MERCER COUNTY AREA

The summer weather that draws people out of their houses and into parks and swimming pools can also be deadly.

Cases of heat-related illness have people flocking to hospital emergency rooms as temperatures and humidity levels soar.

"We've been seeing a lot of heat-related illness in the last couple of weeks," said Dr. Jeffrey Moldovan, director the emergency department at UPMC Horizon.

Illnesses caused by heat can range from the minor -- heat edema or heat rash -- to deadly heat stroke.

People most at risk for heat-related illnesses are the elderly, people who work in heavy industry or a hot environment, roofers and athletes.

"The extremes of age are most susceptible to heat illnesses," said Dr. Sergio Segarra, director of the emergency department at Sharon Regional Health System. "Older people end up dying, or the very young."

Common heat-related illnesses include:

   » Heat edema, or swelling of the extremities.

"It looks bad, but it's self-limiting," Moldovan said. "It resolves on its own."

Getting out of the heat and propping up the legs can relieve the symptoms.

   » Heat rash, or prickly heat, which is caused when the sebaceous, or oil, glands in the skin become blocked, resulting in an itchy, annoying rash. Moldovan said heat rash is only worrisome if it leads to a secondary infection.

   » Heat cramps, abdominal cramps or cramping in the legs, shoulders and arms, are common in athletes. Cramps can be treated by getting out of the heat and drinking fluids with electrolytes or sodium, such as sports-related drinks.

   » Heat exhaustion, which Moldovan said he sees most often in the emergency room. Symptoms include headache, dizziness, muscle aches, nausea and vomiting, sweating, elevated heart and respiratory rate and low blood pressure.

A mild case can be treated by drinking electrolyte solutions. A more severe case may require intravenous fluid replacement.

"The majority are able to go home when they feel good enough, but they may still be weak," Moldovan said.

   » Heat syncope, when a person passes out as a result of low blood pressure brought on by heat exhaustion.

   » Heat stroke, a true medical emergency, is when a person has significant, profound confusion and an elevated body temperature.

"There's a high mortality rate with heat stroke," Moldovan said.

Because of the physiology behind the elevated temperature, aspirin or acetomenophin do not lower the fever, Moldovan said. Cooling fans, room temperature and cool -- not cold -- cloths and fluid should be used to cool down the patient.

One of the most serious complications of heat illness is rhabdomyolysis, a breaking down of muscle tissue that can lead to kidney failure. Rhabdomyolysis can also be brought on by medication, trauma or other illness, Segarra said.

People can prevent heat-related illness by avoiding direct sunlight from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., wearing light clothing that protects from sun exposure and seeking cool environments, such as basements or air-conditioned public places.