Summer's Not Over Yet - Watch the Heat
September 24th, 2009
While some may say that summer never came, everyone needs to remember that summer is not over yet and the possibility of heat illness still exists. The good news is that heat illnesses are easily preventable by taking precautions in hot weather. Children, elderly and obese people have a higher risk of developing heat illness. People taking certain medications or drinking alcohol also have a higher risk. However, even a top athlete in superb condition can succumb to heat illness if he or she ignores the warning signs.
If the problem isn't addressed, heat cramps (caused by loss of salt from heavy sweating) can lead to heat exhaustion (caused by dehydration), which can progress to heatstroke. Heatstroke, the most serious of the three, can cause shock, brain damage, organ failure and even death.
The following are common causes of heat emergencies:
- High temperatures or humidity
- Dehydration
- Prolonged or excessive exercise
- Excess clothing
- Alcohol use
- Certain medications (ask your physician if you take one that increases your risk)
- Cardiovascular disease
- Sweat gland dysfunction
The early symptoms of heat illness include:
- Profuse sweating
- Fatigue
- Thirst
- Muscle cramps
Later symptoms of heat exhaustion include:
- Headache, dizziness and light-headedness
- Weakness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Cool, moist skin
- Dark urine
The symptoms of heatstroke include:
- Fever (temperature above 104°F)
- Irrational behavior and/or extreme confusion
- Dry, hot and red skin
- Rapid, shallow breathing
- Rapid, weak pulse
- Seizures
- Unconsciousness
First Aid
- Have the person lie down in a cool place. Elevate the person's feet about 12 inches.
- Apply cool, wet cloths (or cool water directly) to the person's skin and use a fan to lower body temperature. Place cold compresses on the person's neck, groin and armpits.
- If alert, give the person beverages to sip (such as Gatorade). Give a half cup every 15 minutes.
- For muscle cramps, give beverages as above and massage affected muscles gently, but firmly, until they relax.
- If the person shows signs of shock (bluish lips and fingernails and decreased alertness), starts having seizures or loses consciousness, call 911 and administer first aid.
Do Not Do the Following
- DO NOT underestimate the seriousness of heat illness.
- DO NOT give the person medications that are used to treat fever (such as aspirin or acetaminophen). They will not help, and they may be harmful.
- DO NOT give the person salt tablets.
- DO NOT give the person liquids that contain alcohol or caffeine. They will interfere with the body's ability to control its internal temperature.
- DO NOT use alcohol rubs on the person's skin.
- DO NOT give the person anything by mouth if the person is vomiting or unconscious.
Call immediately for emergency medical assistance if:
- The person loses consciousness at any time.
- There is any other change in the person's alertness (for example, confusion or seizures).
- The person has a fever over 102°F.
- Other symptoms of heat stroke are present (like rapid pulse or rapid breathing).
- The person's condition does not improve, or worsens despite treatment.
Prevention
- Wear loose-fitting, lightweight clothing in hot weather.
- Rest frequently and seek shade when possible.
- Avoid exercise or strenuous physical activity outside during hot or humid weather.
- Drink plenty of fluids every day. Drink more fluids before, during and after physical activity.
- Be especially careful to avoid overheating if you are taking drugs that impair heat regulation, or if you are overweight or elderly.
- Be careful of hot cars in the summer. Allow the car to cool off before getting in.
For more information on this or any other health related topic, visit www.jonesregional.org.
Elgin Lester, Lifeguard Air Ambulance Helicopter Pilot