Treating and Preventing Heat-Related Illnesses
Ah, summer... time to relax and enjoy the sun. Unfortunately, as summer temperatures rise and humidity fills the air, people must take precautions to prevent heat-related illnesses. These summertime ailments are more common than you may think, and they can strike anyone, including highly conditioned athletes. In fact, people don't even have to be outdoors or doing anything strenuous to suffer from a heat-related illness. So how do you detect and treat these conditions? And, more importantly, how do you guard against them in the first place? Here are a few ideas.
Common Causes
There are three basic heat-related illnesses you should be aware of: heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heatstroke. All three are caused by dehydration and rapid loss of electrolytes (body salts), typically brought on by excessive heat or humidity. Inappropriate clothing, overexertion (especially for those not used to the heat or humidity), alcohol and inadequate water consumption may contribute to all of these conditions as well. Heat-related illnesses are most common in children and older individuals, people on diuretic or "mood altering" medications, people who are overweight and those who are not accustomed to spending extended periods of time outdoors.
Heat Cramps
Heat cramps are painful muscle spasms which most often occur during periods of physical exertion, though they can occur at other times as well. Other symptoms to watch for include lightheadedness, nausea, profuse sweating and excessive thirst.
As soon as you notice any of these symptoms coming on, stop what you are doing and move indoors (or at least into the shade). Rehydrate yourself by drinking sips of cool water, preferably mixed with salt (one teaspoon per quart of water), or a sports drink such as Gatorade. Avoid excessively sweet drinks, alcohol and caffeine, and do not take salt tablets or aspirin. Use cool, moist towels to speed the cooling process, and gently massage the affected muscles to loosen them up. You may also want to do some light stretching exercises.
If left untreated, heat cramps may lead to heat exhaustion or heatstroke. Consequently, prompt treatment is essential.
Heat Exhaustion
Heat exhaustion is a more serious condition than heat cramps and may either be preceded by heat cramps or develop on its own. In addition to the symptoms listed above, a victim of heat exhaustion may experience dizziness, headache, vomiting, chills, irritability, confusion, hyperventilation and rapid pulse. The person's pupils may become dilated as well, and their skin will likely be cool, pale and moist.
Treatment for heat exhaustion is similar to treatment for heat cramps, with a few key additions. After moving to a cool place (preferably indoors with air conditioning or a fan), lie flat with your feet elevated slightly. Remove any excess clothing, and place cool, moist towels on your head, neck, armpits and groin. As with heat cramps, take sips of cool, salty water or sports drink, and do not take salt tablets or aspirin.
Without proper treatment, heat exhaustion may unexpectedly develop into heatstroke, so call for medical help if possible. Also, if you see someone you suspect is suffering from heat exhaustion, offer your assistance in carrying out the steps described above. This is especially important if the person seems disoriented.
Heatstroke
Heatstroke is by far the most dangerous heat-related illness and occurs when the body loses its ability to regulate internal temperature. In severe cases, heatstroke may lead to brain damage, coma or death. Consequently, prompt medical attention is a must.
In many cases, heatstroke occurs as a natural progression of heat exhaustion, but it may also occur without warning. Symptoms to watch for include dry, hot, red skin; a fever above 102 degrees F; disorientation; aggression; physical collapse; rapid pulse; rapid, shallow breathing; small pupils; tingling sensations; incoherent speech; mental deterioration; convulsions and possible unconsciousness or coma.
If you suspect someone is suffering from heatstroke, call 9-1-1 immediately. Move the person indoors or into a shady place at once. Be careful about giving the person liquids by mouth, as the person may slip out of consciousness or experience convulsions unexpectedly. Instead, give the person fluids intravenously if possible. To bring the body temperature down quickly, submerge the person in cool (not cold) water. If this is not possible, remove most of the victim's clothing, apply cool towels and fan the person's body. Quick action will dramatically improve the chances for recovery.
Prevention Tips
Because symptoms progress slowly and often go unnoticed, prevention is always the best defense against heat-related illnesses. On especially hot or humid days, schedule outdoor activities (including yard work and gardening) for cooler times of the day, take frequent breaks, and don't forget your water bottle. Here are a few other tips for beating the heat:
- If you aren't used to the heat or humidity, take it easy. Limit yourself to a short period outdoors your first day, and build it up from there.
- Wear loose-fitting, lightweight clothing. Light colors will also keep you cooler in the hot sun.
- Drink plenty of water, even when you aren't outside and before you feel thirsty. If your urine is dark yellow, you need more fluids.
- Don't take salt tablets without consulting your doctor first.
- If you're planning a long car, plane, train or bus trip, bring along a couple bottles of water or sports drink to keep yourself properly hydrated.
- Avoid overly sweetened beverages, alcohol and caffeine. Stick with water or sports drinks instead.
- Seek out the comfort of air-conditioning. If your home isn't air conditioned, spend time somewhere that is.
- Be on the alert for symptoms, and get out of the sun at the first sign of trouble.
See also:
Heat-Related Illnesses