs when standing for too long or suddenly standing up after sitting or lying.

Factors that may contribute to heat syncope include dehydration and lack of acclimatization.

Symptoms are fainting (short duration), dizziness and light-headedness.

First aid  calls for sitting or lying down in a cool place and slowly drinking water, clear juice or a sports drink.

Heat cramps usually affect those who sweat a lot during strenuous activity. This depletes the body’s salt and moisture levels, which causes  cramps.

Be warned, though, heat cramps may also be a symptom of heat exhaustion.

Symptoms of heat cramps include spasms in th abdomen, arms or legs.

A person with heat cramps should drink water and have a snack or a drink that replaces carbohydrates and electrolytes (such as sports drinks) every 15 to 20 minutes. They should avoid salt tablets.

Seek medical help if the victim has heart problems, is on a low-sodium diet or if the cramps don’t stop within an hour.               

Next is heat rash, a skin irritation caused by excessive sweating during hot, humid weather.

Heat rash appears as red clusters or small blisters on the neck, upper chest, elbow creases, groin or under the breasts.

Skip the ointments and creams and apply powder to increase comfort.

Keep the rash area dry and, if possible, work in a cooler, less humid, environment.

Until then, keep your cool and remember,  fall is coming in 10 more weeks.