As we have entered the summer months we all need to be cautious about becoming overheated. There are basically three types of heat emergencies in increasing severity: heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke. The elderly, children and those who are overweight have a higher risk of developing heat related illnesses. Also certain medications and drinking alcohol puts people at higher risk.
Heat cramps (caused by loss of salt from heavy sweating) can lead to heat exhaustion (caused by dehydration) which can progress to heatstroke. The most serious of the three conditions – heatstroke – can cause shock, brain damage, organ failure, and even death.
Some causes of heat emergencies include prolonged or excessive exercise, alcohol use, dehydration, heart disease, high temperatures or humidity, medications such as diuretics, neuroleptics (such as Haldol and Risperdal); phenothiazines (such Thorazine, Stelazine, Mellaril), anticholinergics (Cystospaz, Robinul,) and beta-blockers (metoprolol, Betapace and Inderal); and sweat gland problems.
Early symptoms of heat illness include – profuse sweating, fatigue, thirst, muscle cramps. Later symptoms of heat exhaustion are – headache, dizziness and lightheadedness, weakness, nausea and vomiting, cool moist skin, dark urine. Heatstroke symptoms include – fever – temperature above 104, irrational behavior, extreme confusion, dry, hot and red skin; rapid, shallow breathing; rapid weak pulse; seizures; unconsciousness.
First aid measures include: taking the person to lie down in a cool place; raise the person’s feet; apply cool, wet cloths 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 the victim is alert give cool beverages to sip, such as Gatorade, or make a salted drink by adding a teaspoon of salt per quart of water or just cool water. Give a half cup every 15 minutes.
If the person show signs of shock (bluish lips and fingernails and decreased alertness, starts having seizures, has a fever over 102, rapid pulse or breathing, or loses consciousness, call 911 and give first aid as needed.
Do not underestimate the seriousness of heat illness, do not give salt tablets, and do not give liquids that contain alcohol or caffeine.
Prevention is key. You can do this by – drinking more fluids regardless of your level of activity; do not wait until you are thirsty to drink – however check with your doctor if you are on water pills. Do not drink alcoholic beverages. Wear lightweight , light-colored, loose-fitting clothing. If you have to be out in the heat try to limit activity to morning and evening hours.
If you must be exercise and be out in the heat – drink two to four glasses of cool, fluids each hour, try to rest often in a shady area, wear a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and put on sun screen.
(Source for this information is the NCEH’s Health Studies Branch)