PVHC Logo
Comprehensive. Convenient. Compassionate.
A Division of Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center
PVHC Logo
Comprehensive. Convenient. Compassionate.
A Division of Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center

Heat Illness: More Than Just Dehydration

Aug 06, 2020

Little boy on the beach with a sunstroke holds a bottle of water

Dehydration is an excessive loss of fluids from the body. It happens when the total amount of fluids lost through sweating, urination, diarrhea and/or vomiting is more than the fluids taken in. With the heat of summer upon us, people of all ages are at risk of dehydration, especially while enjoying outdoor activities. Though it is typically not dangerous, dehydration must be treated to avoid complications.

Signs of dehydration include excessive thirst, dry mouth, less-frequent urination or dark-colored urine, and fatigue. To avoid severe dehydration, drink plenty of clear fluids when you notice any of these symptoms. Heat exhaustion is the most common form of heat illness and is a more severe form of dehydration.

Heat stroke symptoms illustration

Five types of heat illness

Heat-related illnesses are preventable. Here are 5 types of heat illness and what you can do if you or a loved one is experiencing signs and symptoms:

  1. Sunburn
    Sunburn occurs after too much time in the sun without sunscreen or protective clothing. It causes painful, red and warm skin and, in some cases, blisters. If you are experiencing painful sunburned skin, stay out of the sun as much as possible, take a cool bath, apply moisturizing lotion on sunburned areas and avoid breaking blisters.
  2. Heat rash
    Heat rash occurs when the pores on the skin become blocked and sweat cannot escape. It most commonly affects adults and children in hot, humid weather. Heat rash presents as a cluster of red bumps on the skin (usually on the neck, chest, groin or elbow creases). If you are experiencing a heat rash, stay out of the sun as much as possible, take a cool bath, apply moisturizing lotion to affected areas and avoid breaking blisters.
  3. Heat cramps
    Heat cramps are painful muscle spasms that happen as a result of dehydration due to excessive sweating. They are most common in the abdomen, back, arms and legs. The best way to stop heat cramps is to stop physical activity and move to a cool place. Drink water or a sugar-free sports drink. Seek medical help if cramps do not go away after 1 hour.
  4. Heat exhaustion
    The causes of heat exhaustion include exposure to high temperatures, particularly when combined with high humidity and strenuous physical activity. Without swift corrective action, heat exhaustion can lead to heat stroke, a life-threatening condition. Remove excess clothing, loosen clothes, take a cool bath and sip water to help alleviate symptoms.
  5. Heat stroke
    Heat stroke occurs when your body is overheating, usually as a result of prolonged exposure to or physical exertion in high temperatures. Symptoms include high body temperature, fast pulse, dizziness, nausea, confusion and loss of consciousness. If you or a loved one is experiencing a heat stroke, call 9-1-1 right away as it is a medical emergency. Move to a cooler location and try to lower the body temperature with cool cloths or a cool bath. If a person is having a heat stroke, they should not have anything to drink.

If you or a loved one is in need of urgent care due to severe sunburn, heat rash, heat cramps or heat exhaustion, please visit your nearest Pomona Valley Health Centers urgent care center. We are available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. We are also available 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. on weekends and most holidays.

PVHC Urgent Care Center Locations

Chino Hills Crossroads

3110 Chino Avenue, Suite 150
Chino Hills, CA 91709
909-630-7868
Directions from CA-71 View Location

Claremont

1601 Monte Vista Avenue
Claremont, CA 91711
909-865-9977
Directions from the 10 FWY View Location

La Verne

2333 Foothill Boulevard
La Verne, CA 91750
909-392-6511
Directions from the 210 FWY View Location

PVHC Locations
From Chino Hills to La Verne

With five locations across Southern California, your best care is closer than you think.
Find a Location Near You.

PVHC:
A Leading Medical Group in Southern California

Explore our PVHC Locations

From Chino Hills to La Verne– we’re here to provide compassionate and expert care for your entire family. With five medical clinics throughout Southern California, your best care is closer than you think.

Pomona

1770 North Orange Grove Avenue, Suite 101
Pomona, CA 91767
909-469-9494More Information >
Exterior photo of PVHC Chino Hills

Chino Hills

2140 Grand Avenue, Suite 125
Chino Hills, CA 91709
909-630-7875More Information >
Exterior photo of PVHC Chino Hills

Chino Hills Crossroads

3110 Chino Avenue, Suite 150
Chino Hills, CA 91709
909-630-7490More Information >
Exterior photo of PVHC Chino Hills Crossroads

Claremont

1601 Monte Vista Avenue, Suite 100
Claremont, CA 91711
909-630-7938More Information >
Exterior photo of PVHC Claremont

La Verne

2333 Foothill Blvd. 
La Verne, CA 91750
909-392-6501More Information >
Photo of PVHC La Verne Location

What Our Patients Are Saying

The staff was extremely helpful and courteous, and the facility was clean and comfortable. An overall wonderful experience.

- Jane
I came in for a shoulder injury and was seen right away. The staff was just awesome.
- Megan
My son and I go to PVHC because we really like the care we receive. Even though we live about an hour away, we still prefer this facility over any other.
- Bridgette

Request Your Appointment Today

Call 909-630-7829
Or Use Our Easy Online Request Form
PVHC Logo
Find Us Online
Need help? Want to schedule an appointment? Call us at (909) 630-7829.
Copyright© 2024 PVHC - All Rights Reserved | Website by Healthcare Success