Loyola emergency physicians available to discuss who is most at risk, how to recognize symptoms of heat-related illness
MAYWOOD, Ill. -- Chicago is sweltering through some of its hottest weather so far this summer.
In the coming days, temperatures in the Chicago area are expected to spike into the 90s and combine with surging humidity to produce a heat index that has the potential to have a deadly effect on the human body.
"The heat and humidity that we're currently experiencing in the Chicago area can be dangerous, even fatal, if the proper precautions are not taken," said Dr. Mark Cichon, director of Emergency Medical Services at Loyola University Medical Center. "Though the elderly, young children and those with chronic health conditions are most at risk, people of all ages need to know the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke, which is more serious, and seek medical attention when appropriate."
Heat exhaustion symptoms include:
* Clammy, cool skin
* Dry mouth
* Dizziness
* Fatigue
* Weakness
* Headache
* Nausea
* Cramps
* Weak and rapid pulse.
Heat stroke symptoms include:
* Hot, dry skin
* Elevated body temperature
* Confusion
* Unconsciousness or convulsions
Loyola University Health System (LUHS) is a member of Trinity Health. Based in the western suburbs of Chicago, LUHS is a quaternary care system with a 61-acre main medical center campus, the 36-acre Gottlieb Memorial Hospital campus and more than 30 primary and specialty care facilities in Cook, Will and DuPage counties. The medical center campus is conveniently located in Maywood, 13 miles west of the Chicago Loop and 8 miles east of Oak Brook, Ill. The heart of the medical center campus, Loyola University Hospital, is a 569-licensed-bed facility. It houses a Level 1 Trauma Center, a Burn Center and the Ronald McDonald® Children’s Hospital of Loyola University Medical Center. Also on campus are the Cardinal Bernardin Cancer Center, Loyola Outpatient Center, Center for Heart & Vascular Medicine and Loyola Oral Health Center as well as the LUC Stritch School of Medicine, the LUC Marcella Niehoff School of Nursing and the Loyola Center for Fitness. Loyola's Gottlieb campus in Melrose Park includes the 264-licensed-bed community hospital, the Professional Office Building housing 150 private practice clinics, the Adult Day Care, the Gottlieb Center for Fitness, Loyola Center for Metabolic Surgery and Bariatric Care and the Loyola Cancer Care & Research at the Marjorie G. Weinberg Cancer Center at Melrose Park.