Signs of trouble to watch out for in extreme heat

With the heat dome over Ottawa bringing another day of extreme heat to the capital, there are signs to watch out for in yourself or others that could indicate serious medical problems.

With the heat dome over Ottawa bringing another day of extreme heat to the capital, there are signs to watch out for in yourself or others that could indicate serious medical problems.

The humidity, especially, can create risks because it inhibits our bodies' natural cooling mechanisms.

There are three major risks in extreme heat events: dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke.

Ottawa Medical Officer of Health Dr. Vera Etches says one of the primary pieces of advice — drink lots of water — is important because of how our bodies work.

"Your body is trying to keep cool by sweating and you lose fluids and you lose salt and dehydration is one thing that can happen," she says.

Signs of dehydration include:

"Moving along the severity of symptoms, you can get into heat exhaustion," Etches says. "You might start to have headaches and feel dizzy. These things can be treated by getting someone to a cool place."